Installing a ''Double-DIN'' radio

[p3pto]

Hello all, I just bought a 2003 Pontiac Vibe and i LOVE it!!!The only thing is that the radio can't read MP3 cds and doesn't have a USB plug. To resolve this problem, i'm thinking about buying an aftermarket radio and since i hate those little Single-DIN radios with ultra-small buttons that makes it hard to use, i found pretty much the perfect fit for my car: a Panasonic CQ-5800U ( http://www.amazon.com/Panasoni...r=1-3 )I wondered if it would fit in the factory radio's spot or not and if it would be complicated to install this thing.Sorry for my bad englishThanks in advance

[markdb]

If you have the factory amplifier under the passenger seat, you will probably need to attenuate the gain level coming out of the head unit to the amplifier so it sees the input level it is used to.Or bypass the P.O.S. amplifier altogether.Search around the forum, lots of info and links on the topic.That looks like a killer head unit. Let me what you had to do to get it in.

[ColonelPanic]

I almost bought that radio -- it has a lot of features for the money and it looks quite OEM. The weather band was a very rare bonus as well. Good luck with the install!

[shrout1]

You may have already done your upgrade, but here is a synopsis of the things I found out while upgrading my 2004 vibe. Head to the last post in this topic to get my summary:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=41358You will need to buy a double-din adapter for your head unit - a place like crutchfield can give you good recommendations for the particular model you bought, etc.As noted in the topic I linked, you may need to cut some plastic off the adapter kit before it will work. Don't be shocked by this, it is designed to fit in a variety of vehicles, so just snap off what you don't need. The factory brackets did not work for me.

[p3pto]

thanks guys, finally, i decided to go with a single-DIN Clarion CZ500 i found for 100$CAN... it doesnt look OEM like the panasonic but has killer features like integrated Bluetooth and an USB wire in the back of the radio. And it sounds pretty good too. At this price, i couldnt hope for anything better!