Dash kit reviews and notes

[fmaxwell]

I just finished reinstalling my head unit, using a second dash kit and I wanted to share what I learned:

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of buying my first installation kit from an ebay vendor known as autoware302: Negative/Neutral Feedback received by autoware302

He shipped the item through the US Mail in a stolen, inside-out FedEx Tyvek document envelope with no bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc. It arrived with mounting ears bent and broken. He ignores e-mails, has no phone number, and, as you can see from above, has a long history of dissatisfied customers. Avoid at all costs!

There are three smart fortwo dash kits made by Scosche, Metra, and American International. My comments appear below.

Scosche (ST2430B)



This is the kit I ended up using. Because I was installing a single-DIN Alpine iDA-X100 (highly recommended), the available storage pocket below was welcome. The pocket that I received was bowed in at the top and bottom and I ended up using a heat gun to work the bowing out -- probably removed from the mold before fully cooling. Annoying, but not a deal killer. There are also four small holes (two top, two bottom) in the pocket at the back (see above to see one). Not sure why they are there, but it makes the pocket unsuitable for tiny things like paperclips unless you cover the holes as I did. The finish was a bit smoother than I would have chosen and the black was not a perfect match for the factory dash, but it's quite acceptable and would not bother most people at all. This kit sells for $15-$20.


Metra (99-8714)



I ruled this kit out as it does not support ISO mounting (screws through the side of the radio). Instead, it requires a DIN sleeve into which the radio slides. DIN sleeve mounting tends to hold the radio less securely, both from a crime standpoint and resistance to vibration. I don't want a radio that can be popped in under 15 seconds by a thief. This kit sells for $30-$35, making it the most expensive.

American International (SM-K108)



This is the first kit that I bought. Very good texture and color match on the bezel. Divider between top and bottom units very thin. Divider bowed out about 1/8". Single DIN filler panel snaps into slots, but tabs needed to be thinned a bit to go into the slots. That there is no storage pocket makes this appear very unfinished and like something is missing below the head unit (radio). If you have gauges or other things to mount in the panel (such as AC power outlets, USB connectors, Scangauge II), it could work well if glued into position, but I would not trust it to stay in place with just the two little tabs. Overall, a very clever and sturdy design that interlocks without screws (other than the factory screws that hold it all in place). If I were installing a double DIN unit, this is the kit I would choose.

Note: Image is inverted relative to normal mounting.

If you are looking to purchase a kit via the Internet, I'd go for a respected vendor like Sonic Electronix, Installer.com, or millionbuy.com.

I hope that this proves to be useful.

[jwight]

Thanks for the info; will come in handy for somebody looking at DIY.

[braddman]

Would you be able to provide links of where you bought the kit?

[Kermit]

I'm starting to think about putting my single DIN from my busted car in my red Smart to get the Sirius. I like that pocket. You're making me think real hard about doing a swap....

[fmaxwell]

For the Scosche (my recommendation for single DIN), I went to a local brick and mortar: Car Spa Dealer Services - Home

If you want to order in online, I'd recommend SonicElectronix: Scosche ST2430B Subaru Wiring Harnesses In-Dash Receiver Accessories & Installation Car Installation & Accessories - Sonic Electronix

For the American International (my recommendation for double DIN), I'd recommend MillionBuy.com: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SM-K108 (SMK108) <br>2008-Up Smart Fortwo In-Dash Mounting KIT

If you want the Metra... Didn't you read what I wrote about it?

[fmaxwell]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

I'm starting to think about putting my single DIN from my busted car in my red Smart to get the Sirius. I like that pocket. You're making me think real hard about doing a swap....

I can do a swap in about 15 minutes now -- if I have already made the harness.

I'm really picky about harnesses. I am not a crimp connector kind of guy. I cut the wires on the harness adapter and the radio harness to about 2 inches long, strip about 5/8" of insulation off of each, twist them together (inline), solder them, and use heat shrink tubing over each. I then usually cover the entire bundle with sheathing made for the purpose. It makes for a very compact, reliable, professional looking job.

[p1nball]

Thats the one that I used for my Kenwood head unit. Works well, but as was stated, had to hot glue the bottom cover plate before I mounted the Scan Guage on it. Looks the best of all of them. PIX in Use

[Turbo42]

I got mine from dmo if you guys have them. same one as above

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by fmaxwell

I can do a swap in about 15 minutes now -- if I have already made the harness.

I'm really picky about harnesses. I am not a crimp connector kind of guy. I cut the wires on the harness adapter and the radio harness to about 2 inches long, strip about 5/8" of insulation off of each, twist them together (inline), solder them, and use heat shrink tubing over each. I then usually cover the entire bundle with sheathing made for the purpose. It makes for a very compact, reliable, professional looking job.

I like to do that as well though I recently screwed up yesterday and improperly soldered something that grounded itself out. I had blown the fuse earlier from being a little shaky with a test light so I had replaced it from a pack I had sitting in the garage. I wish I had read THIS before I plugged that fuse in there. I'm still working out the specifics right now and seeing what they'll do to get me fixed.

I've made quite a few harnesses like you mentioned - not just for stereos. Done up a few real nice looking ones several feet long that you couldn't tell the difference from factory. I'll be doing one up soon to fix what is ruined on my car - small claims court may be in my near future though but thats another thread that I haven't started yet.

My radio swap time is real quick now too. I've gotten in there for a few reasons so I'm now fairly proficient.

[Napoleon12]

i have not used the scosche or metra. i always use the Ai kit.