I need some advice before installing an after market HU.

I can find the nissan vent assy on courtesy nissans site for $$$$$$95.

I have been to bestbuy and the just have the pocket $18, that fits below the HU, I guess they are using the trimplate that comes w a HU to fill the gap.

My question: is it really worth the $$$$$ for a nissan branded trim when installing an after market HU.

Any one have pics either way so I can see the difference.

Thanks.

 

Here is the GXE kit compared to a $20 Metra kit. I think the GXE kit is worth the money because it does look much better. But then again, I only paid $50 for mine (got it used) . You be the judge:

METRA



GXE

 

You need a scosche kit but the metra kit has a better fit becuase you can put a trim ring around the unit where the GXE kit you can not. If you look closely at the edge of the radio you'll see there is no trim ring on the GXE kit. The GXE kit is really a Scoshce kit. Crutchfiled has this kit for $20. Here's the link:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nxp4y1H...sp?i=003NDK778

 

This is true about the faceplate adapter ring not fitting with the GXE kit. However, another option is to simply buy a universal mounting kit from WalMart (~$12) and use a basic black plastic piece, which will actually fit behind the GXE trim and will cover the gaps through which wires can be seen. I plan on doing this, just haven't had a chance yet. irish44j has a similar setup (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/442543/6), but he has the 4th gen pocket with built-in cover.

Also, I'm not sure if you meant to say something differently, but the GXE kit is a Nissan-made part, it is NOT a Sosche kit. The Sosche kit and Metra kit are just two different aftermarket alternatives. Sosche will allow a double-din HU, whereas Metra will not. (GXE also allows double-din.) But both the Sosche and Metra kits look like crap, as you can see from my picture of the Metra above. Sure, the trim ring fits nicely around the faceplate, but the adapter kit doesn't match the dash at all.

The only problem is, of course, the price difference.

 

BIGDU.....thanks for your screen shots and information provided, this is what I was looking for.

 

The GXE kit is the only way to go IMO. Looks so much better over the metra kit (sorry guys who use it). You can typically find one for sale in the classifieds on the Org.

 

scosche kit is different from the gxe kit. its a nice cheap alternative but the gxe kit owns all. just hard to justify spending $90 or more on a dash kit new when you could spend $15 and put the $ to a better system.

 

Money factor sucks but the GXE kit and the scosche kits are nothing alike. The GXE kit comes with the A/C vents and the trim around the radio all as one piece. Much better IMO, one less seam and all of it is really OEM. Looks 100x better in real life. Although the other kits are cheaper they also look terrible, sorry but they do. Scosche is crappy too, if your gonna go w/ the cheaper kit definetly go with Metra. I deal with these products on a daily basis and there is still no comparison to the GXE kit. And also the 4G pocket w/ door owns.

Kevin

 

Yup, that sums it up. Get the GXE or don't go aftermarket at all.

 

i disagree completely. scosche owns metra in color matching and the ability to put a tv in the lower din. the metra is easy to install, but thats the only thing going for it. gxe is OEM so its the best.
GXE>Scosche>>>metra.

edit: you need a patient CC installer to make the scosche kit work though.

 

Who said you could come out of your 5th gen cage and come over to audio?

 

Sorry I've worn 5G out pretty bad after searching for hope 5 pages deep. Nothing New Anyways thought I might be able to learn a thing or two from some of you knowleadgable audiophiles that like to talk bad about aspiring engineers.