Head Unit Installing - what kit brand.

[Newad]

Hi,

Replacing the LAN system whatever which holds the info center and the chime notifications and probably more so I can add the aftermarket head unit. As far as I know of I have two options:

Metra 99-3033
or
Scosche GM1593B

I'd like to hear any recommendations of one over the other, any experiences with either brand... reputation. One seems to look better as far as the texture matching the rest of the car and color ...both seem dark. I dont live near enough to view them in person. I suppose I'd go with the "better" one vs the best looking or if niether could be better then the one that matches better.

The car is a 06' Chevy Malibu SS and I verified both will install and work for this model.

Reputaion? Idea on which will likely match better?

Thank you

[kwhitelaw]

Did a metra kit a few months back.First one was def out the box.wouldnt allow you into all the menus.got a second kit and took it apart and relocated the display so we could do a double din with the display flushed in front of the shifter.kit has a texture that doesnt match but i guess you could sand it down and respray if you feel up to it.dupont makes an exact match that you can have mixed in a pint and spray on your own...

kevin
tweeter

[Newad]

The sort of help I was looking for - thanks Kev

Just auto shop for the Dupont? I'll ask some body work guys about what grade paper to use and then i may not sand it at all unless it really rough, did you do this or was it a customer install?

[Newad]

Reading that Metra is better made usually. A note for anyone reading/searching.

[kwhitelaw]

Got the paint at an autobody supply shop.came in a can ready to spray like spray paint.super easy.
I did the install for a customer at my shop.Had to have him pick up a second kit from another retailer(we dont sell metra) to get the full menu access.

kevin
tweeter

[Newad]

Had he initially bought another brand? I suppose I just need to find out what grade and type of paper to use. Grit etc... I'll need to smooth it completely ..that may get tricky since i could end up polishing it if not carefull and the oem finish isnt a shine. I'm goign to try this ...could be a $113.00 mistake but i'd like to get it right.

[kwhitelaw]

Nah he bought metra first.It just didnt let us into all the menus and its not really designed to be used with aftermarket amplifiers..We did a whole system upgrade and werent using the stock amp and speakers and metra swore it needed to have the factory speaker, yada,yada,yada.We changed out the kit and it allowed us into the menus to change color and raise onstar volume etc.

imo if you just sand the texture off and spray the same color you will be fine.Since we did a double din pioneer i ended up cutting the display out and molding it over the space occupied by the the TC (i think) button and the cig lighter.relocated those to the removable side panels on each side of the center console.

kevin

[Newad]

Nice work.

Someone said I may need to change out the fuse in the kit to one larger but ..I hope mine doesnt get so complicated.