Ekslayer

Ok this may not be the right place for this question but here goes... I have seen a few write ups about modding the xj to fit a double din. Everyone says to cut out the ducting between the head unit and heater controls. The question I have is what is the purpose of that section that is being removed? It has to serve some purpose in the heating system. I have no troubles modding but before I cut I would like to know what I'm removing. Thanks!

NJDevL28

i'd like to know too. i am surprised that you didnt get an answer.

KingsColor

There are two places to cut, one on each side and they are just normal air ducts. I cut the ducts to allow my unit in and then went back and used duct tape to keep air flow. Works just fine for me.

NJDevL28

Thanks, KingsColor. Any chance that you documented your work? I read a thread a while back (could have been yours for all I know). there wasnt much in the way of a step by step...

KingsColor

I didn't take any pictures unfortunately. Honestly, there isn't much to do and it's pretty easy to do.

Here's what I did if I remember right:
Pull off faceplate
Remove old radio
Cut down ducts on each side(trial and error to get the right size)
Cut the tabs at the top of the space. They're right under the vents.
Wire it up for new unit
Take a Dremel to the faceplate and cut away to the right dimensions for new unit.
Cutting the faceplate then poses a problem, there's excess space on both the left and right sides that needs to be addressed. For me, I quickly cut up a piece of 1/8" wood board that acted as a frame to cover the space and then I painted it. I haven't got around to actually doing it the right way.

After a quick search I did find a video that really helps:

prcherokee

Did this one on my son's Cherokee,like it was posted before all you have to cut at the bottom duct is 1/2" wide by 1/4" deep.

NJDevL28

lol! You beat me to it. I saw this today and was waiting for a chance to post it. nice little vid.

NJDevL28

Nice work prcherokee. i am pretty reluctant to cut into the bezel, I gues Ill just have to close my eyes and go...

KingsColor

I would recommend cutting the bottom of the faceplate, rather than the top. As you can see at the top it doesn't look so hot... Just my $.02.

Here's what mine ended up looking like:

rdlyn13000

Anyone ever put a double din in a 96 xj?