My '98 XJ still has the OEM stereo, tape player only. My plan is to replace it with a blank plate, and install an amp with a bluetooth receiver to get music off my phone. I haven't listened to FM radio in years. Then, I can use the blank plate as a place to install other switches and gauges.

Is there such a thing as an OEM radio delete plate that would go here? Either from an XJ or other Chrysler vehicle with the same size radio? I know I can get a DIN adapter, and then a blank DIN plate...but it wouldn't be as large as the face of the stock radio. Would like as much space as possible to install switches and such...

Been googling my brains out but I can't seem to find such a thing, only generic DIN block offs. Did Chrysler ever make such a thing?

 

Get a single din install kit and superglue a plate of good black plastic material over it. You can still easily remove the entire assembly when you want to install switches, just 2 bolts

*edit: disregard, didn't read the whole post, it's late.

 

That's kind of my backup plan. It will work, but, I think the stock radio is something like 1.5 DIN, thus, if they made an OEM plate for that, it would be bigger.

Never too much room for switches!

 

You can get plain black plastic plates for work like this. Installers use them to create cleaner nicer looking installations.

Here is one on amazon. I just bought one a few days ago:

Install Bay ABS Plastic 12 X 12 X 1/8-Inch
by Install Bay
Link: http://a.co/7pSPuEB

 

Have a audio shop make you one.

 

Thanks for that link, it's definitely an option. I need to pull out the radio and see what it will take to mount that in the hole. I'm kinda lazy though, would rather have a ready made option from Chrysler. Just wondering if such a thing was ever made.


I tend to be against having "a shop" do anything, been screwed too many times on automotive work. As they say, if you want it done right, you gotta do it yourself...

 

OEM Part #4372399

They're EOL so doubt you'll find a dealer with one in stock.

http://www.turbododge.com/forums/f8/...ml#post2310970

 

Thanks for the part number, at least I know now. You're right though, can't find anyone selling one...

 

Or you could leave it alone and mount switches else where like http://www.prime4x4.com/shop/Switch-...-AT-Series.htm or http://www.dirtboundoffroad.com/jeep...ch-panels.html

 

https://www.quadratec.com/products/14127_901.htm

 

Leave an antique radio that I never use so that I can spend a ton of money to get rid of the ashtray I keep full of change? That's a great idea...

I like that...would be nice to be able to take the plate off without taking the entire dash apart to install new switches...

 

What are you going to use the switches for ?

 

Just off the top of my head...
Extended idle
Fog lights
Electric fan override
Seat heater
Power inverter
Air compressor
Light bar
...and a volume **** for the amp I'm replacing the stereo with...

If you don't need extra switches you might as well be driving a model T.