H/U Support
 

Sorry for being a noob at this, but I can't find an answer anywhere on the board and the FAQ is down.

I just received my new head unit from Crutchfield (alpine CDA-9807), removed my factory hu, and I can't see how the new hu gets any support in the slot, even with the dash kit. Even though it's supported in front, it has no support on the sides or in the back. Won't it just flop around in there? It doesn't seem as though the plastic adapter has enough strength to support the alpine. Is there some kind of bracket that I need to support it? Thanks for anyones help!

Hi...

Guess that depends on the weight of the HU...

About 6 months ago I was test-fitting my KDC-922 and thought of installing a bracket from behind... To this day, the HU is still without support of any kind and it doesn't rattle or skip. :D

The head unit doesn't weigh any more than any other head unit. It just seems as though more support would be necessary.

Another Question. It it necessary to wire the head unit directly to the battery or can it be connected to the stock wiring harness power supply? Same thing with the ground, can it be connected to the stock ground wire? The reason that I ask is that the power supply and ground wire on the new head unit are a larger gauge than the stock wiring harness, and I want to get as much power to the speakers as possible. Thanks!

The factory head unit has a rubber plug that goes from the head unit to a bracket i the dash. This keeps the back of the unit secure. You might see if you can use this plug with the new Alpine.

As you got your replacement unit from Crutchfield, you might give them a call on this. They provide some of the best installation help on their products. They probably sent you what they think is needed for this install - dash kit, wiring harness - but they may have some ideas on back support, like a strap.

For the wiring, my understanding is that the Alpine head units have amps that are more powerful than most (if not all) head units. The extra power requires the larger power and ground wires and a direct connection to the battery. I have heard of people using the factory wiring, but don't know if this will have long term negative effects on either the head unit or the wiring.

Personally, I'd connect the unit using the recommended procedure. With amps you always want the guage of the power and ground wires to be equal. Same here.

Thanks!

You can also get 12 constant at the ignition harness, like you would for an alarm. The factory wire there is big enough to supply your Alpine. Personally, I've installed ton's of Alpine's and used factory wiring on all of them, including my wife's Malibu, with no problems. Just my experience........:cool:

I've decided to hook up an amp anyway, so I guess that factory wiring (for the head unit) is all I need.