'99 Chevy Cavalier

[okstranger]

I have a '99 Chevy Cavalier, and I just purchased the Clarion VZ309 to replace an older panasonic I had in there. The old panasonic deck didn't quite fit, but I was able to get it so that it only stuck out about an inch. This new Clarion deck is slightly longer, but with all of the included wiring that sticks our of the back it now sticks out 2-3 inches and I have no idea what to do. It sticks out so far that I can't even lock the metal tabs to hold the install kit into place, so if someone really wanted my stereo they could probably just pull it straight out. Is there a special kit that would extend out so that my deck is secured? Any help is appreciated. I've install several car stereo systems, but this one has me at a loss.

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[x1le 10+ year member]

yeah, they make a kit that extends out.

 

[okstranger]

Any idea where I can find one? I've been looking but I've never seen a kit that extends.

 

[Brian_smith06 10+ year member]

you want one like this?

 

[BassMechkanic 10+ year member]

if i remeber there is a big piece of plastic back there you can cut out, and if the air vents are in the way you can heat them with a heatgun and push in.

 

[okstranger]

I just verified there is a piece of plastic behind there, but I can't tell if it's hollow behind it. Also, the plastic is pretty thick so I don't know how I could even cut it. The hoses for the air vents aren't what is preventing the stereo to fit, but they are just close enough to keep me from being able to use a reciprocating saw to cut the plastic. And a knife is just not strong enough. Any ideas?

 

[subzero 5,000+ posts]

I used razor blades and wire snipps. Once you scar the plastic it bends over and snaps. So scar it with the blade then go in and snip them

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

I usually bust out the air beaver on cavaliers. Just take your time.

 

[Kyle. 10+ year member]

There's a Black box behind there, that if I'm not mistaking houses the heater core, So Don't brake that out,

But there's a Plastic lip in front of that that you need to cut out, I just used a hacksaw blade on my brothers 99 Last week.

 

[BassMechkanic 10+ year member]

airbody saw, installers best friend, harbor freight had them for $10

 

[goonandbuck 10+ year member]

maybe you should get a deck that fits in your car?

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

maybe you should get a deck that fits in your car?

maybe you should stick to replying to topics you actually know about.

 

[okstranger]

Thanks for all your replies. I'll get in there tomorrow and give it a shot. I'll post an update tomorrow night.

 

[okstranger]

Hey guys, again thank you so much for your help. I was able to cut enough of that plastic to get my deck to fit. I didn't realize that's what was limiting me so without your help I would've been lost. My deck is now all the way into the slot, and it is secure. THANKS!