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Educate me: what can I do with a 1.5 DIN?

2431 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  bondovw
The 94 Roadmaster Wagon has a 1.5 DIN cassette player. I'd like to upgrade to CD (and maybe a front USB port), but I haven't paid attention to audio for many years, so I don't know what my options are.

Mrs Danger is happy to listen to her oldies stations, and we play books on road trips, so I'm not looking to drop a lot of money into the upgrade. BUT, years ago I bought a cheap no-name stereo, and it was so bad that it gave me a earache. I don't want to do that again. I'm not interested in loud, but I want clean.

It looks to me like there's nothing on the market that will fit into that slot. It even looks like anything I can get is going to be sticking out an inch. Crutchfeld is trying to sell me on a 1 DIN unit and a plastic thing to fill the space.

What are the reputable brands these days? Is there a way to fill that space that doesn't look stupid? What are the common tactics?
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There are many good GM 1-1/2 DIN CD models that can be purchased on Ebay and other places. These should install in the same area, but possibly may need an adapter cable. These are available through most stereo shops. You can often get a premade GM-GM adapter cable [different year ranges] or you can get both ends and make it yourself (about the same cost).

The aftermarket choices are dwindling. IMHO, the best is mine, the Pioneer DEH-P77DH. I bought mine in 2000, shortly after they came out. They often come up on Ebay often. There was a Pioneer Premeir model back then too that has disappeared. There is also a Pioneer DEH-P47DH that is the same as the 77 except for no remote, no built-in alarm system, and fewer RCA outputs. Jensen, Audiovox, and Panasonic used to make one too. These also fit Chrysler cars, so you might try finding them that way too.

You can buy a single DIN unit and use an adapter. Some adapters have an open compartment/shelf/storage area underneath. [My wife has one in her car; she likes to store her glasses in it.]
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The 94 Roadmaster Wagon has a 1.5 DIN cassette player. I'd like to upgrade to CD (and maybe a front USB port), but I haven't paid attention to audio for many years, so I don't know what my options are.

Mrs Danger is happy to listen to her oldies stations, and we play books on road trips, so I'm not looking to drop a lot of money into the upgrade. BUT, years ago I bought a cheap no-name stereo, and it was so bad that it gave me a earache. I don't want to do that again. I'm not interested in loud, but I want clean.

It looks to me like there's nothing on the market that will fit into that slot. It even looks like anything I can get is going to be sticking out an inch. Crutchfeld is trying to sell me on a 1 DIN unit and a plastic thing to fill the space.

What are the reputable brands these days? Is there a way to fill that space that doesn't look stupid? What are the common tactics?
I have to agree with Crutchfield. Din-1/2's have been phased out for the most part. I have a Pioneer DEH-1200MP in my truck and I couldn't be happier. The only thing it lacks is a USB port however the step above the DEH-2200UB does have a usb port. Get the package deal from crutchfield with the install kit(head unit-dash kit-wiring harness).
The Pioneer DEH-P77DH is a good choice if you want to stick with 1.5 din. Decent sound and they can be picked up for not too much these days.
I have a Pioneer DEH-P76DH for sale. It worked well, but removing the stock head unit leaves your climate control display on daytime brightness all the time.
...but removing the stock head unit leaves your climate control display on daytime brightness all the time.
I forgot to mention that part. It sounds worse than it is.
Someone was supposed to be working on a standalone circuit before the crash, but heard anything about it in a while.
Thanks for the advice.

I talked to GoldSSWagon this weekend, and he said that designing a circuit for dimming the climate control was not an easy problem to crack. He looked into it, but the the project kind of fell by the wayside.
http://thedetailss.com/94-96_Impala_Double_Din.html

Install that and a 2DIN, and relocate it to the top of the dash where it belongs. :D :cool:
It apprears that Alpine did make a 1.5 DIN unit. Here is a used one for sale.
Alpine din and a half cd player
I would not bother with the 1.5 din , There are so many better choices out there that are single din. I bought a alpine 9886 (single din) and love it. If you have a i pod or music on usb this deck is a great choice. It has a rear usb that we extended into the glove box. I think you will like this deck and it will look fine with the single din kit.
The other 1.5 din radios that are supposed to be good are alpine cda-d857 , I am looking for one .
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