DC4KiD

So I've been an owner of my '98 SE RL for 4yrs now... and I must say, it is quite BORING having only the stock radio/tape player to entertain me (Car was a theft/vandalism recovery, so the CD changer is no longer there).


March 9, 2010 - Tuesday
So I took the damaged original radio face plate and cut a square hole in it.

Dimensions: 4-5/8" X 7-1/2"
Tools: Masking tape, ruler, dremel/cutting wheel.
This is what I ended up with...


Went out to Best Buy to find one of these radio installation kit. It's for '86+ Honda/Acura vehicles ($24 and some change after tax).


Installed into face plate...


Mixed and applied some JBWeld (the 4-minute quick setting one) to the back of the face plate/dash kit. The dash kit will NOT stay on the face plate on its own.


HAVE to be PATIENT when applying the JBWeld as some of the nooks-n-crannies can be tough to reach.

Back-side done:


Now filling in the rest of the open gaps/imperfections in the front:




I'll update more as I go along.
...to be continued!

DC4KiD

March 10, 2010 - Wednesday
- Sanded down the JB filler, and coat the panel with flat black to find some imperfections. There were quite a few, as you can see from the grey fillers - and if you look closer, you can see unfilled/not smooth areas at the top and bottom.
- Test-fit with my new head unit that I just bought from Fry's this afternoon. I'd say it looks pretty good so far!


Final finishing work - lightly sanded down (again), and used filler primer. Hopefully it'll turn out good enough so that I won't have to do it again.

NuclearSymphony

Hey that looks great! Keep up the good work.

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DC4KiD

March 11, 2010 - Thursday

All finished! It's not perfect, there are still a few imperfections, but whatever, I wanted the head unit in the car already, Lol. I'd give it a 7.5/10 (Grade myself hard).

Pix are not that great since they were taken with my phone. I'll get clearer ones later.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

ac_riyt

Friggin awesome!!!!!!!!!

how did you get the color to match so well?

The only thing I can say is.... the head unit looks like it sticks out too far, but that's an easy fix.

You did a really, really good job!

I give you a 9.5!

Cheers!

DC4KiD

I just happen to have the correct color paint available at home (left over), Lol.
As for the head unit protruding, it really isn't as bad as it looks in the picture. There's not much I can do to have it sink in more.

ac_riyt

what flat black is it?
rusto?
what brand?

Thanks!

good write up.

DC4KiD

It's matte black from DupliColor.

Spartan81

Great job on the custom install, I have my 2000 RL being delivered on Monday but it is a non nav and I have been wondering how I am going to install a good monitor/nav screen. Looks like I might be hitting up the junk yards looking for the piece to mess with

BIGBOY

That looks good man, fabrication FTMFW!

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Legendier

Beautiful

Great job. Got to start doing some custom work on my Legend.

richmexcnz

looks very nice. good job.

DC4KiD

Thanks guys! It's holding up fine this far, and I'm definitely enjoying it


I would just look on ebay for broken stock head units instead. RL's are almost impossible to find at junk/salvage yards.

seamusNH

I have the black frame/faceplate for the stereo. It's from a 96 RL. if interested, contact me at seamusnh@gmail.com

mcarbo

I found a faceplate off ebay and am going to attempt the radio makeover. However the factory radio is still attached and I am having trouble removing it. I have obviously taken out all the visible screws. Trying not to force anything for fear of cracking the faceplate. Any help please?