Dash Kit + A-pillar Trim Removal

stefman722 · December 7, 2009

Hey!

I just got a JVC KWTN1 Nav unit installed in my truck (09 Silverado LT). I supplied the dash kit (schoshe) and there is a bit of a gap with the dash kit "made" for my truck. Just wondering what kind of dash kit have people used for the 07+ silverado's and if so please let me know as I would be willing to switch it up to have a better fitting kit.

Also, I searched but the engine on the site gave me weird results, how do you remove the driver side a-pillar? are there screws hidden behind the holy shit handle?

Thanks!!!

stef

ruggedlife · December 11, 2009

i used a metra dash kit on my 09 and the bottom fits perfect by the ac controls but the top also has a gap that i'm not happy with

knegangard · December 15, 2009

i used a metra dash kit on my 09 and the bottom fits perfect by the ac controls but the top also has a gap that i'm not happy with

In order to remove the A-pillar trim on the drivers side, you will need to remove a seven millimeter bolt located underneath a small plastic cap. The cap is located towards the top of the pillar and can be removed with a small flat blade tool. This trim panel also clips in with a couple of plastic clips, be careful pulling on them as I broke one on my truck. If you have the tweater mounted in the panel, the plug can be disconnected as well. Hope this helps.

stefman722 · December 16, 2009

Thanks so much!! All done

jdubya · December 16, 2009

I used a scosche kit on my 07 NNBS Silverado to install my double din nav unit with the same results. There is a huge gap at the top of the trim that just irritates the hell out of me.

I tried two scosche kits 1598B (This one looks horrible) and 1598AB (This one at least matches the look of the factory dash but has the gap at the top as I mentioned earlier).

As far as I know there are really only three manufacturers for these dash kits, Metra, Scosche, and American International. The AI one looked similar to the Scosche 1598B so I sent it back, I did not try the Metra one.

In my opinion, they have a lot of nerve charging $25 for these kits when they look so shitty. If anyone has seen a better solution I would love to replace my dash kit.

stefman722 · December 16, 2009

I used a scosche kit on my 07 NNBS Silverado to install my double din nav unit with the same results. There is a huge gap at the top of the trim that just irritates the hell out of me.

I tried two scosche kits 1598B (This one looks horrible) and 1598AB (This one at least matches the look of the factory dash but has the gap at the top as I mentioned earlier).

As far as I know there are really only three manufacturers for these dash kits, Metra, Scosche, and American International. The AI one looked similar to the Scosche 1598B so I sent it back, I did not try the Metra one.

In my opinion, they have a lot of nerve charging $25 for these kits when they look so shitty. If anyone has seen a better solution I would love to replace my dash kit.

I just installed the Metra kit. It looks identical to the factory dash trim which is 10 times better then the scosche product which was junk. I had to put a washer with the top left bolt cuz the dash kit wasnt flush but it fixed it and looks great! Definitely get the Metra kit. Closest thing to factory for sure.

tractionisovr8ed · December 21, 2009

I have a related question, when you guys are installing these aftermarket units, do you have to retain the stock stereo inline to make the airbags work or something like that? My buddy swears that you have to in these newer gm vehicles because his brother's cavalier had to do that. It sounds like BS to me but I wanted to double check before I went for it.

miande · December 21, 2009

I have a related question, when you guys are installing these aftermarket units, do you have to retain the stock stereo inline to make the airbags work or something like that? My buddy swears that you have to in these newer gm vehicles because his brother's cavalier had to do that. It sounds like BS to me but I wanted to double check before I went for it.

If you buy a head unit through Crutchfield, they provide you with a warning about losing the chimes if you do not install the LAN-01 interface. The chimes are considered as a safety item and they strongly encourage you to buy the interface. I can't begin to imagne that they would knowingly sell you a unit, complete with installation instructions, if installing that unit disabled your airbags. Their liablity exposure would be enormous and they wouldn't do it. That is why they provide you with the warnign about the chimes and force you to decline the interface when purchasing a head unit.

jdubya · December 22, 2009

No you definitely have to use an interface module or you will lose chimes, Onstar, and who knows what else. I used the GM21SR from Scosche which is junk too. If Miande used the LAN-01 than I would go with that. I think that is made by Axxess. I was on another thread where on this forum where the guy found one that allowed him to integrate the steering wheel controls and everything. I do not know the name of that module but it was one of the best I have seen.

These modules unfortunately sell for like $100 - $150 unless you get one on ebay.

stefman722 · December 22, 2009

It won't affect the airbags like the old Cavs and sunfires were. All the happens when you remove the radio is chimes (low fuel , door open..etc..) and onstar. If you want to keep those you have to buy an aftermarket harness. I use the Scoshe gm21sr and it works perfectly fine so far.

tractionisovr8ed · December 22, 2009

well that ain't such a big deal, I'll probably circumvent it since I really am not upset about losing my chimes and onstar. I assume the dash lights will still come on when I'm at low fuel or the tire monitoring system wants to tell me something, if so, that's good enough.

tractionisovr8ed · December 22, 2009

It won't affect the airbags like the old Cavs and sunfires were. All the happens when you remove the radio is chimes (low fuel , door open..etc..) and onstar. If you want to keep those you have to buy an aftermarket harness. I use the Scoshe gm21sr and it works perfectly fine so far.

I'm glad somebody confirmed the cavalier situation, my buddy said he went through a hell of a time keeping the aftermarket stereo inline, he had to leave it in the trunk, how stupid!!!

stefman722 · December 24, 2009

It won't affect the airbags like the old Cavs and sunfires were. All the happens when you remove the radio is chimes (low fuel , door open..etc..) and onstar. If you want to keep those you have to buy an aftermarket harness. I use the Scoshe gm21sr and it works perfectly fine so far.

I'm glad somebody confirmed the cavalier situation, my buddy said he went through a hell of a time keeping the aftermarket stereo inline, he had to leave it in the trunk, how stupid!!!

LOL! yeah I had heard horror stories about that myself. And yes you will still keep all the warning lights on the dash. Oh yeah, your turn signal sound won't work as well since that too comes from the speaker believe or not. Who cares about that though. That was more annoying then anything.