What to put in the space left by a single DIN head unit

[RR|Suki]

ok... so my dash holds a double DIN head unit, but do I really need a video screen type thing? I already have a portable Pioneer navigation unit. So I've been thining about this Clarion unit
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2005/audio/source_units/cd/DXZ955MC/us-en-product-pf_1133851137422.html (http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2005/audio/source_units/cd/DXZ955MC/us-en-product-pf_1133851137422.html) it has touch screen controls and what not... however it's single DIN and soo I'll have a space... the question is what to put in the space??? I would hate to have just a black plastic thing there. Any thoughts?
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[94_302]

My friends use it to put their wallet, cell phone, ipod, and other things. Thats what I would probably do.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Don't know where to get them but I have a type of frame installed that has a pocket/bin that fills the space. It looks clean and you can use it to hold misc. stuff.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-RDUdkiorhRt/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=112200&I=003FMK547


http://www.crutchfield.com/S-RDUdkiorhRt/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=112200&I=120995600

[Eric91Z]

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=SBS-05DC


Put in a single din speaker and setup up your system for 5.1 surround sound.

[magindat]

Guages. Check out Dakota Digital.
or
An ABS Panel and a Scanguage.

[Pops]

Clarion makes a center channel that is powered and should fit . It would help widen the stage. We have installed these and like the results.

[RR|Suki]

Guages. Check out Dakota Digital.
or
An ABS Panel and a Scanguage. I thought of putting the scangauge there, right now I have it sitting in the gauge cluster cubby

[magindat]

I thought of putting the scangauge there, right now I have it sitting in the gauge cluster cubby

There's your answer. That would look nice, especially on green illumination. I'm fixin to buy some black ABS for a different project, but most stereo shops have it. Lemme know if you end up needing a piece. Use some bendable backstrap (stereo shop) or plumber's strap (home depot) and 3M trim tape to hold everything together from behind.

[RR|Suki]

There's your answer. That would look nice, especially on green illumination. I'm fixin to buy some black ABS for a different project, but most stereo shops have it. Lemme know if you end up needing a piece. Use some bendable backstrap (stereo shop) or plumber's strap (home depot) and 3M trim tape to hold everything together from behind.

Good tips, thanks man :D

[96DiamondVIII]

I like the idea of one of those center channel speakers...but I guess you need a receiver that "knows" to output 5.1? How common is that? (Still have the stock HU in mine but I don't know how long that's going to stay)

Failing that I wonder if there's a way to rig up some sort of sliding drawer. In my previous cars I've used the ashtray (since I don't smoke) as a change tray, but the MM doesn't seem to have an ashtray, and the coin holder in the center console is nice but doesn't have much capacity...

[Eric91Z]

I like the idea of one of those center channel speakers...but I guess you need a receiver that "knows" to output 5.1? How common is that? (Still have the stock HU in mine but I don't know how long that's going to stay)

Failing that I wonder if there's a way to rig up some sort of sliding drawer. In my previous cars I've used the ashtray (since I don't smoke) as a change tray, but the MM doesn't seem to have an ashtray, and the coin holder in the center console is nice but doesn't have much capacity...

Alpine has a processor/amp specifically for running the 5.1 surround sound. As far as I know it mostly works with DVD's as there is little music actually out in 5.1.

[djbruce26]

I have a Clarion equalizer mounted in that spot on my Crown Vic. It works well if you have a couple of amplifiers... if you run everything off the head unit then it's not a great idea.