Hi Everyone,
I apologize if this has already been discussed but i am trying to install an Alpine HU in my 2005 Bonneville and am having some problems. I purchased all necessary components including the dash kit, wiring harness to keep all dings, and also bought the module for the steering wheel controls. I have everything installed and working but my problem is that it wont fit in all the way because whole for the stereo in the dash isn't deep enough. I have routed all the wires out of the way as much as possible and it still wont fit. The head unit is sticking out about an inch and wont lock into place. This will get even worst when i try and install my sub and amp and have to connect my RCA cables to the back of the head unit. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Shane

You could cut the back out of the radio comparment

I wasn't sure if i wanted to do that because then i wouldn't be able to put the factory stereo back in if i ever sold it. May be my only choice though. Is there a lot of open space behind the radio compartment and how hard would that be to do?
Thanks

You could probably still put the factory radio back in. I do believe it attaches to the front.

It would be pretty easy if you have dremel. About the space, not sure how much it would give you but it should be enough for a couple modules.

If your radio compartment looks anything like mine, I pulled the factory radio harness out of the notch it slides into. (push down on it, then rotate it out). Got it out of the way, then went to work with the dremel and a cutting bit. I cut out just about everything behind the radio, and a lot of the bottom. That gives you room to shove things out of the way and push the radio back. Not sure how big your radio is, but I fit an alpine 505 in, although it is snug with the wiring.

i had to pull the factory wiring harness out of the slot and turn it sideways to connect my wiring harness but there wasn't much slack on the factory wires. Also is there a way to pull the factory antenna adapter out of the back?

Again assuming your dash is the same as mine, you can put any modules underneath the radio compartment. There is a big open space underneath which is accessible if you remove the heated seat switch panel. Just have to make a space in the bottom of the radio compartment to run wires up from the modules.

Once you remove enough plastic, you can attach the factory wiring harness to the aftermarket wiring harness and shove it down underneath the compartment or over to the right kinda behind the glove box.

I was able to separate my antenna wire from the rest, don't remember how. Post up a picture and it may jog my memory.

They didn't change the dash design from 00-05 so both of ours would be the same. I won't be installing a radio for quite some time yet.

Ok, wasn't sure about the dash. Good to know.

I had to hack the back all up so I won't be able to put a stock radio back in, and that was with a single DIN radio, upgrading to a double DIN this summer so when I sell the car I will put a cheap aftermarket one in

I wish it wasn't designed to fit exactly where the harness needs to be