DIY Double Din Radio Bezel for E39
This DIY is not difficult but can be very intimidating for those intimidated by handicrafts. There is no such thing as a Double Din bezel that can be purchased over the counter. There is a guy who advertises (www. myb~~m~r.net) Double Din Bezels for the E39 on the internet but he has long since stop producing them in bulk……… There are a thousand tales in the naked BMW universe, this is just one of them that worked for me!
Once your system is installed and centered correctly in the stock radio opening. You will need the following:
1 12”x12” Sheet, ABS (Metra Radio Installation Kit Dealers should have on hand or Google search on-line)
2 1 Strip of wood cut in length to fit the opening
3 Wood Putty, small wood screws & finishing nails
4 Sandpaper, Wood file, Superglue, Black Paint, Wood glue
5 1 strip of brass or aluminum metal to use as an anchor
6 Custom color match dip to taste or make black with ABS only (Custom dip available at www.APSISUSA.com . Ask for Jersey for help. It takes about 30 days to turn around. They do the best job and your fabricated part will look OEM!!
7 Nerve, time & very basic handicraft skills.
Let’s Get Busy!!!!
- First cut ABS & wood strip to fit opening of head unit & BMW Radio opening slot. (All head units differ in size. Pioneer comes with a template, suggest you measure accurately or use the template supplied)
- Shape the top of the wood strip to fit the curve of the opening with wood putty. File and sand to perfection.
- Sand the ABS until almost smooth, paint and let dry. You can use ABS only or use the combination of wood strip and ABS. If you plan to use the color match ABS this process will take at least 30 days due to the dipping process.
- Build a wood frame to fit around your previously installed Double Din radio to support your bezel. Position the frame so that it supports the radio and the bezel. You may not need to build the entire frame around the entire radio. I used just three pieces to support the bezel. Secure the frame to the radio opening with the existing holes for original radio.
- Use brass or aluminum metal as an anchoring point for the wood strip.
- Secure top portion (wood strip) under the existing trim pieces left and right. Fabricate holes using the wood screws, center and secure.
- Super glue the bezel on the wood frame.
Pictures in this process say a thousand unwritten words. Patience, caution and carefulness will help with this process. Exact measurements were purpose left of this DIY because the size of your radio will differ and radio position will determine cuts
required.
Good luck, go slow and you can do this…….man!!!!!!
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