FT-7800 install
On my dash with the JVC and XM (home made Al Custom Mount painted black. Looking for a buck transformer to hide the XM power line coming from power point. Mike is on a Radio Shack holder using 2 sided foam sticky tape - no screws where possible in the original interior!
Originally, the stereo head was on top and the pocket was on the bottom. I flipped it to have the separation on the top.
Since the 2003 era F250's have a Din and 1/2 opening, an aftermarket stereo mount was needed for a single Din. The other portion was a 1/2 din pocket. I drilled holes in back to route cords through for the head separation unit and XM antenna. Yes, oil rubbed bronze screws were used in the install. The separation unit holder is attached with pan head screws to the backing plate (made of a painted-paint stir stick, for now.) Yes - that is glue which failed on the edges by the screws. I am planning on trimming off when I get another backing plate (which will have the edges rounded.)
Cords were routed under the carpet along the trans tube and pulled under the dash to avoid entanglement. Not a good picture, but you get the point. Here are the head separation cord and a 12 foot long double male 3.5 mm plug with 3 sections on each end - Ham in Stereo! :Wow1:Just kidding. Mono on all channels though.
The unit is currently mounted to the floor using velcro until my custom mount is completed. It will be mounted to the center seat bracket on the drivers side and tied into the floor on one side of the Ft and the other side will have separate mount to hold it up and level for air flow. What you don't see is the 3.5 mm plug which is routed from the back of the FT-7800 up to the back of the JVC. Also, the antenna and power lines are under the carpet as well. I used the hole that was factory installed for the seat motor! Need beads though to quiet the noise down.
Hope this helps - If need be, I can pull the head unit out to show the spaghetti behind it.
Also - since I have fat fingers - the JVC volume knob is a tad difficult to turn. I am thinking of getting some paint on rubber for the knob so I can get some friction on that slippery thing. The daughter (with tiny fingers) laughs at me fumbling with the knob.