siideways

You all may know how the tray below the radio (for those without the factory CD changer controls) is slightly recessed, about 1-1.5 inches, hence not flush with the radio and HVAC controls. But does anyone know how deep this tray is? In other words, since it is recessed about 1-1.5 inches in the front, is it equally recessed in the rear as well? Or does the tray end at the back of the radio? meaning that it is overall about 1-1.5 inches shorter in length than the radio? Could someone take a quick peek at their tray and estimate whether it is only as deep as (or flush with) the back of the radio and post your findings? If possible, close-up pictures would be greatly appreciated also. Thanks!!

siideways

Really? Not a single response? OK, forget the pics if that's too much work, how about just whether or not the tray's depth is flush with the back of the radio?

KJI3jflarryfe93

Sum of my old pics.

You see the nasty A$$tray I removed, I put the cubby compartment instead

Can't do any measurements coz my car ain't close to me
Everything sits perfect when installed

siideways

Thanks bud! From what I can see in your first pic, it looks like the tray is not very deep at all. Maybe 3 inches or so? Meaning it definitely does not reach beyond the back of the radio depth-wise. When you took it out to install those gauges (which look pretty cool by the way!), did you see what was directly behind that tray? Is it hollow, or does it back up against the central HVAC vent? Thanks again!

KJI3jflarryfe93

bud

tray abouve a$$tray is not very deep.
it's only for parking tickets and small items.
removing a$$tray opens up a gap.

I had to buy a new flat plate which had 3 holes drilled for my x-tra gauges, it was then screwed on each side in pre-drilled holes in dash trim

see this link if it helps you what you looking for?
http://public.fotki.com/m8o/kar_krazy/mbenznl_on_board/

siideways

Thanks, the photos do help, but still don't quite give me the info I need. In image #CIMG0969, directly below the double-DIN hole, where the tray used to be, you can see a black panel behind all the wires with some type of circular pattern on it. The question is, how deep is that panel compared to the back of the double-DIN hole? Is it flush? Or is it shallower and thus not as deep as the back of the radio/double-DIN hole?

KJI3jflarryfe93

what are you planning to do?

someone who were digging in the black hole should chime in giving you the correct info

siideways

I plan on installing a full DIN-sized EQ in that tray area, so I need to know how much clearance there is behind it. Since I will be installing it in the exact same location, meaning it will be recessed 1-1.5 inches from the radio/HVAC controls, then I will need at least 2 inches or more (to clear RCA and power connections) beyond the back of the radio. And if that black panel in the photos is the central vent, then I won't have enough space.

KJI3jflarryfe93

can't you put the EQ in the glove compartment, drill holes for wireloom for axess

DRBC43AMG

I'll pop down to the garage later and do some measurements...

DRBC43AMG

I started by measuring the depth of the radio as I still have the old dead Becker OE model that was changed earlier in 2016 hanging around in the workshop. It's 16cm from front inner lip to the back edge of the radio chassis.

The tray is 9cm in depth, but as it is recessed 3 cm the total depth from the edge of the dash to the back is 12cm

I imagine that there should be plenty of space back there for what you want to do, but don't take my word as granted...

siideways

DRBC43AMG, thank you so much for taking the time to take these measurements!! This is perfect! Happy New Year mate!

DRBC43AMG

Happy New Year to you too.
Cheers