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Morning Gang...Great Forum!

Looking to purchase/install new audio system in G'friend's '03 Civic EX Coupe (I'm an Accord owner) - but have several questions first:

First the equipment choices (note, its her car so I'm looking to break the bank):

- I've already replaced the factory fronts & rears with JL Audio's current offerings (not too shabby with my ear).

- Bought a JL Audio 10" w/a smallish box for some extra kick.

- All powered from a Alpine 5-channel (MRV-F450).

Now...I need the head unit. Really eyeing Alpine's 9835 due to the super-cool display & endless color combinations (can exactly match '03 Civic interior lighting). Planning on shopping via eBay. Now, here's the rub...

Can anyone tell me what my options are when shopping for an install kit? As known, 03's (maybe more - again, I'm an Accord guy) have a small pocket below the factory head unit that has flip door on it. Looking at kit options, it looks like none of them have it (the flip door)??? What gives? Keep in mind that it's her car (her first new car BTW) and she's awfully freaky about ensuring that it retains as much stock-functionality as possible.


Appreciate any info anyone can provide. Also would like inputs on what to look out for when doing the install. Inputs for alternate head unit options are welcome as well.

Thanks much!

 
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You can use the Metra 99-7897 kit and keep the stock pocket. It's a two piece kit, but you use only the top. It also matches the stock coloring very well.

Courtesy of Megahurtz in this thread http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=195951 , here's a pic of it (he has the top installed and a dvd player on bottom cause he hasn't got his double din kit to fit properly, but you get the idea.

 
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I would say the 9835 is overkill unless shes going to use all the EQ and crossover settings. Go with a 9831 or perhaps even a lower model that has the option of running "amber" buttons, as that is a perfect match to coupe coloring.

 
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Appreciate the input but have a question -

The 9831 & 9833 that I view in the soundboard at the local "steal"eo outlet had a display that was cheesy at best.

The problem is that they both looked to be overly backlit - basically whereas you could see the unlit displays in the background.

Now - I'm not a audiophile by any stretch of the means...but it looked awful!

Hence the decision for the 9835.


Maybe the deplay models I looked at were screwed up???? Tell me a defect-free unit doesn't look this bad.?!?!!!

 
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The units have adjustable contrast and brightness settings, that could have been the issue. I never saw that happening at the soundboard at the shop here. I have a 9835, so I can't check for you