Car Stereos: Pioneer into 98 Buick Lesabre, double din head units, double din head unit

Question
QUESTION: I want to put a Pioneer FH-P8000BT into my 1998 Buick LeSabre Limited (6-speakers) and am getting conflicting reports on if its possible.  Crutchfield says no, Pioneer says yes, what is your advise?

ANSWER: Hi Doug,

I think it should fit, although you'll want to use a mounting kit made for double-DIN head units, in addition to the standard wire harness and antenna adapter.  My only real concern in this case would be mounting depth; it might be necessary to modify the back of the radio cavity to allow you to fit the new head unit into the opening.  I'm pretty certain I've installed a double-DIN head unit into a LeSabre before, without any serious problems.  If you were trying to install a full-sized A/V head unit with a motorized front screen, I'd be more concerned; but a fixed-face unit like this one shouldn't give you too much trouble.

Sorry about the delay in answering your question.  Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The only thing I have heard was their might be an issue with the dash panel fitting over the new head unit since it has round corners.  Heard anything like that?

I have put new car stereo's in most of my auto's over the years but this '98 LeSabre seems to be the strangest.  I put the car into Crutchfield and it eliminates most of stereo's and I can't figure out why.  I'm ready to purchase either a Pioneer FH-P8000BT or JVC KW-XR810 but I can't get a 100% conformation that either will fit.

Any other help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Doug B

Answer
Doug,

The rounded corners are the reason why I wouldn't want to try making a double-DIN head unit with a motorized faceplate work in this vehicle.  It's true that the corners of the dash panel may slightly encroach on the faceplate of the deck; but given sufficient mounting depth, this won't be a problem because the head unit doesn't have to protrude out past the dash bezel opening.  In most GM double-DIN installations, the head unit will fit behind the dash bezel.  A small portion of the dash panel may rest on top of the head unit's faceplate, but it shouldn't affect the functionality in any way--it won't cover any of the control buttons or CD slot, for example.

Because the FH-P8000BT's faceplate doesn't need to move, it's not a problem if the dash panel covers the corners.  My only concern in this vehicle would be the mounting depth; and there are usually ways to create more room in the radio cavity if it's needed.

Hope this helps!

Brian