Car Stereos: e-350 stereo install, fab work, kenwood kvt

Question
Hi Scott,
I just read a post you gave a while back to a similar van owner. Mine is a 2000 ford e-350.
The fit guide says "corporate double din"
I went to Best Buy and their fit info said that the Kenwood DNX 5140 would fit with install kit they didn't have. I bought the so called install kit from a local stereo shop. It was just a plastic trim piece.
I attempted the install (I have installed many systems over the past 30 years and have extensive mechanical ability) The cage was too big for the opening but the head unit without cage barely fit in but there was no way to secure it that was obvious or available at the time.
I was very disappointed because I wanted that unit and they said it would fit. I went back to Best Buy and had to prove to their install guy that the cage was too big for the opening. After showing him he agreed.
I exchanged the unit for the Kenwood KVT-514 (a single din motorized screen unit) because I already had the ipod harness and back up camera which were compatible and because I had some time constraints and wanted this ordeal to be over with.
Now I am unhappy with this unit. I don't like and didn't want the motorized screen and I wanted the navigation to be in the unit not separate. Is there a way I can get a good clean install of the DNX 5140 in this vehicle without using the cage? Maybe parts off the factory deck ?
I would deeply appreciate your wisdom and advice. Thanks   Jeff


Answer
Jeff, It is all fab work.  If you are comfortable with fab work, it shouldn't be real extensive.  If you are not worried about what happens to the factory unit, you can try and cannibalize it to get the mounting holes and opening part of the bracket.  Then, there is a sleeve that comes with the DNX-5140.  Use the cannibalized factory piece and the Kenwood sleeve and secure them together with rivets.  Otherwise, you would use the kenwood sleeve and build up fiberglass around it.  Just layer it up bigger and thicker than you may think you need, then just trim it down with jigsaw and burr tools (rotary files).  It is not hard work, but it does take some time to make it look and work properly.  Lastly, you may go to a local install shop, or custom shop, and see if there is any other trick they may think of seeing the pieces that you have.  I think that unit would make a great fit for that model.  It is too bad they do not make a bracket for it.  Hope this helps, Scott