How to make a frame for a 2 din radio. How to make a transitional frame for the radio. Customizing a suitable transition frame is the easiest and fastest solution

04.07.2016

Many car enthusiasts, when replacing a standard player with a new car radio, are faced with such a problem that the decorative transition frame is slightly larger than the tape recorder, and after installation, the player looks like some kind of foreign body on the center console. After searching the net for solutions to this problem, of all options I have chosen the method making a transition frame with your own hands from cold welding.

To start the robot, we need the following materials:

Cold welding (the amount depends on the size of the frame you will be making).
Sandpaper No. 40, 120, 340.
Masking tape, cling film.
Acrylic spray primer, two-component putty for plastic.
Primer, paint, thinner (degreaser)

First you need to paste masking tape on the places where cold welding will be applied (center console and front of the radio) so that they do not stick together. Then stretch the cling film over the masking tape, fix the edges with adhesive tape, and fasten the thread in the middle of the radio tape recorder, with which you will remove the frame after the welding has dried. An example in the photo.
In order to avoid difficulties with the removal and installation of the frame, plastic plates were inserted between the radio and the landing socket. You need to install them so that when you apply cold welding, they do not change their position and come out with a frame, like a monolithic part. You should also reinforce the future workpiece with copper wire 2.5 mm thick around the entire perimeter to make it more durable.
After the previous operations are completed, we check again and proceed to the process of sculpting the workpiece, which we will later turn into a transition frame. To prevent rapid setting of the material, try to maintain a cool temperature in the cabin.
After the material hardens, carefully remove the frame from the seat, avoid excessive force and mechanical impact so as not to damage it.
At the next stage, it is necessary to grind the front side, and remove all unnecessary (adjust the external and internal contours). Sandpaper No. 40 is used for rough grinding, and cold welding is used to build up, if the excess is removed. It is more convenient to align the outer corners of the frame, as well as to make a point adjustment of the frame, with the help of a clerical knife. The more often you try on the workpiece to identify and eliminate irregularities, the more you will be pleased with the final result.
After finishing fitting the transition frame, it must be puttied. To do this, use a two-component putty designed for plastic bumpers and a regular acrylic primer. Before puttying, the surface must be cleaned and degreased, and then one or two layers of putty are applied, for grinding and leveling, use sandpaper No. 120.
Before priming and painting, sand the puttied workpiece with sandpaper No. 340, and then degrease. In order for the surface to have a smooth texture, it is necessary to apply two or three layers of primer. After the primer dries, you can start painting the frame. The paint was applied in several layers, each of which must dry completely.

This completes the process of manufacturing the transition frame, you just have to install it in its place.

The electronics market currently offers motorists a large selection of radio tape recorders that differ in cost, manufacturers, features and functionality. Many brands are involved in the production of such devices, so the differences between car radios can lie not only in functionality, but also in size. To ensure the normal installation of the system, frameworks are used, read more about them below.

[ Hide ]

What if the new frame does not fit into the existing dashboard?

If you are experiencing the issue that the new one is not the right size for your center console, you have several options to resolve the issue:

purchase a new audio system;
buy a new frame.

Buying a new radio

An easier way to implement is to exchange a purchased car radio in a store or buy a new device if the budget allows. Of course, this option is not suitable for everyone. When buying an audio system, it is best to be guided by the dimensions of an existing radio or technological connector for its installation. Therefore, before you go to the store, you should use a tape measure to measure not only the width and height, but also the depth of immersion in the panel. Having the dimensions in hand, you can immediately narrow down the range of audio systems that will suit you when buying.

But keep in mind that this method does not always give the desired result. In the event that even the system becomes in the seat, you need to make sure that the radio can dock normally. One way or another, but the frame of the purchased radio should in any case normally dock with the installation site.

Purchasing a new frame

4. When the grinding is completed, you just have to putty the workpiece, open it with primer and paint.

Issue price

If you do not want to make your own adapter, you can always buy it in the store. Of course, the price in this case will depend on the model of the car radio. On average, the cost of the frames themselves ranges from 300 to 3,000 rubles. If you buy an adapter with part of the center console, then its cost can be about 5 thousand rubles.

Leave a request and come to us at a convenient agreed time. Let's look at the scale of inconsistencies, evaluate possible ways problem solving. Well, then it's a matter of technology - molding, putty, grinding, painting, surface finishing. As a result, you will get a frame in which the GU or audio system will sit like a glove, without standing out from the overall style of the panel. Need an exclusive? No problem, we'll do it. It all depends on your "Wishlist", the price of the issue.

Is there an easier way to solve?

Yes, you can. It is quite possible to cut the front panel, fix the new audio system with adhesive tape or screws, ignore the remaining holes, get used to the rattle. This is the easiest way. Are you ready to follow it, even if you don’t have a supercar, but an old but well-groomed “penny”?

The crux of the problem is this:

Serious manufacturers of audio systems and media devices have long been producing products with standardized body sizes. The most common systems are 1 and 2 DIN. The same width (180 mm) and depth (160 mm), but the two-din one is distinguished by a doubled height (100 mm). You should not assume that companies are thinking about us, worrying about how to simplify the replacement of the radio. It's just better for them. The transition to the production of new models with a standard body size does not require a major reconfiguration of technological (production) lines.
Automakers don't care about this. We have concluded a profitable contract and complete their cars with regular audio systems with different parameters. Keep in mind that sometimes different standards may be used in different countries.

That is why replacing or installing new media devices becomes a headache, which can only be cured by an appropriate transition frame. It consists of a mounting frame and a decorative front trim that fits under the machine panel. On sale there are frames-trays, frames-pockets, adapters with additional niches or plugs.

The use of such a simple and inexpensive element allows you to solve the following problems:

Install audio or media device standard sizes into the existing regular opening on the panel.
Provide easy installation and connection to onboard network car.
Fit a new radio or GU into the design of an existing interior trim.

It would seem that everything is simple. Buy, install and enjoy the new sound. But, for many cars, it is physically impossible to find a frame suitable for a new audio center. A variety of devices are stamped like pies, and normal adapters for them simply do not yet exist in nature, and not only for Chinese radio tape recorders. Therefore, it is necessary to order individual transitional frames for each specific case.

Or maybe do it yourself?

Yes, you can. There is a sea of information on auto forums on how to make transitional frames from different materials. Mixtures for dentures, epoxy, fiberglass and fiberglass, various polymeric materials (plastics) are used. Decided to make an adapter yourself? Then be prepared to go through the following steps:

Reliably protect the panel and interior from the effects of the materials used. It will be problematic to remove plastic or polymer resin that has dripped onto the finish.
Make a detailed matrix of the future adapter, taking into account the features of the surface and the radio itself. You can do without it and sculpt the workpiece right on the spot. But this will significantly complicate the further manufacture of the frame, increase the chance of breaking the product during processing.
Think over and manufacture a mounting frame, form a draft blank of the front decorative panel from the selected material.
Cut, try on, fit. And so on until the frame is perfectly in place.
Prime, putty, clean in several stages. Only after the surface of the frame will match the panel in appearance, you can start painting. By the way, even craftsmen who have experience in manufacturing parts for tuning prefer to paint in a service environment. It is almost impossible to get a high-quality coating by applying paint from a spray can. That is, you still have to contact the service.

Are you ready to go through all these stages without a guarantee that the result will please you? Isn't it easier to immediately order the production of a transitional frame from us? We offer different price options.

Customizing a suitable transition frame is the easiest and fastest solution

If you need fast if desired adapter does not differ in exclusivity of forms, and the main problem is the presence of gaps after installing the radio or the need to change appearance surface, then you can go most simple way. In this case, we offer the following solution:

We select an adapter that is suitable in size and shape. We determine the existing defects and inconsistencies - the inability to fully fit into a regular socket, the gaps that have appeared between the frame and the panel or device, differences in color or texture.
If necessary, we grind the protruding corners and edges. We make sure that the frame fits into the existing slot completely.
Existing gaps and places with a loose fit are finished with epoxy or polyester resins. The choice of material depends on the type of plastic of the frame and panel itself. We select the structure so that the differences in surface texture are minimal.
We grind the extended areas, putty with a special compound for plastics, and grind. We constantly check the accuracy and tightness of fit with the help of regular fittings.
At the final stage, we polish the surface of the frame and prepare it for applying subsequent coatings.
Most often, we get by with painting under the existing color scheme and texture of the existing panel plastic. But we also use other exclusive finishing methods - carbon, fabric, fine wood veneer, metal and much more. It all depends on the taste of the customer and the characteristics of the salon.

This technology of modernization of the transition frame allows you to get the result in just 1-2 days. If a suitable adapter could not be found, we will make a frame from scratch.

Our Transition Frame Solutions

Among the existing technologies, three manufacturing methods have been chosen for themselves transitional framework for all radio models. We purchased the appropriate equipment for working with plastic, resins, wood, pumped the skills of the craftsmen. As a result, we solve the issues of installing head units and audio systems on cars of different classes. We will help both the owner of a budget domestic car and the owner of an exclusive autocar.

We'll warn you right away. Production of an exclusive transitional frame will require 3-5 days according to technological indicators. Curing of resins and plastics, multi-stage surface preparation, painting or applying other decorative coatings. All this takes some time. Therefore, we recommend that you determine a period convenient for you and leave an application in advance.

Matrix preparation

Let's start with the preparation of the matrix, which is necessary for forming the blank of the transition frame. There is an opinion that this stage can be dispensed with, it is easier and faster to mold the part directly at the installation site. But this option is suitable for simple flat frames, and even then not always. If we are talking about volumetric products of complex shape, the manufacture of a matrix is mandatory. And here are the reasons why:

It is physically impossible to manufacture a transition frame from plastic by stamping without a matrix.
There is no guarantee that the first workpiece, formed in place, will suit the quality. To remake again, you will have to risk staining or damaging the interior.
A rough part made without a matrix will require more preparatory work. Repeated fitting, puttying, cleaning, grinding significantly increases the risk of breaking the product during the work. In addition, extra layers of putty will not add strength and resistance to vibration, the sun. And this will affect the quality and durability of the finished frame.
The matrix is used to make several transitional frames. That is, in the event of a breakdown, everything can happen in the future, the manufacture of a new adapter will cost less. Yes, and it will take 1-2 days less time. Therefore, we will give you the finished matrix along with the frame.

In practice, different technologies for preparing matrices are used. One of them that we use is the manufacture of glass mat and gelcoat. The first material provides rigidity, the second high quality surfaces.

The sequence of work will be as follows:

We protect the surfaces of the panel and radio with tape and cling film in several layers, cover the seats and other interior elements.
We form a model of the future frame from plasticine or other plastic material. We agree and approve the form.
We apply a thin layer of special wax on the surface of the prototype, which makes it easy to remove the finished matrix.
With a layer of 1-1.5 mm, we apply a matrix gelcoat (it is distinguished by increased strength). We pause, which is required for the solidification of the material. You can proceed to further steps when the gelcoat no longer sticks to the finger (leaves no traces).
We form a matrix using glass mat and polyester resins. To obtain the required strength, we lay up to 5 layers (density 225–300 grams), this will be quite enough. We pay special attention to removing air bubbles, if they remain, the finished frame will suffer.
Let the workpiece stand for at least a day, after which the matrix can be removed from the prototype.

There is one trick - the better the surface of the matrix, the less hassle with the processing of the frame itself. Therefore, we degrease the form, where it is required to putty with a special composition for plastic, carefully clean it with a gradual decrease in the sandpaper grain to 320 grams. The matrix processed in this way is ready for the manufacture of the transition frame.

Molding of plastic transition frame

In practice, apply different kinds polymers - polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyamides, ABC plastic, even PVC and PVC. We choose the one that best suits the material of the panel. Ideally, you need exactly the same polymer used in the cabin. We will solve this issue on the spot and make a frame from the required material.

We form the initial workpiece in several ways (depending on the type of plastic used):

Production from materials based on rigid polyurethanes is carried out by free casting or injection molding. The simplest technology that allows you to get adapters that are simple in configuration.
Products made of ABC plastic are produced by vacuum forming. With the help of special devices, a sheet of heated plastic takes the form of a matrix.

It will take at least a day for the complete polymerization of the workpiece. Then we proceed to further processing of the workpiece.

Manufactured from polymer resins and fiberglass

Models with complex configurations, including frames, trays or pockets, are made of multilayer fiberglass based on epoxy and polyester resins. This approach provides sufficient strength, resistance to vibration loads.

The manufacturing technology corresponds to the described method of manufacturing a fiberglass matrix. But we approach the issue of lamination with special care. To obtain a high-quality frame, we perform the following stages of work:

We apply a layer of separating wax to the surface of the matrix.
We cover the template with a layer of gelcoat, control the uniformity of its application. The thickness of the material is 1-1.5 mm.
In the corners of the matrix, glass mat is applied with precisely cut elements. On even and smoothly curved surfaces, we use torn elements. This approach allows you to reliably connect individual pieces of material and accurately repeat the configuration.
We lay 4-5 layers. If you stick more, especially at the junction of the panel, it will take longer to grind off the excess.

The prepared molding is kept at a temperature not lower than + 150C for 1-1.5 days until complete polymerization.

Transition Frame Fitting and Finishing

At this stage, the most interesting and painstaking work begins. You will need to give the frame a complete shape, take care of its appearance, think over the design of the attachment to the panel, prepare the connectors for connecting the radio to the on-board network. In general, you will have to perform the following operations:

Ruthlessly cut off the extra elements left after pouring or molding with a grinder.
If necessary, carefully cut openings for the radio, connectors, leaving a small margin. It is better to sharpen the excess later.
We carefully adjust the outer and inner edges of the frame, otherwise gaps will appear between the PG and the panel or the frame itself. If such a problem appears, you will have to putty, which is not entirely desirable.
We think over and mount the fastening system to the panel. This task mainly concerns complex volumetric frames, so we will not dwell on its description - pure locksmith work.
We carry out the adjustment until the transition fits snugly into the intended place. In some cases, this will take a fair amount of time.

If necessary, we putty the finished frame, carefully grind, polish, primer and apply a developing coating. It will help to see even the slightest flaws. If necessary, repeat the procedure again, and do this until the result is perfect.

The choice of finishing option depends on you (your “Wishlist”) and the features of the cabin. We realize, as already mentioned, any idea. Painting, carbon, veneer, other coatings - everything is possible. Experience has been gained, there is special equipment for all types of decorative finishing of interior elements. We will help you with the choice of concept, design development.

Transition frames made of wood

Separately, we will talk about this direction in the manufacture of transitional frames for PG and audio devices. If your car already has elements of natural wood trim, be sure to play with this theme on the transitional frames.

The simplest option is surface veneering. The base is cut out of ordinary plywood, and the outer surface is decorated with natural wood. The use of expensive wood veneer will allow you to get the result at a very reasonable price.

And if you need real chic and exclusive, order an expensive frame made of natural wood. Playing with the texture and pattern of precious woods gives a unique result. It makes no sense to describe all the stages of the cabinetmaker's work. This is painstaking work based on the talent of the artist. Grinding and polishing the surface, playing with toning and varnish, working with the material to give it the desired shape. The only thing we can say is that you will get a unique transitional frame that will blend perfectly with other wooden trim elements.

Any of the made transitional frames will be set to the regular position. Plug in a radio or head device Let's check its performance. By the way, we give a guarantee on all manufactured products.

Leave a request on the site in advance, this will help reduce the waiting time for the result.

Silent radio frame

Today, while cleaning my computer from accumulated debris, I came across one small photo report. Maybe it will be useful to someone, and someone will call it delusional. In any case, I decided to put it on the blog, whatever it was. Well, as you already guessed from the name, we will pick the frame of the radio.

The photo report was made when I still had a Honda Civic EK3. The car was not a stock cassette player, which never bothered me. I went without music, enjoyed the sound of the engine and VTEC, but extraneous sounds strove to spoil this idyll. It crunches here, it rattles here. At the car, the last one sold (which I will write about later) made an engine swap from D15Z6 (115 hp) to a more powerful D15B (130 hp). For those who are interested, read the post "Engines on the Honda Civic VI".

He changed the engine, but left the computer (brain) as standard. From which the revolutions constantly swam and it was unrealistic to set them. And it was not possible to find a new suitable brain for the budget available at that time.

Actually, because of the wrong brains, the speed was floating, from which there was a vibration in the car at low speeds. The frame for mounting the radio was crackling loudest of all. It was necessary to do everything carefully, so as not to stand out and not rattle. Having climbed the Internet, I came across an interesting method on some forum and decided to apply it. How I made the frame for the radio more quiet with my own hands - read on. All images are clickable.

Making a frame for teapots))) .wmv

Frame did not suit me, so leave a link to frame I won't! And if you are still wondering where you ordered, then ...

Adapter frame for radio from China.

We glue frame in place to eliminate errors ...

To carry out the work we need:

2. Electrical tape in the color of the frame (in my case, black);

3. A sheet of paper + stationery scissors to cut paper and tape.

Because the frame from the radio tape recorder was black, then I picked up the electrical tape in color. In principle, now you can find it in any color, so there should not be any problems. Using it, you need to make several layers from the bottom of the frame, i.e. tape will be under the radio. Due to its elasticity, it will take on the vibration and dampen the unpleasant plastic crackle in the cabin. It looks something like this:

Then, I took a regular sheet of paper and cut out 2 small rectangles:

Here, many will ask: "What kind of nonsense? What else is this for us? Oo." Everything is extremely simple. From the resulting rectangles we will make small spacers of the radio frame, which will also take on vibrations. Just fold the papers in several layers and insert them into the empty cavities of the frame.

Well, with the final touch, I sealed these "spacers" in the frame of the radio tape recorder with electrical tape. For what? HZ. I just wanted to

Well, here's the final result:

I can’t say that this is a panacea for all diseases of the radio, but despite this, in my case everything worked. The frame of the radio tape recorder stopped nasty cracking during vibrations, which was very nice. So to speak, I made a small soundproofing of the car interior with my own hands. Joke, of course. This is not noise isolation, but only a local treatment of the problem, but working. Visually, the frame of the radio has not changed, because. all the electrical tape was under the radio.

If you have any questions - ask. I will try to answer everything in detail. And that's all for today. Until new posts.

Every car enthusiast wants to do everything so that his car looks beautiful from the outside and inside. Special attention always given to the radio, especially if it has non-standard dimensions. In this case, it is not possible to install it normally or the interior of the cabin is seriously damaged. In this article, we decided to tell you how to make a transition frame for a radio tape recorder with your own hands, and show step by step instructions.

After acquiring a radio of non-standard sizes, many people immediately try to install it in its rightful place. As a rule, it will look terrible, see the photo:

It falls into its rightful place, but the appearance deteriorates seriously. You can fix all this without putting much effort, we will tell you about this further. buy a fuel-free generator or better think with your head.

We make a transition frame from improvised materials

To make it easier for you to perceive the information, we decided to make a step-by-step instruction with photos.

Initially, you need to glue the surface of our console. You need to do this using masking tape, which will not stick the radio and our future homemade "forever" to the body.
Stretch cling film over masking tape. This is done so that after welding you can remove the tape and film from the structure. If this is not done, then the adhesive tape will firmly stick to the structure.
Next, we take epoxy resin and sculpt a small semblance of our frame from it. In order to avoid problems in the future, it is better to reinforce the structure. This will allow the frame to be pulled out after it has "hardened".
Now you need to apply resin to our frame, see photo.
Pull out the frame. Note! You need to pull out not only the resin, but also the factory frame. The photos will make everything clear.
Here already cold welding goes into battle. With it, you need to designate all the contours and align with the surface.
After welding, we take sandpaper at 40 and begin to clean our surface. It should get the desired shape.
At this stage, you need to putty the surface to give shape. Then, use 120 grit sandpaper, which will remove all the bumps and make the frame really beautiful.
We prime the surface. It is extremely important not to overdo it, but if this happens, it's okay. Sandpaper can easily restore the appearance.
We paint the surface with an ordinary spray can and insert the frame into its rightful place.

As you can see, making a frame is incredibly easy. You will spend only a few hours, but the result will definitely surprise you. Also, you will be able to save significantly, because now ready-made frames have an impressive cost, plus they are quite difficult to find on the market. A similar instruction will also allow you to make a metal detector with your own hands.

We recommend watching another video like this, after watching it, you can understand how to make a transition frame for a radio at home.