When it comes to updating the stereo in this generation of Charger you have two choices: buy this-plus the other adapters (antenna/steering wheel controls) for around $500, OR buy a used full-screen Charger stereo with the dash bezel and control panel for about $1200. I went with this kit because it was less than half the price, plus it gave me the option to upgrade to a different stereo in the future. Also, the Dodge stereo would be used, might not last long, and requires an activation code that can only be retrieved by a dealer.
Pictures are included but please read the review first to get an idea of what they show:
Pros and Cons? Yeah. This setup looks decent. Not factory maybe, but close enough that most won't question it. It maintains the use of your original controls and allows you to install a cool android stereo to impress your friends and hurt your enemies. Also, you can hook up a back-up camera (if you have the intestinal fortitude to add that additional project).
The downside is that you will probably have to do a lot of "custom fabrication" to make this work. For starters, the bezel is 7" which you think should fit a 7" stereo. You are wrong. All the 7" stereos I found were slightly larger than the opening, and I ended up trimming the bezel to make it fit. Of course, this immediately rendered my expensive purchase non-returnable.
Also, the plastic brackets designed to support the bezel do NOT fit in the space where they should go. They are designed to slip in along the sides of the stereo, but with these installed, my stereo didn't fit. You *might* find one that fits, but don't count on it. I had to trim the edges off. I cut them wrong the first time, but the manufacturer was kind enough to send me a replacement. I also had to use some flimsy metal mounting brackets for the stereo, which I had to cut in order to fit the stereo correctly.
Finally, with everything in place, it takes a bit of wrestling to get the bezel on. I put mine in base first, where the tabs connect to the console. Then I move it forward, tilting the stereo a little to fit into the opening (which I trimmed to size). With a little work, it should pop into place and-while not perfect- is at least stable enough that it doesn't pop off.
Other issues: As other reviewers have noted, the thing is a little bit flimsy and the buttons feel cheap and non-responsive. They do work however, and it's worth remember it wasn't Metra who painted us into the corner: it was DODGE. I contacted Metra support a few times trying to download the updated firmware for this device but never could get it to run. I'm not sure what it would improve; I guess I'll never know.
I'll update in the future if I have any issues.
