Metra dash kit for 2012 focus

[phillyfan1138]

I just ordered one. Decided I'd risk it instead of waiting for other owner's feedback.

I have the S model, so I am hoping this works. I am also planning to do something a little different...instead of putting in an aftermarket radio I'll stick in a tablet. Seems more versatile (not to mention cheaper) than many aftermarket radios...

[unida767]

Originally Posted by phillyfan1138

I just ordered one. Decided I'd risk it instead of waiting for other owner's feedback.

I have the S model, so I am hoping this works. I am also planning to do something a little different...instead of putting in an aftermarket radio I'll stick in a tablet. Seems more versatile (not to mention cheaper) than many aftermarket radios...

Keep us posted if you don't mind man. Very interseted to see your end result. I'm going with a touchscreen PC.

[AeR0_84]

what deck does everyone plan to be putting in thier car?

ive got my dash kit already just cannot decide on the dash kit that i want!

[AeR0_84]

PS does anyone know what harness the 2012 focus uses?

[herbz]

The harness part number can be found in the dash kit instruction manual linked earlier in the thread.

I personally have a Pioneer x930bt. It is excellent. Bluetooth phone, streaming audio, ipod, built in navigation with optional traffic, DVD playback, backup cam capability, etc. Works flawless.

[kaldrok]

Originally Posted by AeR0_84

what deck does everyone plan to be putting in thier car?

ive got my dash kit already just cannot decide on the dash kit that i want!

I just ordered the dash kit and the Kenwood KDC X696. I would like to have gone with a double din but since Ford thought it was a good idea to have a proprietary fugly disaster of a radio-integrated-into-the-dash-so-consumers-cant-cheaply-and-easily-upgrade-their-crappy-radio design, driving the cost of the dash kit from a simple few dollars to $180, i opted to get a smaller head unit. It has bluetooth and six channel, 4v preamp output. I will also be installing DB6501 components in the front, DB651 coax in rear, and have two pioneer TS-W259D4 subs to fill in the bass. I wanted the six channel reamp outputs on that kenwood HU to make things easier when I install the two amps to power all this crap. Parts are in the mail. I will hopefully have everything installed in two weeks. Good luck on your head unit hunt.

[phillyfan1138]

I installed the dash kit this morning.

There are a number of things to note:

1. The buttons at the bottom of the kit work and work well. But they are very cheap looking and stick way out of the dash. I wonder if it is possible to switch out the buttons. The entire build quality is acceptable but not great.

2. The secondary screen is placed farther forward by about an inch and a half to 2 inches. This brings it more in line with the double din space below it, and is aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately it leads to the following dilemma: if installing an aftermarket radio, the kit requires you to chop off two little plastic nobs extending down from the secondary screen. Fortunately I am keeping the radio intact.

3. I have the S, and the opening on the dash intended for the secondary screen is intended for the larger SE and up screens. It doesn't look horrible, but its not perfect.

Since I am adding a tablet to the existing radio solution, I was worried that when turning off the car the radio would require being turned on again. Since there are no controls on the dash kit for the radio this would be a huge issue. Fortunately it works perfectly. Upon turning on the car the radio turns on and accepts the last input (in my case the auxiliary input.)

Its unfortunate that this is the only dash kit around. It would be fine if it cost 20 dollars, but nothing really justifies the current price. The cheap buttons really detract from the look of the car. On the other hand, it fits well and looks OEM...albeit an OEM with questionable designs for their buttons.

Once the tablet comes and everything gets put together I will take some pictures.

[unida767]

Originally Posted by phillyfan1138

Once the tablet comes and everything gets put together I will take some pictures.

Looking forward to pics - thanks for the details

[kjl2012]

Originally Posted by phillyfan1138

I installed the dash kit this morning.

There are a number of things to note:

1. The buttons at the bottom of the kit work and work well. But they are very cheap looking and stick way out of the dash. I wonder if it is possible to switch out the buttons. The entire build quality is acceptable but not great.

2. The secondary screen is placed farther forward by about an inch and a half to 2 inches. This brings it more in line with the double din space below it, and is aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately it leads to the following dilemma: if installing an aftermarket radio, the kit requires you to chop off two little plastic nobs extending down from the secondary screen. Fortunately I am keeping the radio intact.

3. I have the S, and the opening on the dash intended for the secondary screen is intended for the larger SE and up screens. It doesn't look horrible, but its not perfect.

Since I am adding a tablet to the existing radio solution, I was worried that when turning off the car the radio would require being turned on again. Since there are no controls on the dash kit for the radio this would be a huge issue. Fortunately it works perfectly. Upon turning on the car the radio turns on and accepts the last input (in my case the auxiliary input.)

Its unfortunate that this is the only dash kit around. It would be fine if it cost 20 dollars, but nothing really justifies the current price. The cheap buttons really detract from the look of the car. On the other hand, it fits well and looks OEM...albeit an OEM with questionable designs for their buttons.

Once the tablet comes and everything gets put together I will take some pictures.

And the button lights stay on for 2 minutes after the door is closed but it dose work good.

[AeR0_84]

any pics yet?