HELP ! No bracket in the back of the dash for stereo ?

[Uruk Hai]

As above I'm hoping to fit a new stereo in my 91 MK2 tomorow and I've noticed that there's no metal bracket towards the rear of the opening for the radio, I'm guessing that the weight of the unit will be held by the front of the dash with no support at the back ? Could this be a problem and if so does anyone know what can (if anything) be done to rememdy it ? Or can I just go ahead and fit the head unit without problem ? Any help or advice really appreciated as I'm hoping to get it done tomorow, thanks in advance 

[tommk3cab]

are you on about the cage? the metal bit that the unit clips into? if yeah, then it is quiet important as far as stopping the cd skipping goes, if the unit is new it should have the cage clipped to it but if it is missing the cage im guessing its not new! it will be slightly easier to nick too, not that you would know it was missing unless you tried anyway. if its a powerful car it may keep shooting out when you accelerate too. there isnt much you could do, cept rob a cage off another unit, if youve got one, then hope that it fits!

[Uruk Hai]

I have the cage that comes with the head unit, the bit I'm refering to would be behind the radio on the inside of the dash. I'm guessing the rubber stop that screws into the rear of the head unit would press into this bracket as I slid the unit back into the dash, thanks for the fast reply Tom, appreciate it.

[tommk3cab]

oh, naa dont worry about that! i think is some kind of isolation thing, im not quiet sure, one of the manuals for  a head unit i had mentioned it i think, ill have to see if ive still got it, its nothing critical though i know that much.  my renault had an open back bit, as do escorts, fitted stereos in both and never had a problem! and mk2s have too by what you said ive fitted one in my mates, his is still good.

edit: you seem to be right, google thinks it adds extra support too, never had a problem though, just go for it!

[monzablue16v]

It's normally used on 4x4's and such or cars where the fascia doesn't have enough strength to support the weight of the head unit. Remove and put back in the box

[tommk3cab]

would the cage not do that job still? assuming it was fitted properly? not just put in but all the tabs bent, nice and tight!!

[Uruk Hai]

I think it would but I was wondering if it might sag down at the back and trap the heater controls, this is the bit I'm talking bout :-



Should there be a bracket in the area I've marked ?

[percymon]

At soem point in the past there may have been a receptable for the rubber bung/stud you describe - don't worry about it, the cage will provide plenty of support, just make sure you bend at least four of the tabs nice and tight to secure the cage into the aperture 

[Uruk Hai]

Cheers, I was caught in two minds really because on the one hand the bracket was obviously thier for a reason but I'm hoping that the extra space created by the removel of the bracket should make the head unit easier to fit, fingers crossed  . Thanks for all the advice and suggestions, after reading the replys I'm just gonna fit it as it is 

[dubslug]

i replaced mine as i didnt have one and my cd polayed skipped loads, once replaced it has been all good