i put a panasonic CQ-VD6503U 2Din dvd player in my riviera. this is a writeup based on my recollection of what i did.

first, you'll need the dvd player, antenna adapter, 2DIN kit (Scosche GM1590B 1994-UP GM Double ISO DIN Kit), and wiring harnes adapter (Scosche GM03B 1994-UP GM 32-Pin Car Stereo Connector).

next, remove the stock radio

you will have to remove the bottom metal frame thats held on by little fasteners that look sort of like star washers (you'll see what i mean) and some non-structural gray stuff out of the back to make it fit. this might scare some people, but i had no problems getting the stock radio back in and ligned up correctly. then, wire in the harness adapter and plug it into the stock radio plug as well as the antenna adapter. also, at this time, wire in your steering wheel control adapter if you choose to use one. you can either install it the legal way where you have to have the parking brake on, or use a switch to ground it so you can view movies any time (may be different depending on which dvd player you get, but mine was a ground)


next, snap the 2DIN adapter into place on the radio and screw it in (no need to use the cage that the dvd player snaps into). put the dvd player in and use the stock screws to secure. finally, put all the trim pieces back on and enjoy! HTH

Just a heads-up, the dash/head unit is different in '95 models.

Just got my factory deck out. How do aftermarket head units fit? It appears the wiring harness is in the way and wont allow the new deck to slide all the way back. Do I need to cut? Also, Pioneer didn't include any mounting brackets... how do I screw this thing in?

-Jon

Generally you need to purchase an install kit from Walmart or the likes and a harness adapter. As for the wire harness being in the way, I am unsure as I've never installed an aftermarket unit in a Riv

I have the harness, bestbuy said a dash kit is not needed. I'll see if one is available. I still need to know if I have to cut that plastic out behind the deck to get it to fit tho...

when you buy the adapter kit they have a couple of styles get the one that bulges out from the dash . as far as mounting the radio the sleeve fits the adapter and then you bend the tabs on the inside to hold the sleeve and the radio locks into the sleeve . keep the thin metal L shaped tools as well thats how you can release the radio from the sleeve and not remove the whole panel again. while you have it out i had to cut a large portion of the metal on the bracket the radio mounted in. yours may be diffrent from my 95 . keep in mind your going to lose your steering wheel controls for the climate system as well

I got it in. Not bolted in but it doesnt really move. They bypass works flawlessly. I hate the lack of a customizable background pic. However, I seem to have screwed up my climate control unit...the lights behind the buttons dont work anymore... Any ideas?

are they not illuminating or are they not dimming with the dimmer control?

Generally, unless you get the PAC2 steering wheel control unit for aftermarket stereos, your climate control functions won't work as well as the dimming functionality on the temp displya.

Not sure if the OP is still around or not, but if so.. are you sitll able to get FM stereo? I'm looking to get some sort of in-dash screen but I don't want to lose my radio option and I want something not outrageously priced.

This looks so cool. I want to get something like this.

Surrounded by Walnut Burl dash.

Hi Fi buys in Atlanta pointed out an install mounting kit for a 2 DIN unit.

When I swapped out my stock unit for a 1 DIN unit the original installer ran the wires down the side in it made the unit off center and bowed the tray down. After 3 trips back to the original guys I went to BB and they fished the wires around back and it looks good now.

Cruthchfield is compiling data on the install into our Riv's they currently don't have that much because they're volume has not been like other vehicles...like ZZP etc. The more we share with them the more we can all benefit. They generally provide all harness and installation kits with most purchases depending on what you spend on the actual unit they sometimes just include at no extra charge...it's not as cheap as Walmart but they stand behind everything they sell.