Alternatives to Metra for Double DIN fit
 

I cannot believe that I've spent more than an hour searching without finding someone who has posed or answered these questions, so at the risk of being made to look a fool for not finding them:

• The Metra kit can be used to replace the BOSE head unit with a single or double DIN. However, all the people that I know using one say the controls are slow. Also, getting just the panel would save a few dollars.
• How easy is it remove all the unnecessary structure of the BOSE head unit (say, all except the circuit boards, sockets and plate mounting the 3 dials) and fit it behind the dash?
• How easy is it to remove & wire-up the controls for, eg, the outside temperature and clock?

If there's nothing to answer this then I'll take my HU apart to see how easy this is to do and post my findings here.

With no answers to the question I took a head unit apart.

The answer is that there is a lot of work involved because the 2 main circuit boards join at right angles and appear to process the signals from the 2 outer air con dials. The connectors at the joins have 28 pins, the same number as the connectors to the 2 dials. I can't find connectors on the internet to match those at the join, so it looks as if I'd have to somehow solder in 28 flying leads, a task too long and risky for me.

As luck would have it, I've now found a shop that will sell me a Metra/Connects2 kit for $110 more than the fascia alone compared to the $250 on eBay that I was first looking at here in the UK.

I've tried to find an accurate wiring diagram for the auto air con/climate control and BOSE set up to see if the routing through the BOSE actually do something important or just control the lighting on the switches and/or the display output. After all, why would anyone in their right mind want to complicate an audio head unit with air con functions? However, I'm having no luck with finding those diagrams.

Unfortunately I can't easily do a simple test by disconnecting the air con control unit leads to the BOSE and putting the BOSE back as I've got too many earthing points and engine systems disconnected. Maybe I can park this issue until I've got the engine bay sorted. . . . .