Not sure if this is something new Metra came out with or if we have just been overlooking it...

Everyone says the 7605 Metra kit is a bad match for the aluminum trim in our 05-07's because it is painted silver. I did not want to wait on a DD kit to put my new radio in so looking at Metra's site I saw they had a 7605A kit. It described it as a "water etched aluminum" look like the factory...Here are some pictures comparing the two. It is a MUCH better match than the normal silver 7605 kit (not perfect, but good enough until the JDM kits get back into stock). I got qualitymobilevideo.com to order it strait from Metra and had it on my door in three days. Without the flash you almost cannot tell the difference...

 

Thanks for the information... Now if only they'd do something about those buttons.

And this information definitely will be added to the DDin FAQ.

About the gap down at the bottom, it looks like you might have shoved too much down the side trim for the center console.

 

+1 on the buttons

 

I actually had to file away at the bottom of the Metra kit for the bottom oem piece to fit correctly. Fits much better now :]

 

I agree about the buttons... SO frustrated! I called Crutchfield who called Metra for me and apparently there is a version with black buttons that is older but the only one Crutchfield has is the grey button one.

 

They've gotta know people talk crap about the buttons. Bet they'd sell quite a few if they could get even 90% of the JDM quality (looks wise).

 

I guess with the JDM kits on back order everywhere there is zero incentive for metra to step it up. Sucks for me.

 

That finish does match better, but the buttons are ruining it for me. I have the OEM nav so i have buttons above where those would be and they wouldn't match at all!

 

Has anyone ever tried to put the OEM buttons on a metra AC controller? Are they the same size?

 

Those grey buttons suck. But it is what it is.

 

I orderd the regular metra and took the ugly silver paint off and left it black. looked perfect.

 

Nobody's been successful - yet, but I haven't tried - yet.

They're different style buttons, roughly the same size, but JOKER from this board is planning to send me a metra board to try and modify to use the factory buttons. Everything looks fairly straightforward except for the rotary temperature ****. A modified hold-the-**** to the left or right replacement is my backup plan, but with a little bit of work, I think I can keep the rotary **** working.

 

That would be most excellent. That DIY would put the JDM kits out of business. Haha

 

Considering how many people were afraid to de-solder their DUAL button across their OEM and JDM climate controls, I expect only a few DIYers will tackle this one, and the time put in may not be worth saving $150.

Now if the JDM trim kit stays backordered, a few more may be willing to do it.

 

I would do it for sure. I would still like it for the off chance my JDM unit ever goes out. That would suck to have to pay $370 again. Of course I know how to solder and stuff, so its a little less intimidating to me. I can understand someone not wanting to break something.