I just added a new CarPlay stereo to my 2006 Impreza 2.5i. It works great, but I had to push it back a little since it doesn’t quite fit the trim. I want to trim down about 1mm of plastic around the edge so it sits flush. Has anyone done this? What tool works better — sandpaper or a Dremel?
Not really related but I miss my 2008 Impreza Outback so much… this photo hit me in the heart.
Aldrin said:
Not really related but I miss my 2008 Impreza Outback so much… this photo hit me in the heart.
I love how simple these cars are.
Aldrin said:
Not really related but I miss my 2008 Impreza Outback so much… this photo hit me in the heart.
I had an 07. It was my first of four Subarus and still my favorite.
Aldrin said:
Not really related but I miss my 2008 Impreza Outback so much… this photo hit me in the heart.
I adore my 03 blobby one.
Aldrin said:
Not really related but I miss my 2008 Impreza Outback so much… this photo hit me in the heart.
I have an 08 too… your pic makes me wish they kept the din above the vents. In mine the vents are under the stereo, and since I’m tall, they’re angled too low. Plus the sun hits the screen all the time.
If you want clean lines, use a hand file or sanding block. If that doesn’t matter to you, go with a Dremel.
Macon said:
If you want clean lines, use a hand file or sanding block. If that doesn’t matter to you, go with a Dremel.
Yeah, Dremel would be faster but makes me nervous. It’s easy to mess it up and get uneven cuts.
@Carter_Woods
Just here to say I agree — skip the Dremel if you want it to look neat and straight.
@Finian
It’s not the exact part, but I see what you mean. I like the clean look of trimming the original piece though… not a big fan of adding a black frame.
Carter_Woods said:
@Finian
It’s not the exact part, but I see what you mean. I like the clean look of trimming the original piece though… not a big fan of adding a black frame.
The trim piece usually goes behind the dash and fills the gap from the inside. If you still want to use the Dremel, use a guide or something straight to help you. Otherwise it’s way too easy to slip. And yeah, call that support line and ask why one wasn’t included with yours.
Look into a JDM stereo bezel. Those fit standard double DIN sizes unlike the ones in the US. I used one in my 2011 STI for a CarPlay upgrade — looks clean and needed no gaps or adapters.
Smart said:
Look into a JDM stereo bezel. Those fit standard double DIN sizes unlike the ones in the US. I used one in my 2011 STI for a CarPlay upgrade — looks clean and needed no gaps or adapters.
I looked around but didn’t see what you meant. If you get a chance, could you send a link?
@Carter_Woods
Yeah it’s pretty tricky to track one down. If trimming is your plan, I’d avoid the Dremel — it can easily gouge the plastic. A wood block with sandpaper helps you keep the shape and edges straight. Since it’s just a tiny bit, sanding shouldn’t take long.
I’d leave it as is. Sure, you could trim it, but once you cut it, you can’t undo it. From the pictures it looks fine honestly.
What about CNC, laser cutting, or high-pressure water?
Just leave it… it’s good enough as it is.
Leave it alone — I think it looks great and messing with it might make things worse.
Man I miss older cars and double DIN stereos 
This looks really clean. I’d leave it the way it is.