What are the "sources" you are looking to use?
CD? Navigation?
Just stream audio via Bluetooth or thumb drive?
If you are dead set on a double din, maybe you can get the dash kit, modify it by removing the air vents and sliding the head unit up enough so you don't have to cut the dash. Have to figure out how to shuffle the air vents around, maybe some kind of custom grills from the aftermarket that are thinner.
This is something I'm considering doing, but feel free to go first!!!! Lol
Just Spotify from my phone. Yeah I am dead set on a double din.
I called Crutchfield and the tech I talked to seemed pretty knowledgeable and suggested something similar to what you stated. In short, he had some trepidation about the Alpine floating screen models not being a direct drop in due to mounting depth and would probably require some modding. Albeit something inside the dash that wouldn’t be seen.
What he felt was my best option (based on my strict no dash cutting criteria) was the Sony XAV lineup because they place the chasis at the “upper half”. Thus once installed it wouldn’t infere with the AC vents. However, he noted a couple things to consider. First, currently there is no single din kit specifically for this install. However he did believe the single din kit I currently have for my Blazer could itself be modified to work. Second, the screen isn’t adjustable, so once installed the screen will be wherever it lands.
I am going to think about it a little more, but I think the Sony will work. I dont mind so much if the screen isn’t exactly perfect in terms of location/viewing angle. If I can modify the install kit and make it plug and play, Im game!