Hey thanks actually installled it last night. I encountered the same metal bracket you did, but mine was made of hardened plastic. I used a drill and handsaw to cut just enough for my unit to fit in the dash, and I had to trim the black subdash the radio sits in. All in all looks great, I have to go back into the dash Friday when I install my subwoofers and amps, Ill do a little more trimming to get it perfect. Im ordering the Metra dash kit to close the small gaps on the sides, and Im going to cover them with tan felt beforehand to make it blend with the dash and really look factory. But I couldnt be happier great unit, great truck. Install was a piece of cake... Installing 2 Kicker 12" CompVR subs and KickerZX amplifer Friday...