So I just got a 97 F150 from my step dad whom just bought it and when looking at installing my single dim CD player I saw this...how the heck am I going to mount my CD player!!!

 

my bet is its a victim of theft. There is a kit you buy to install them. Might not be as bad as it looks. The kit might just hide all that crap. Talk to an installer.

 

You my friend will need to make custom brackets. :/ or do a double din. Maybe easier to install.

 

I'm going to take a better look in the am, I'll check out some dash kits, maybe I can make one work lol I wish I had the cash for a double dim ( previous owner had one in)

 

Doesnt look like was cut for double din. Looks like someone had no idea how to use the little wire tools to extract factory radio....and broke it out.

You need dash kit regardless for dingle din. Might need to glue it in place though

Or that piece is removeable and get one from junkyard

 

Order a kit from crutchfield. Ask them if what you are ordering will work without that piece, you may be surprised. You can email them the pics.
If needed, junkyard.