Question about in dash cd receivers...

[yobarman]

I got a bust ass 1990 Chevy Lumina and I can't stand the radio...is it possible (read easy enough for me to do it) to get a regular size to fit in the dash? all of the oversize ones i can find are over $300 and i dont have that kind of money haha...so has anyone fit a regular size reciever into one of those oafy GM dashes?

 

[OS]

GM stereos aren't cheap to replace. It costed me an extra 50 dollars in install parts over the cost of the head unit. You'll need a fit/mounting kit (~$15-20), antenna adapter (~$10) and a wiring harness (~$15-20). Hint; buy whatever install parts you can at autozone/pepboys and buy only what you can't get anywhere else at BB/CC/GG. The first two stores tend to sell the parts cheaper than retail electronics stores.

 

[yobarman]

i was thinking of getting something at crutchfield...i didnt see any kits though to fit standard recievers into oafy GM dashes.

Was it relatively easy to install on your car?

 

[Pepsi90919]

BS. i installed a 'normal' size unit in my bonneville with no problems. the mounting kit and harness were readily available at canadian tire. the bezel included covered up the extra space. i didn't need this 'antenna adapter' you speak of either.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: yobarman
i was thinking of getting something at crutchfield...i didnt see any kits though to fit standard recievers into oafy GM dashes.

Was it relatively easy to install on your car?

If you specify the car the head unit is going into, I've heard CF provides the mounting kit you need. I heard they also give you the wiring harness, but I've never personally bought something from them.

Go to the library or your autozone/pepboys and browse through a service manual for your car. It'll show you how to remove/replace your stereo for your particular car.

In general, it shouldn't be hard if the install kits are well made. For my particular car however, the kit didn't fit right and I had to cut up the one piece plastic kit, shift stuff around and then used epoxy to glue it back together.

Wiring is easy if you get a harness, just match the colors, splice and use crimp tubes/crimp tool. Don't just slap a piece of electrical tape over the splice because it'll eventually come off.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
BS. i installed a 'normal' size unit in my bonneville with no problems. the mounting kit and harness were readily available at canadian tire. the bezel included covered up the extra space. i didn't need this 'antenna adapter' you speak of either.

Depends on the car, but supposedly most GM cars need an antenna adapter. Mine needed one.

err, ed, I just noticed you live in Canada. That might be why you don't need the adapter. Freaks.

 

[bmacd]

kmart/walmart/murrays/pepboys/autozone all readily stock ALL the things you're going to need (as previously posted): 1) dash kit (probably with a hideous pocket) 2) GM antenna adapter 3) wiring harness. The brand i'm thinking of has a purple packaging and is sold everywhere. The dash kit goes for $20 (or less), the adapter goes for >$15, and the wiring harness sells for >$10.

-=bmacd=-

 

[yobarman]

alright then, thanks for the help, im gonna have to check this stuff out soon.

 

[deerslayer]

Wal mart has had the harness and antenna adapter packaged together lately and you can get the kit there too. I don't know how crutchfield is on dash kits but their other stuff is overpriced, you can find it cheaper on e-bay.

Pioneer DEH-P77DH

Pioneer DEH-P47DH

You can find other stuff on that site, those are just the two gm fit receivers i can think of right now.

 

[cchen]

I recommend buying from Sound Domain. I got my wiring harness and dash kit for like 12 bucks total from them.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

I don't know how crutchfield is on dash kits but their other stuff is overpriced,

Not really, when you consider everything...

Crutchfield has great service and is known for their dependability. They have high prices, but they are certified retailers for all the brands they sell. eBay sellers are not generally certified by the good car-audo makers, so you are losing out on the manufacturer warranty. Also, sometimes eBayers lie and say the item is new when it is in fact refurbished.

These may seem like weak arguements to many here, but there are plenty of people that could use a store like Crutchfield. That said, I'm cheap and will always go for the better. Certified or not... if the price is right, it's for me!