1st gen radio

[pausma]

I have a 91 D350 and am looking to buy an aftermarket radio. I've been looking at kenwoods and was wondering if anyone has had good/bad experiences with aftermarket radios in their 1st gens and what tends to be a popular brand/model radio in these trucks.

 

[JLEONARD]

I had a Blaupunkt in mine. It fit perfect with an adapter kit from Crutchfield.

 

[peobryant]

I'd like to put an aftermarket radio in mine as well but my only problem is finding one that looks decent. I can't stand the one in my Subaru (it was already installed when I bought the car) because it is way too flashy and having seen some in 1st Gens they just look way out of place. I'd love to find an aftermarket radio that looked like a stock unit from the period but sounded better. I'll need speakers too, I'm sure.

 

[NJTman]

I have a 91 D350 and am looking to buy an aftermarket radio. I've been looking at kenwoods and was wondering if anyone has had good/bad experiences with aftermarket radios in their 1st gens and what tends to be a popular brand/model radio in these trucks.

Can't say much, as I've only had Sony radio's ... .





1. Don't buy an "HD" radio unless you sit in one spot for most of the time. My HD radio (sony) is constantly disappearing while traveling, as one minute the signal is there, and one minute it's gone... and then it's back again. HD radio is AWESOME, but not in a moving vehicle, from what I've experienced.





2. Make sure you read reviews on the stereo's, as I didn't read them all, and my Sony's daytime readability is terrible. You can't see the letters / numbers in bright sunlight, as the font is small and light grey to white. I guess it works if you like using presets.



3. get one with a remote... . you'll never use the radio knobs again... . I velcro'd mine to the center console, and I don't even have to look down (good while driving):-laf to change channels or surf.

 

[HHhuntitall]

For factory appearance, go to the boneyard and find a good used one, such as out of a car. Most anything up to about 2001 from Chrysler cars, vans, and of course, trucks, will fit and plug in just fine. Certain cars will have rounded edges, so watch the front face for the contour... It will still work fine.



Otherwise, I'd go to someplace you can look at the faces to see what you want. There are a LOT of choices... . I've had good service from Alpine, Kenwood, JL audio, Pioneer, and Sony. I don't like the Sony as it beeps at you every time you shut the key off... . Makes me want to rip it out and throw it over the fence when I'm hunting... . The Kenwoods and Alpine's seem to be the clearest at volume, but surprisingly, the Pioneers have given me the best overall longetivity for service. I've had some over ten years, with no more than a few glitches, usually from the detachable face losing contact from the rear contacts. A little polishing and they go back to work.



Clarion Corp. is probably the best I've used as far as distortion and sound, but it's not cheap, either. I'd also bet they don't make anything that looks simple enough for your tastes... ...

 

[DVolk]

The install kits they sell at walmart and the connection kit works well with no issues and ive had all brands of radios
So i think its a personal preference .

Has any one tried those on star conversion kits ? I liked the idea of the cell phone feature part of it also has any bought or tried the New cobra cb that has the voice and text conversion system that links with your cell phone ?

 

[NJTman]

The install kits they sell at walmart and the connection kit works well with no issues and ive had all brands of radios

So i think its a personal preference .



Has any one tried those on star conversion kits ? I liked the idea of the cell phone feature part of it also has any bought or tried the New cobra cb that has the voice and text conversion system that links with your cell phone ?

Not sure of exactly what you're describing, but I can tell you that I have a front "aux input" jack on the sony unit in my truck. A simple double donger wire leads from the unit to my smart phone. WIth google Play I have about a thousand songs at my fingertips, and basically never have to listen to another CD or radio station again.





A must have is a front facing input to connect to your smarty pants phone.....

 

[HHhuntitall]

The front jack is nice, but I prefer a rear port, and then you can run the cable somewhere less obtrusive, like in the center console, where it can be hid... . or find a docking station that will work with it and then be plugged in, hard mounted somewhere easily reached... . JMO

 

[NJTman]

The front jack is nice, but I prefer a rear port, and then you can run the cable somewhere less obtrusive, like in the center console, where it can be hid... . or find a docking station that will work with it and then be plugged in, hard mounted somewhere easily reached... . JMO

Yup... . that would be the most ideal situation, and I agree with your JMO... . :-laf I just was thinking the least expensive and time consuming route. .

 

[jclark5810]

I went with Kenwood on mine, but my biggest concern was being able to color match the interior lights. Some may not notice it, but it bothers me if my dash isn't all green. I put some infinity's in the doors and an amp behind the seat. Was a really good combo.

 

[pausma]

I went with a kenwood and am very happy with it. I also have two used pionnier 3x5's that I plan to put in the doors. I plan on replacing the rear 4x10's with two new 6x9's, has anyone done this? I also plan on putting 2 subs either under or behind the seat.

 

[RSchwarzli]

I will post food for thought for others that may search or see this subject. Glad you got your sorted out!

Well, let me ask differently. What are you trying to accominpish?

Are you wanting radio, or the use of an ipod/ipad/iphone?
Do you still require a CD player?
SD card person?
You wanting to drive multiple speakers/subs?
Looking for an aux jack?
What about bluetooth required now for phone use in most states?
Still wanting to hang onto your cassette tapes or 8 tracks? :-laf
Or just asking general for brand?

If just wanting brand, your major ones being Sony, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, etc will all be decent as they all pretty much use the same parts now. LOL There is not much to them minus the layout of the face plate.

For me, I hate aftermarket radio systems. Looks too ricey/import car. But I do like the features. I went with a Bluetooth one last week (long drive to Cummins. ) that also has a USB port to charge the phone, CD player, adjustable screen color (so it matches my gauges now. ) and an Aux jack. Its a 4100 Sony and its the closest I could find that looked stock and had all the features. Also it was $140 (likely less in the US) so price I thought was reasonable given the content. It did however prove that the factory speakers should be changed at some point. :-laf

The radio is also compatible with Pandora, all Apple products, Sirius/XM, etc. Had a list of about 15 things it worked with.

#ad

 

[HHhuntitall]

Ironically, I was just looking at that radio a few days ago BSchwarzli..... Sony BT4100P. Cheapest I've found yet is Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-MEX-BT...h_Receivers&hash=item4173b8765e#ht_1760wt_932



It has the compatibility options, with the adapter, to keep your steering wheel controls!! That, the adjustable interior color, the Bluetooth and three amp outlets make it a very nice head unit for the money, IMO. I'm still kinda looking, though. I'd really like to find something that would just plug in and work... ...

 

[pausma]

My main worry was the wiring, but i found the chrysler wiring diagram on istalldr.com and just used wire nuts for all the connecting and it worked great! the only thing I don't like is that you run out of clearance on the back of the radio when you install it. It rubbed against some wire harnesses under the dash.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Ironically, I was just looking at that radio a few days ago BSchwarzli..... Sony BT4100P. Cheapest I've found yet is Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-MEX-BT...h_Receivers&hash=item4173b8765e#ht_1760wt_932

It has the compatibility options, with the adapter, to keep your steering wheel controls!! That, the adjustable interior color, the Bluetooth and three amp outlets make it a very nice head unit for the money, IMO. I'm still kinda looking, though. I'd really like to find something that would just plug in and work... ...

I would just duct tape the remote to the wheel. :-laf

And it does. Minus wiring harness fab. But if you buy a adapter harness it is not that bad.


And wow. A canadian deal that is better! Paid $140 with free shipping from Best Buy Canada!

My main worry was the wiring, but i found the chrysler wiring diagram on istalldr.com and just used wire nuts for all the connecting and it worked great! the only thing I don't like is that you run out of clearance on the back of the radio when you install it. It rubbed against some wire harnesses under the dash.

Yes, I found mine tight as well. Was not pleased with that part but.....

 

[pausma]

Does anyone know how to disable the buzzer that goes off when you open the door?

 

[HHhuntitall]

I'll presume you mean on the first gen truck... ... It's a simple box buzzer, and if you unplug it, it will stop... You can ram an icepick through it, too. I usually just unplug it and throw it in the glovebox... . Open the door, and follow the sound to find it. It's up next to the steering column under the dash.



On the '01, you will lose your intermittent wiper module if you unplug it, so it has to be disabled by cutting the wire that feeds from the door switch.