Aftermarket Stereo... anyone install one?

[roperteacher]

I have an 04. 5 CTD. Was thinking of having an after market stereo installed. Has anyone had this done? Did it turn out OK. . I don't want an electrical nightmare! I think my new stock system is trying to die on me... Dealer said they would have to pull it, send it in to DC, fix it, return it, re-install. What a hassle. Said it could take a few WEEKS... If this stereo dies, I would like to have a new one put in, but wanted to make sure everything would be OK... Thanks!

 

[RBratby]

everything would be fine. i used to install stereos and they make harnesses for everything now. you would not have to cut anything, just but the harnesses and put it together. as for the size radio and the spot for it in the dash they also make install kits to put a small radio in a big hole and it does not look bad. hope this helps.

 

[dzldpatriot]

Ditto on what RBratby said... . harness, no cutting of wires, etc. I have had very good luck with Crutchfield in both auto stereo's and the wire harness' they supplied. They seem pretty squared away, you may want to see what the have available for you.

 

[CStewart]

I bought my pioneer from Crutchfield and think its great, sounds better then factory and no problems in two years. Pretty simple install with the harness they have to mate it with as long as your set up to solder and shrink wrap wires.

 

[SOLER]

If all you're doing is the stereo head unit, then piece of cake. Crutchfield is great. They aren't the cheapest, asa you can find stuff for less if you shop around. But they have a great selection. They are almost always right on when it comes to what will fit and what won't. They miss the mark occasionally, as nobody's perfect. But their customer service is incredible. Plus, you will need the wiring harness adapters, as well as an enclosure for the new unit to fit in and fill up the extra space in the dash. This stuff, with very few exceptions, is free at Crutchfield when you buy a new unit from them.



They also send great instructions for how to remove your dash trim, as well as removal of the actual stereo. Install instructions are easy to follow, too.



So, go ahead. It's not hard. And an aftermarket unit will sound lots better. The only time you can't get much improvement is if you start with a Mercedez or Porsche or something that starts out with a high-end unit in the first place.



Now, if you're getting into speakers and other stuff, that's more involved. Lots of room for improvement there, even if you have the so-called Infinity system.



Hope this helps



SOLER

 

[Rineholio]

OK, so lets hear about speakers. I have an 03 and my speakers suck. I want to hear from you audiophiles! I was thinking my biggest improvement might come from just replacing the speakers.

 

[rfoust]

I just replaced all of my stock speakers with aftermarket Infinities and it was a huge improvement. Haven't replaced the head unit yet but it is next. The stock 6X9's in the front doors are a joke as are the 5 1/4's in the rear. I got the Infinities because I thought they sounded the best in the price range----good mid range and excellent highs. I will be putting 1 or 2 subs in the rear somewhere when the new head unit comes in.



Anybody have any recommendations for a good quality head unit without all of the flashy images and mini movies constantly going and driving you crazy?? Something plain that provides good amplification to the speakers and an amp on/off.

 

[nieters]

you can't go wrong with alpine.

chad nieters

 

[Rineholio]

A friend of mine has an Alpine head in her truck and it rocks. I'd be completely satisfied if my stereo sounded like her's. I can't remember what speakers she has.

 

[SVazquez]

I have an Alpine head unit in my truck. I think it works great. Another excellent head unit is any of the Pioneer's. They have all the mosfet stuff, RCA jacks and are bulletproof.

 

[jkalchik]

Funny this subject should come up...



I bought an Alpine 9813 MP3 head unit for my Jeep a year ago. Great unit, and runs nicely at very off angles.



I bought a 99 QC SB this weekend, and the stock head unit has to go. As the Jeep is becoming a trailer queen (doesn't need a stereo), I'm going to swap the Alpine into the CTD. The shop where I bought the Alpine a year ago has the wiring harness and the mount adapters in stock. Now, all I have to do is to A: get 20 amps from the battery to the head unit and B: figure out how to take the plastic trim off the dash.