Radio That Isn't Pimped Out?

[Mike Ellis]

My 2nd Gen AM/FM/cassette player gave up the ghost a while back and is now beyond repair due to certain, uh, tempermental occurrences while trying to get a stuck tape out.



Went to the electronic stores looking for a replacement, and wow what a bunch of ugly, gimmicky looking crap - pseudo 3D button, bright pimp lighting, argggh. I'd be ashamed to have one of those in my nice clean truck.



Does ANYBODY make a non-pimpy radio or am I gonna have to hunt down a factory replacement?

 

[DIESELMAN]

Mike - I have a new (6 mos. when pulled) radio, AM/FM/Cassette from a '98, want it??

 

[tpuig]

Take a peek at

http://www.crutchfield.com/



They carry tons of electronics, and are very helpful with install info. Even if you don't buy from them, you can see a lot on the website... Hope this helps.

TP

 

[SRadke]

I think I still have the stock radio from my 96... if I can find it? I'd be more than willing to give it to you.

-Scott

 

[Mike Ellis]

Thanks Guys!



SRadke and Dieselman: Are '96 or '98 dash opening same as a '97 so it would fit in the same hole? My system is non-Infinity so I don't have the extra speakers, it was just the AM/FM/tape setup. Actually was a very good radio system right up to the end.

 

[jzaremski]

Are '96 or '98 dash opening same as a '97 so it would fit in the same hole?

Yes. Chrysler used pretty much the same mounting and connectors from '74 to '98.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by Mike Ellis

Thanks Guys!



SRadke and Dieselman: Are '96 or '98 dash opening same as a '97 so it would fit in the same hole?

I'm not sure about that. I don't believe a 98 with work with a 97. That's the year that they changed the interior.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Wow, I thought I was the only one that didn't like all that gimmicky looking crap. I feel better now!

 

[barkerdl]

Bought a nice Pioneer from Ultimate Electronics. Has green control buttons and most of the face indicators are green. Almost matches the lighting scheme of the truck.



Good luck!

 

[jzaremski]

I'm not sure about that. I don't believe a 98 with work with a 97. That's the year that they changed the interior.

They both use the non-flush, square "two-ear" style radio. My 2000 still had the same style radio. Ram didn't get the new-style rounded "flush-face" radio until 2003.

 

[Dsul]

Mike, I'm not sure how "pimpy" you want to be, but Crutchfield has a cassette/CD combo in a not-too-flashy package. Here is a link to it. It's about the least instrusive look I know of. Also, if you look at a place like Walmart, their product lines may have older, less flashy models. What you see at specialty shops or Crutchfield is generally some of the more up-to-date equipment. Happy shopping, andy

 

[SRadke]

The radio from my 96 was identical (from the front) to the 97's. It is the basic AM\FM cassette that came with the SLT package.

-Scott

 

[DIESELMAN]

What year did the auto dash washer and thirst buster vision blocker go away??

 

[MMeier]

98 if i'm not mistaken!!

 

[DIESELMAN]

I bought my '98 for the Quad Cab doors, I just didn't remember if the dash also changed that year. Seems like a long time ago, I just am not sure if the radio fits the 'older' dash.

 

[BarryG]

I had a 96 and now an 01. They are both the same size, Din and a half. The pioneer unit I had in my 96 slipped right into my 01. As mentioned previously up until 03 they used the offset double ear mounting in the 1. 5 din size.

 

[Hohn]

NO kidding. All this crap from the Ricers means radios and CD players are long on eye candy, short on function.



Going to a major stereo place is a serious disappointment to me. They only seem to carry crap.



I figure reproducing the pure excellence of my Definitive Technology home speakers in the CTD is almost a lost cause. I would have to gut the interior and SERIOUSLY soundproof, THEN install a bunch of wiring and filtering to the power supplies before I could even think abou thte meaty stuff. Then you would have to install a JL Audio sub box (in place of the center section on QC trucks), Some JL, Eclipse, Quart, or Polk components, and some really clean amps.



I would also have the hassle of kickpanel pods in a stickshift. Just a matter of time until my clumsy clutch foot bashes in a driver or two. .



Spending more than 5 minutes in Best Buy or Circuit City makes me want to put a hige wing on my truck, drop it down, and install neon all around.



HOHN

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I may get flamed for this....

Crutchfield is a good site to browse and find what you want. Nice selection and they give lots of info about the product.



Then surf the web and most times you can beat Crutchfields price by 50%. Crutchfield has Top Notch tech support and customer service but they are VERY pricey. A co-worker of mine said they are not pricey but "outrageous".

 

[L_Rutigliano]

Mike Eliis:



I have a barely used radio/cassette out of a '01. Its yours free if you want. You pay for shipping.



Louis.

 

[Hammer]

"Spending more than 5 minutes in Best Buy or Circuit City makes me want to put a hige wing on my truck, drop it down, and install neon all around. "..... . Photo of this would be priceless,LOL.



Bill. .

I agree on the Crutchfield pricing deal. There are alot of other sources available to buy them and have comparable Customer service.



I myself am in a radio dilemma and still haven't decided what to do. I don't like the look of the standard size radio and its make it fit look kits. The din and a half sized radios are option limited and double dins are great if you want to hack up the dash. I just for now got a used factory cd/cassette till I find a setup that suits. Its a shame these big manufactorers have gone from easy to use,good quality sounding equipment to "BIG PIMPIN" radios which look like crap and hypnotize you at night and/or blind you.



Oh well guess its contact Hohn for the neon/wing install for now. ... . Andy



BTW. . The radios are all interchangable from 94 to 2002. Heck,they will fit MOST all DC built vechicles in those years and some even before. Although you may need a harness or plug for some of the older vechicles to make it work.