Installing an aftermarket radio

LordLeverette · 02-27-2008

I've heard that I have to buy a special kit or buy new speakers to put a new radio in my 1991 LX. Is any of this true?

Butcher · 02-27-2008

Yeah you have to buy a vehicle wiring harness and a in-dash installation kit, but you can keep the stock speakers (I'd recommend replacing them with new ones but it depends how good you want your system to sound). You only have to replace the vehicle wiring harness if your car has a stock stereo or a tape player. Also you will need to connect the new stereo wires to the vehicle wiring harness (they are all color coded and most stereos come with detailed instructions). You should be able to find the vehicle wiring harness and in-dash kit at most local stereo stores (maybe even walmart).

05Musclestang · 02-28-2008

I just put a new head unit in my car. I got a kit from xplod so I would have a cd player and then I could plug my ipod into it as well. I didn't put the new speakers in because the ones in the kit didn't fit so you don't need to install new ones if you don't want to, I still have my old ones in. But you will need a install kit and then I bought a few wire connectors so I wouldn't have to cut any wires. And now my stereo sounds pretty good.

krk105 · 02-29-2008

Technically you don't if you know how to figure out what wires do what. But an aftermarket radio wire harness kit and a dash mount kit are well worth the money and make the job a lot easier and more professional looking. Look on e-bay for great deals. Thats were I got both of mine for like around $10 a piece.

Regarding the new speakers, an aftermarket radio will generally put out more wattage (power) to the speakers, and this could easily "blow out" or burn out the factory speakers that are not rated to handle the higher wattage out put of the new radio.

Blue Notch · 02-29-2008

Go to Crutchfield.com. I think they give you all the supplies free.
Find Car Audio/Video Gear that Fits Your Vehicle at Crutchfield!

stang_racer420 · 03-03-2008

you can get the wire harness at walmart that is were i got mine and if you do it right the cd player should just slid in place of youre stock unit after connecting the wire harness and the antenne that is how i done mine and it looks professinal!!