Aftermarket CD Player/Radio

[Sparky73]

Searched the forums and couldn't come up with much. I would like to know of any new CD/Mp3/Radio's that will fit inside the opening for the radio (after being cut of course) that does not over hang that bottom lip like most I see..

Also.. how do all the "new age" wires hook up to the old wiring harness. Not including speaker wires.. there are like 8 wires compared to.. 3? in the original radio.

Any help appreciated!

[jvandyke]

I put in a dirt cheap Sony, the cheapest one that had an mp3 input. Fits fine (was hacked a bit by PO) but doesn't overhang. Works great, sounds good (that's a function of speaker choice and set up more then the head I understand). I've got a Belkin iPod holder/FM transmitter (don't use the FM transmitter, they stink, thus the mp3 input) just use it to hold and charge the iPod, has worked great aside from limiting access to the wiper rocker and heater fan rocker. Hook up is easy. I've still got my kick panel speakers in sewer pipe enclosures too, but they don't sound worth a crap, need crossovers or something probably.

[newman27]

I know you said you don't want one that hangs over the lower lip, but I found that hard to do. When I bought my unit (see photo of it installed) I measured the outside dimensions of several I was considering (took a ruler to Best Buy) and they were all about the same height (with outside bezel included).

Matt

[ungermm]

I also found the trim plate that goes around the new radios were a little to large. So I decided not to use it. I just made sure that my cuts to the dash plate were very precise and only a hair bigger than what the radio is. If you go this route, use the radio trim to make a cardboard template and then use the cardboard template on your dash. Error on the side of too small and then sand or file the opening to make it bigger. Another thing I did was to fabricate "L" brackets for the support of the radio and to hold it in position. I attached the brackets on each side of the radio and the shelf above the triple toggle switches. I also added a long bracket from the rear of the radio to one of the posts behind the dash plate.

As for the wires, the new radios are usually 4 speaker variety. So that would be 4 double wires for the speakers. Then there is a black ground wire that you can hook to the body or any of the brown wires behind the dash. There is a yellow wire that needs constant 12 volt input so the channels and time memory is stored. You can attach this to the red wire behind the clock. There is also the red wire from the new radio that needs power when the ignition is turned on. You can attach this wire to the black wire from the end of the cigarette lighter. The antenna wire doesn't need connecting unless you have a power antenna. That should do it for most cases. Jerry

[gr_diver]

Most new head-units also have an "illumination" lead. This is handy, since, when connected, the faceplate gets illuminated when turning the headlights on, even if the unit is off. Very useful, you can find the On/Off button at night with just a glance...

Just connect it to any cable that gets power from the indicator lights (the small ones). It does not draw current, it is just a signal for the head-unit's own illumination circuit. In my Ascona the fuse-panel has such a terminal, but when I was less experienced I had connected it to the output of the headlight switch (spliced it with the cable that sends power to the indicators). Worked flawlessly both ways... You can also use the illumination cables of the clock, the ashtray, the glove-box, whatever is easy...

[VT_GT]

Like most have said, I think any modern radio trim plate will overhang slightly. Two weeks ago I did the stereo in mine (one benefit to working at Best Buy I guess), and went with a good Pioneer deck, two Infinity Reference 6.5" in the rear, and a Sirius satellite setup. The system is awesome, and doesn't look too out of place. The Pioneer decks have a great Ipod interface btw, so you can tuck the Ipod out of the way and the deck will control all functions and charge it with just a single cable. For wiring, I ran the constant 12v lead off the ammeter, the illumination wire to an empty spade connector controlling the dash lights, and the accessory to the cigarette lighter (I believe, I'd have to check the wiring diagram to make sure). All of the speaker/amp/Sirius wires I ran down the center console rather than down the rockers... shorter distance and a cleaner look behind the dash.

[jvandyke]

Here's my cheap Sony. Doesn't overhang the lower lip but opening needs cutting from the stock set up of course.

[Opelupogus]

I chose an older Alpine head unit and used a universal stereo installation kit (Best Buy) to install - but unfortunately it overlapped the bottom lip of the stereo opening. I chose to cut out part of the bottom lip and use a polyester resin to re-form the stereo opening giving it the appearance of being flush. After everything was sanded and smoothed out - I repainted the dashboard with Duplicolor Vinyl and Fabric paint.

[Polker]

After looking for a while, I bought a Kenwood ez500 head unit. I wanted modern features with a retro look. I have yet to install it so the jury is out on performance. You can get them on ebay once in a while.

[Polker]

I finally got it in and I like it alot. I had a devil of a time getting it to go (my fault). If a stereo does not produce sound once hooked up properly, check that each speaker is not shorting out. Disconnect all adn run it through a test speaker. Then go back through each one and see if it plays to that particular one. This advice would have saved me hours!

Overall I love the look and function.

[jmbinjax]

Can you post a photo. I went to Kenwood's website but couldn't fine an EZ500 model.

[kwilford]

Can you post a photo. I went to Kenwood's website but couldn't fine an EZ500 model.

http://www.opelgt.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/13756

[jvandyke]

Here's my cheap Sony. Doesn't overhang the lower lip but opening needs cutting from the stock set up of course.

Mine does overhang a bit too, sorry. Doesn't quite fit into the recessed area like the rest.