Stereo Installation

[Zilverado]

So, once I get the truck rolling again, one of my next projects is going to be installing a new (modern) stereo with cd/mp3 player. What is the best way to do this with a stereo that does not have any knobs.

Sorry, I didn't have time right now to do a search on this topic. But if there is a link to a similar thread, that would be great.

Thanks again.

[pcmcobra]

get out the sawzall or dremel...

[edman87]

Find a bezel from a 88-91 blazer or burban!

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by edman87

Find a bezel from a 88-91 blazer or burban!

I've seen these bezels and I've been wondering if they will work on 73-87 trucks. I have a stock CD player out of a 2001 Silverado I would like to use.

Will the bezel match right up to the 73-87 dash? I know the radio area will need to be modified, but if everything else aligns then it will work.

[Pyrotechnic]

Borrowed a pic from an ebay auction for reference. I can see where they get the extra space from. Looks like it might work?

[tvblazer78]

This is what I am working on now. I had to move it up so the Stereo will fit in the hole. I have to sand it down and paint it.

[AceX]

Mine was cut out with a dremel. Very clean install. Be sure to get an installation kit that will help to cover up the edges around the head unit. I also have a thin sheet of black plastic that is sandwiched between the faceplate and the bezel.

[AceX]

Mine:

[knightlife]

Originally Posted by AceX

Mine:

taking orders for that kind of custom work? lol

[Pyrotechnic]

Is that the plate that comes with most installation kits for these trucks?

Works awesome for 80's dash bezels but not so much for the 70's ones. I did get one of those to work on my 78 but I had to trim it like crazy with a dremel to get it to fit.

[Srubydo1986]

know thats a clean install. By chance can you tell use what stereo company that is (and model number) and does it have a cd play/mp3.

Just looks so clean you'd think you had a 6 disc cd changer in that truck some were.

[Rc 415]

Lol, thats a pioneer Premier 880PRS

[Rc 415]

Costs about 3 bills too

[Srubydo1986]

so not my truck worth but chevelle worthy. But im going nobe in the chevelle cause my ss dash isnt cut up and im not going to cut it.

[Rc 415]

Originally Posted by Srubydo1986

so not my truck worth but chevelle worthy. But im going nobe in the chevelle cause my ss dash isnt cut up and im not going to cut it.

I had a feeling you were going to say somthing like that... heh Good stuff doesnt come cheap these days unfortuantely, My stereo system costs more than my truck at this point, I have 800 into the subs, 2000 into the amp for the subs, 200 into the deck, 300 into the speakers amp, and 200 into the speakers. And thats not counting what I need to put into the charging system

[Srubydo1986]

My truck has two 8 or 10 subs behind my seat an amp mounted between about 1500 watts good enough dont need to go def. Also have the stock speaker in the dash and in the back corners. Plan to replace those but they sound great as they are.

heres a pic of the radio set up.


Radio is a best buy on sale radio for 79.99 has mp3 set so im happy. company is insignia

It good enough for me cause id like to still hear my truck run but still piss people of at a stop light.

[pcmcobra]

Panasonic HU w/ ipod input...got the soundstream amp under the seat...

[BaddBusa2005]

Originally Posted by pcmcobra

Panasonic HU w/ ipod input...got the soundstream amp under the seat...

where are you all getting the plastic to make those plates?

[Rc 415]

They are dash kits, you can get them at stereo places.

[BaddBusa2005]

cool

[Zilverado]

Thanks for all the great ideas and pics guys - I'll look around at the stereo shop tomorrow.

[bodydropped69]

It is called abs plastic. You can get it at stereo shops or at craft stores.

[pcmcobra]

Like they said, it's a kit, like $20...
check ebay or the bigger online car stereo dealers.

[benoit454]

I love speaker kick panels, thoose give freakin GREAT sound!!!!!!

I run a set in my monte carlo, best stereo improvement I ever made!!!!!

I've put a few cd players in theese trucks, most of the time I don't even use a kit, and it turns out micely the cd player itself hides it. I use a jigsaw or hacksaw or dremel to cut the plastic part out, then usually tin snips, or some hand held tool to cut metal, jigsaw, or dremel and cut back into the metal as far back as I need to go, then just bend thoose parts with the holes for the knobs back into the opening. it helps serve as a way to anchor the cd player cage and stiffen the install IMO and help keep theives from stealing it as easy.

[piecesparts]

I have an Alpine CD head unit in my dash, along with an Alpine EQ/Graphic analyzer. They are stacked in the normal radio install area. The 6" speakers and tweets in the pictures are mounted in a pod connected to the factory door panel and the 8" bottom speakers are in hand made pods.