Aftermarket Radio Options

[WindsorShatzkin]

I have a line on a 94 GMC 1500, and one of the things I want to change when I get it is the factory radio.

I don't like where the typical aftermarket radios are mounted in the center of the dash. They're hard to reach, and the aftermarket trim looks goofy IMO.

Has anyone ever tried to make an aftermarket radio fit in the factory location in the dash? I think one would look great there, but I don't know how much room there is in that hole.

I know it's probably damn near impossible to get it to fit, but I would like to know if someone was able to, or knew someone who was able to.

Thanks.

[Kudzupatch]

The problem is the lack of depth in the original location. The factory radio is very shallow. However, some of the new ones are not as deep so it is a possibility. You are going to have to have some skills in fabricating though. Once you pull the factory there isn't anything to attach too.

If you put one in the center, look for one with a remote! I have used a couple of JVC's and they have a small remote that I like.

[speedygonzales]

I can't speak for the 94 but my 99 is on it's 3rd aftermarket radio. This one has a 7" pop out screen and plays DVD's and can use back up cameras.

The hardest part was getting all the wires that are attached to the radio (but not used) stuffed into the space behind the radio. My suggestion is to cut off the ones you don't need IF it's too hard to get into place.

Also, several sites like Crutchfield and Sonic Electonics have fitment checks before you buy it. Be sure the one you want is listed in the fitment chart. Then go for it.

[WindsorShatzkin]

Originally Posted by Kudzupatch

The problem is the lack of depth in the original location. The factory radio is very shallow. However, some of the new ones are not as deep so it is a possibility. You are going to have to have some skills in fabricating though. Once you pull the factory there isn't anything to attach too.

Thanks.

I had a feeling the factory radio wasn't very deep, just based off of the fact that the only option is to put an aftermarket radio in the center of the dash (which also appears shallow, since the trim bezel has a convex shape that puts the radio out farther).

I can fabricate, that's not too big of a deal. I guess it's really going to come down to actually getting my hands on the truck to see what I have to work with.

Does anyone know what is behind the factory radio in the dash? Is it some kind of steel reinforcement? Or is it just some random stuff in the way?

[WindsorShatzkin]

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

The hardest part was getting all the wires that are attached to the radio (but not used) stuffed into the space behind the radio. My suggestion is to cut off the ones you don't need IF it's too hard to get into place.

I'm going to try my hardest not to cut any wires to make space. But if I have to, I have to. I want to be able to take this truck back to it's factory setup, in case I ever have to sell it down the road.

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

Also, several sites like Crutchfield and Sonic Electonics have fitment checks before you buy it. Be sure the one you want is listed in the fitment chart. Then go for it.

Crutchfield is my go-to place. I've ordered so much from them over the past few years. I already have everything picked out that I want. I just have to get the truck, and place the order from them after.

Thanks!

[speedygonzales]

Originally Posted by WindsorShatzkin

I'm going to try my hardest not to cut any wires to make space. But if I have to, I have to. I want to be able to take this truck back to it's factory setup, in case I ever have to sell it down the road.

I was referring to the wires on the new radio that were not used. I never referred to, nor would I ever cut wires attached to the chassis. The wires I was referring to were things like the "sub", back up camera and others in the radio wire bundle.

I always use adapter harnesses to attach the radio to the chassis harness.

Crutchfield is ok but their prices are now outrageous compared to a few other places. I buy elsewhere and usually save 40% compared to Crutchfield.

The radio I have currently I tried to buy from them but they don't price match. BTW I was willing to work with them. They wanted 289 new for one I could get for 219. They had an open box unit for 269. I told them about a new one for 219 and offered to give them 229 for the open unit. They replied no thanks we don't price match.

Never bothered with them again.

[WindsorShatzkin]

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

I was referring to the wires on the new radio that were not used. I never referred to, nor would I ever cut wires attached to the chassis. The wires I was referring to were things like the "sub", back up camera and others in the radio wire bundle.

I always use adapter harnesses to attach the radio to the chassis harness.

I apologize, I misread your original comment. I didn't mean to infer that you would cut the chassis harness.

I always use adapters too. I've owned three vehicles that I never changed the radio in because an adapter harness was not available.

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

Crutchfield is ok but their prices are now outrageous compared to a few other places. I buy elsewhere and usually save 40% compared to Crutchfield.

The radio I have currently I tried to buy from them but they don't price match. BTW I was willing to work with them. They wanted 289 new for one I could get for 219. They had an open box unit for 269. I told them about a new one for 219 and offered to give them 229 for the open unit. They replied no thanks we don't price match.

Never bothered with them again.

I've always stood by Crutchfield. I agree that their prices aren't always the best, but I don't buy from them unless something is on sale. And from my experience, their support is second to none.

I've never bought a radio from them that was more than $160. To me, there is absolutely no reason to. For this truck, I can get a single din, bluetooth, CD/MP3/WMA, Sirius/XM ready unit for under $130, with install kit. Toss in another $60 on a set of decent speakers, and I have a system better than I really need for less than $200 plus my install time.

[kmr16442]

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

I can't speak for the 94 but my 99 is on it's 3rd aftermarket radio. This one has a 7" pop out screen and plays DVD's and can use back up cameras.

The hardest part was getting all the wires that are attached to the radio (but not used) stuffed into the space behind the radio. My suggestion is to cut off the ones you don't need IF it's too hard to get into place.

Also, several sites like Crutchfield and Sonic Electonics have fitment checks before you buy it. Be sure the one you want is listed in the fitment chart. Then go for it.

If you don't mind my asking, what radio did you go with? Sounds like what I'm looking for. Does the screen clear the upper dash okay? Thanks!

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

I can't speak for the 94 but my 99 is on it's 3rd aftermarket radio. This one has a 7" pop out screen and plays DVD's and can use back up cameras.

The hardest part was getting all the wires that are attached to the radio (but not used) stuffed into the space behind the radio. My suggestion is to cut off the ones you don't need IF it's too hard to get into place.

Also, several sites like Crutchfield and Sonic Electonics have fitment checks before you buy it. Be sure the one you want is listed in the fitment chart. Then go for it.

The 94 and 99 dashes are very different.

[400sbctruck]

My 88 was the same scenario and I was never happy.

Looking back I wonder if the factory radio has cd changer inputs on the back.
If so, you could use a 1996-1998 component cd player or aftermarket player and attach the rca cables to the original unit allowing control to be from factory location.

Or possibly a remote cd changer attached to the same pins if they are there.
The late 95-98 did have pins available on the tape player for cd input and it works with them nicely, been there done that.

[c10sport]

My '89 will be getting a factory CD player that fits in place of the cassette player that I found in another GM vehicle. A little modding is needed but not much.

For now though, I modded the amp for an AUX input. Not the switched one either, mine cuts out the radio signal when I plug in my iPood.

[WindsorShatzkin]

Originally Posted by c10sport

My '89 will be getting a factory CD player that fits in place of the cassette player that I found in another GM vehicle. A little modding is needed but not much.

For now though, I modded the amp for an AUX input. Not the switched one either, mine cuts out the radio signal when I plug in my iPood.

That's pretty awesome.

Do you have a write-up on how you did that, and what components you used?

[Mr_Rich]

Originally Posted by Kudzupatch

The problem is the lack of depth in the original location. The factory radio is very shallow. However, some of the new ones are not as deep so it is a possibility. You are going to have to have some skills in fabricating though. Once you pull the factory there isn't anything to attach too.

If you put one in the center, look for one with a remote! I have used a couple of JVC's and they have a small remote that I like.

One thing you need to realize is that a radio is NOT installed at the top right corner of the dash. It is under the dash just above the gas pedal. That is a controller at the corner of the dash. I bought a rehabbed controller years ago and then the radio promptly failed shortly after that. I installed an aftermarket radio in the cassette player location after that. I would've kept the factory setup if all the modules were still working.

[WindsorShatzkin]

Originally Posted by Mr_Rich

One thing you need to realize is that a radio is NOT installed at the top right corner of the dash. It is under the dash just above the gas pedal. That is a controller at the corner of the dash. I bought a rehabbed controller years ago and then the radio promptly failed shortly after that. I installed an aftermarket radio in the cassette player location after that. I would've kept the factory setup if all the modules were still working.

Right, I know it's a 3 component setup. I'm trying to figure out if there is any possible way (without cutting a whole mess load of stuff up) to place an aftermarket radio where the 'controller' piece (top right corner of dash) of the system goes.

Like I said in another post, I'm probably just going to have to dig into the truck when I get it, and make it fit.

[Already Gone]

I installed this new JVC unit into my 1994 Burb a month or two ago in the spot where the factory equalizer went. I too don't really like the fact that it is off to side and more in front of the passenger than driver. I got lucky and found the aftermarket finish piece that surrounds the stereo and makes it look factory installed in then attached pics. The JVC unit has Bluetooth and I hid the mic wires under the windshield pillar moulding and clipped the mike to the moulding at the roof. The JVC has Auto-Answer on it so all I have to do is say hello when the phone rings. I always leave the stereo on so when I start the Burb its on and I control the various functions from the remote.