CD Player Install ('93 XLT)

[GlocK]

I'm planning on installing a new CD player for my '93 X this weekend.
I am not much of an audio guy, but I am sure I can manage to install
a new unit if I take my time. Are there any things I have to look out
for? I was told not to buy a radio puller and use some coat hanger
wire and bend them into "U" shapes to unclip the factory unit. Also,
is there a harness I could use instead of clipping and trimming wires?
Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[Purdue72]

yeah, I did the coat hanger trick. except I cut four equal peices about 2.5" or so and had to tap them in with a hammer to get it to work.

I bought the harness adapters and they didn't work that well so I just ended up splicing everything, plus I ran better speaker wire throughout.

It wasn't too bad,considering I'm not an audio expert either

 

[theFinn]

It's real easy. Get a wireing harness, wire it up to your cd player and just snap it in.

A couple things to watch out for. If you have a 4x4 when you pull the dash away the 4x4 buttons are connected and don't come off to easily. You can pry them off with a flat head screw driver but be careful.

Second, when you put the ash tray assembly back in you have to sort of balance the ash try and the bracket it slides into together to have it line up with the screw holes correctly. Or you do in my truck at least

Lastly, the AM/FM antenna connector is held on with a little green plastic screw. For some reason when I hooked mine up there wasn't enough slack to slide my head unit all the way in so I had to rip out that screw and free up the cable. It's not too easy to get that screw out, I had to mangle it pretty good.

Ohh, and when you get the 'U' shaped coat hangers slotted into the stock radio you have to push them out then pull, it took me a while to figure out what I had to do once I had them stuck in there

 

[huskyfan23]

A couple things to watch out for. If you have a 4x4 when you pull the dash away the 4x4 buttons are connected and don't come off to easily. You can pry them off with a flat head screw driver but be careful.

You don't need to take the dash trim off..

 

[GlocK]

Do I have to get a holder just in case the new H/U is smaller??

 

[Purdue72]

nor the ashtray

 

[Purdue72]

Unless you already see one that you "have to have", go to crutchfield.com and find one that fits perfect

 

[GlocK]

I found one at crutchfield, but the problem is I am in Canada and I am
better off buying it here (free shipping). The unit I want is marked with
and EZ fit, does this mean that the manufacturer supplies all the required
fit items including the harness??

 

[Purdue72]

I forget what all the EZ fit consists of. What I meant was find one at crutchfield and then, buy it local. Pick out 3 or 4 so you can still "shop around".

 

[huskyfan23]

I believe the EZ Fit means it'll slide right in.

 

[GlocK]

I hope so, does this mean I have to buy a harness as well?
Thanks for all the help so far!!

 

[Purdue72]

I believe the EZ Fit means it'll slide right in.

well yes, I guess it does.

 

[huskyfan23]

It'll come with everything you need. If you order from Crutchfield they will give a wiring harness to make the install easier.

 

[GlocK]

One more question for you audiophiles!! Do I have a factory amp, and should
I be bypassing it?? Thanks again!!

 

[Purdue72]

Do you have the factory sub?

I believe, if you do then there is seperate amp.
If you do not then the amp is built in to your stock HU, at least I didn't have any aux. amps.

 

[GlocK]

No factory sub. You guys have been great help. I just ordered a Kenwood KDC-122.
It's a cheapo, but good enough for my use.

 

[Purdue72]

That's the one I have, good unit for the price. Plus I got mine on a "out of the box" special at jerkit city for $99, so it was even better.

 

[GlocK]

cool....was it an easy install??

 

[Purdue72]

cake.

 

[GlocK]

I like the way that sounds....did you have to buy a harness and did it fit in
without any extras??