Headunit Install Help needed 1997

[sean04]

I have a 97 Explorer, with what I believe is the base model sound system. It doesn't have a subwoofer in the back, so I'm pretty sure its none of the optional higher-end systems, and everything is stock for now. I took my Sony CD Headunit (single DIN) out of my Nissan Maxima, and want to put it in the X.

Best Buy is asking $90 to install the H/U in my X, that includes parts, labor, tax, everything. I called a few other places, same story.

Is this install something I could probably do myself? Would you recommend it? What will I need, and is there anywhere I can go for instructions and help?

Any help would be appreciated, guys. Thanks in advance!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

sean04, you can get everything you need from Crutchfield for $25 plus S&H. That is what I did.
You will get the wiring harness, the dash adapter, antena adapter ( you need this as the factory one is smaller) the tool to remove the factory unit and instructions.
The tools you will need are a panel removing tool, phillips and blade screw driver, ratchet set and a torx bit set. If you don't have theese tools it would probably be cheaper to pay some one to do it for you.
There is a bit of labor involved as you have to remove the right rear panel that surrounds the window. That is where the factory amp is located. That is what the harnes is for is to by-pass it. You have to do this regardles if you have the standard or premium system.
I hope this helps you.
One last thing. Welcome to the site

 

[brendan]

First off, welcome to the site! Second order of business, the search menu at the top is an invaluable resource at this forum. Almost every question has probably been asked at least once and you're bound to find tons of info with the search. Anyway...

It's gravy dude. You can do it yourself w/out a problem. The only problem may be if you have a stock amp, which isn't too bad. Just another step in the process. I'd explain the whole thing but I just had a nice wheelin experience w/a damn jeep getting stuck and some kind police officers. So I'm a bit tired.

 

[sean04]

I searched, but couldn't find the specific info I wanted... so I posted.
Thanks for welcoming me to the board, I'll hopefully be around for a while.

As far as tools, I have, or have access to, everything but the panel removing tool. A friend of mine *might* have one, but I'm not sure. I might call Crutchfield, ask their opinion and check on the stuff I need.
One nice thing about Best Buy is that they'll take everything they put in out and replace it with my factory stuff for free. I just had them do that with my h/u because I got the X and am selling my Maxima... Thanks for the help!
Also, if anyone knows of or can provide instructions or details on the install so I know exactly what I'm getting into, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I can scan the set I have from Crutchfieldand e-mail it to you. Or if you have a fax I can fax it. Just let me know.
A panel tool will run around $5.00. If you replce your factory speakers you will need it for that as well.

 

[Robb]

Dead Link Removed

 

[sean04]

thanks guys! I'll let ya know what I end up doing

 

[sean04]

Would you guys recommend bypassing the factory amp (with a cable I can get for $15 from crutchfield), or buying the $50 adapter to use the factory amp?
I called crutchfield, and the salesperson recommended bypassing the amp, as it is only rated around 13w RMS and my H/U is about 23w RMS.
Also, its cheaper to bypass, although there is one more step involved (from what I've read though, it doesnt seem too tough).

Advice?

 

[Robb]

Yep, bypass it!!

 

[aldive]

By all means dump the factory amp.

Good luck......

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Like they said, dump it. It isn't that hard to do. I thougt it would be a pain in the a$$ but it wasn't. Since you don't hve the factory sub there is room to mount an amp so it is out of sight from would be thieves.