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General car head unit installation

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Old Jul 7, 2010 | 03:42 PM
  #1  
4thGenRS's Avatar
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General car head unit installation

My question is not specific to an f-body (yet) but I wanted to know generally what is the difficulty level to installing a new head unit in a car? My CD's are obsolete and I need a unit I can plug an MP3 player into. I'm thinking the worst part is getting the dash apart without breaking stuff...

Also, is crutchfield the best place to order from? It looks like they send you all necessary hardware and detailed instructions to install so it should be a no-brainer.
Old Jul 7, 2010 | 03:47 PM
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Crutchfield is nice if you need detailed instructions, but if you already know what you're doing, it's a waste. You can get a better deal elsewhere.

Difficulty level -- if you're not scared of wiring, it's really easy. Figure 2-3 hours for your first time, maximum. Camaros are particularly easy because the bezel around the front of the stereo just pops off by hand and then the bolts are exposed. (At least, that's true in the '97+ interior -- I think it's true for '93-96 as well.)
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 07:18 AM
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the older dash is a little harder, the way the pocket under the radio goes together on the camaros. All the firebirds are cake.
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 08:06 AM
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It's easy. Just please use the proper adapter cable between the headunit and car. Use the crimp connectors AND electrical tape at a minimum to connect the HU and adapter harness, NO, I repeat NO twist-n-tape method.
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 03:00 PM
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4thGenRS's Avatar
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Thanks, may order one soon and give it a shot. My first test will be on my Saturn.

I figured if I built a desktop computer I should be able to do this.
Old Jul 9, 2010 | 01:06 PM
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the saturn will be harder.
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