Aftermarket radio in my C5

[chris308]

I believe the stock radio had 2 or 3 plugs going to it, i just used one plug with the adapter harness i got from crutchfield. the other plugs which i believe power the cd changer and stock amp i just left it stashed in the back didnt hurt anything.

One thing i will tell you though not sure if it will be a problem for you or not but when you finally get to install the radio, you may find the support bracket in the dash is in the way. Just use a dremel or hacksaw blade and cut out the "hump" that will give you plenty of room and wont squeesh the wires.

[Uncle Pat]

very cool..thanks for the info....I just went out and bought all new Alpine "R" series 6.5" for the front and 5.5" for the rear. I also bought a nice double amp 4 gauge wiring kit. I will also introduce a capacitor to the system just in case. I'll tackle it this weekend. Thanks again.

[chris308]

[Bradzvette]

Think about doing the big three wiring upgrade while you are at it. Alternator, battery and ground. I can drive a 2K watt sub with dual JL 12's with no issues. I also did two of the other grounds and used 1 guage wire instead at the block and at the antenna in the back. I was shocked how much this imporved my sound system.

Also, if you find you have most of the interior out, you might want to do the frost king mod as well. It is a cheap method of sound deadening and works great. I went to Lowes and bought one roll for 40 bucks and did the whole car including the doors. Reduces road noise and heat.

Feel free to give me a ring of you need any assistance. I have done this a few times.

Good luck

Brad

[Uncle Pat]

I'm in the middle of doing the swap. I got the HU in and and most of the wiring. I will post pics when done. I installed the ipod in my center console...it is real nice. I powered the HU up last night and it see's the ipod. I need to finish speaker wiring tonight.

[Bradzvette]

Pics! Pics!

[Uncle Pat]

all the panels came off very easy. Thank God for internet step by step pictures. I had the laptop in the car with me. I will need to box up the sub woofer. Everything fired right up. I have some wire management to do and some carpet tucking to do......all in all it sounds so clean with the ipod. I bought a really nice Alpine and Alpine R series speakers and sub. Alpine amps power the speakers.

[chris308]