Stereo Options

I did use the search function, but got no results, which I can't believe is true.

What do we need to do to fit an aftermarket stereo in these cars? On Crutchfield's website, they only list two receivers as fitting my car, and neither is good. I chatted with one of their product advisors, and he said it is a depth issue. He linked me to one double DIN JVC receiver that seems pretty good. He said it might still be to deep to fit the car, but it would be the closest product to fitting other than the two crappy ones listed and I could give it a shot.

What's the deal here? My '95 RMW has a casette player (useless to me) and FM radio, which I can't stand. Send help!

With an install/wire kits, and antenna adapter, most any single and double din stereos will fit. You can also upgrade to better performing factory head units, some even have speed compensated volume.

Got plenty of experience with radios, if you need a wire harness I have about 4 brand new $6 each, and If you buy the radio and bring it with you qhe you check out the parts hoard I can install it/help you install it.

Scosche at walmart sells everything. Just recommend soldering the wire harness from the radio to the adapter harness. All wires are color matched, so very easy wire. Once the two harnesses are soldered, it is plug and play into the car.

You got a roadie, right? You need a shallow depth Double DIN unit and appropriate install kit. I got a Pioneer DVD player and install kit off ebay. Have to do some cutting inside the dash to make room.

*Friendly tip* (put you car info in your sig)

IMPALADAKID wrote:

With an install/wire kits, and antenna adapter, most any single and double din stereos will fit. You can also upgrade to better performing factory head units, some even have speed compensated volume.

Keeping the factory look might be nice, but I also like these new units that have USB inputs and Bluetooth and all that jive.

Ironfistdog wrote:

Got plenty of experience with radios, if you need a wire harness I have about 4 brand new $6 each, and If you buy the radio and bring it with you qhe you check out the parts hoard I can install it/help you install it.

That's a kickass offer. I might not be able to wait Ohio I get out to see you, though. I am thinking of rush shipping and getting this sorted out. I don't have a long commute, but I need music! BTW, have you heard yet that you are the elected middleman for my wheel deal with Brian?

IMPALADAKID wrote:

Scosche at walmart sells everything. Just recommend soldering the wire harness from the radio to the adapter harness. All wires are color matched, so very easy wire. Once the two harnesses are soldered, it is plug and play into the car.

Good to hear on the simple wiring.

So, what about this issue of there not being enough depth i these cars for the aftermarket receivers? Are the Crutchfield people just wrong? I know I need a single or double DIN mounting kit, but they told me that the aftermarket pieces just won't fit in the space behind the dash.

toomanytoyz wrote:

You got a roadie, right? You need a shallow depth Double DIN unit and appropriate install kit. I got a Pioneer DVD player and install kit off ebay. Have to do some cutting inside the dash to make room.

*Friendly tip* (put you car info in your sig)

Sig updated!

When I search for a shallow double DIN, I get essentially nothing for hits anywhere, except for the cheezeball offerings that Crutchfield said would fit. One is a low-end Dual unit, and the other is some brand I've never heard of...parrot or something.

Bull wrote:

Good to hear on the simple wiring.

So, what about this issue of there not being enough depth i these cars for the aftermarket receivers? Are the Crutchfield people just wrong? I know I need a single or double DIN mounting kit, but they told me that the aftermarket pieces just won't fit in the space behind the dash.

Yes they are. They are salesmen who probably never seen behind a caprice radio. Most kits push they face outward to make up the difference of the depth associated with aftermarket head units. I had one once that was flush, and I just broke the plastic retainer wall behind the radio to make it fit. Crovo put a double din in his roadmaster. I know Cruchfield would say that is impossible.

From Crutchfield for your car. Will work with your choice of head units
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142GM1583B/In-dash-Receiver-Kit.html?tp=861

http://www.crutchfield.com/g_103000/Vehicle-specific-Wiring-Harnesses.html?tp=736

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_12040GM10/Antenna-Adapter.html?tp=1083

Actually Bill, the 95 and 96 Roadies have a Double DIN from the factory.

Chapel put one in his at a mod day at my house this year, too. I think his was an Alpine?

The Buicks have a specific plug, too. The ones from the Impalas won't work, IIRC. But they are cheap and easy to find on ebay. I think I paid 15 bucks shipped for my dash kit and harness.

If you don't plan on running a ton of RCA's in the back for tv monitors and rear view camera, etc... Then the install is literally 15 minutes.

toomanytoyz wrote:

Actually Bill, the 95 and 96 Roadies have a Double DIN from the factory.

Chapel put one in his at a mod day at my house this year, too. I think his was an Alpine?

The Buicks have a specific plug, too. The ones from the Impalas won't work, IIRC. But they are cheap and easy to find on ebay. I think I paid 15 bucks shipped for my dash kit and harness.

If you don't plan on running a ton of RCA's in the back for tv monitors and rear view camera, etc... Then the install is literally 15 minutes.

So, I need to buy any double DIN receiver of my choice, a Buick-specific wiring harness/plug, an antenna adapter, and that's it? I'm golden?

I don't think I am running any RCAs out the back. Maybe an amp would be good at some point, but then again I have rarely run amps in my cars. I just want decent sounding tunes in a format that is easy to work with i.e. MP3 player.

toomanytoyz wrote:

Actually Bill, the 95 and 96 Roadies have a Double DIN from the factory.

My bad.

Ahem...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-ECgi1_ag


If you like factory look, this is ALL you'll need

1984twodoor wrote:

Ahem...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-ECgi1_ag


If you like factory look, this is ALL you'll need

I do like this factory look but w/an auxiliary port for MP3s.

I found one of these "Monsoon" radios that is apparently for a '99-03 Regal; will that work? It mentions that the amp won't work unless the car its going in has the Monsoon setup.

Bull wrote:

1984twodoor wrote:

Ahem...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-ECgi1_ag


If you like factory look, this is ALL you'll need

I do like this factory look but w/an auxiliary port for MP3s.

I found one of these "Monsoon" radios that is apparently for a '99-03 Regal; will that work? It mentions that the amp won't work unless the car its going in has the Monsoon setup.

Not sure about the size fitting in the dash, but I do remember something about the "blue" connector in the back is all you need to make it work. Someone who actually has a RMW will pipe up soon and give you a better answer.