94 GC Stereo Installation...

I am looking at installing a new stereo into the dash of a 94 GC.

The first thing that I noticed is that the footprint of the stock
stereo is not "standard". What a pain in the ass. So I got a kit to
allow the install to look pro by filling the gaps.

However, I have never tried to pull the dash on this car. What is the
best way to remove the dash and get it back in one piece? I hope this
is not too difficult.

And while we are at it, anyone got any pointers on stereo
installation? This is a good basic CD / MP3 player with detachable
face plate. Nothing "high-end" or fancy.

I heard there are cable harness adapters to allow me to just plug into
the existing connector from the van, so I plan to get one and wire the
stereo that way. Should I ever sell the van, the stock stereo is going
back in it, and I have no intention of cutting wires and connectors to
do a "hack job" on it. Besides, to talk to an insurance agent, you
would think the stereo was worth more than the van! lol!

All tips and pointers greatly accepted.

Thanks

 

Removal of the stereo is not difficult. Just remove the trim panel that
surrounds the stereo. You should be able to do this with your fingers.
Gently pull at different locations on the panel until it snaps free.
You may need to remove the ash tray lamp, where it attaches to the back
of the trim panel. At least my 1993 is this way.

Once the panel is removed, there will be two hex screws that hold in
the radio. Loosen these, and then you can remove it. There will be the
antenna cable, a ground strap, and two connectors to undo.

You already have the mounting kit. A wire adapter is also available so
you can connect into the factory wiring without making any cuts. The
wire adapter should include the color codes to connect to the
aftermarket radio.

I bought a Jensen system at Circuit City for $79. Nothing fancy, but it
has a detachable face, and AUX inputs to connect a portable audio
device.

Does your van have the Infinity Sound System? If so, it will be more
involved, because the speakers probably won't be directly compatible
with the aftermarket system.

-Kirk Matheson

 

Is this wire adapter after-market, or do I have to get this from
Chrysler?

I WISH! Nope just stock off-the-shell AM/FM/Cassette, so no
problems there.

 

The wire harness adapter should be available from most stores that sell
car audio. I have purchased them from Radio Shack and Pep Boys, just to
name a couple.

The wiring configuration was pretty much the same on most Chrysler
products from the early 1980's through the late 1990's. It uses a grey
and and black connector for constant power, switched power, and for the
speakers.

-KM

 

If it's like mine what you have to do is take off the top trim
on the top of the dash, this covers hidden screws that you remove,
then there are more screws under the top section of the dash.

If your near a library, see if they have an allpar subscription and
spend a few minutes looking up the procedure.

You really don't need an adapter, the wires are well marked. I
guarentee that by the time you go to sell it, the CD player you buy now
will be at the old rag stage and you can just let it go with the vehicle
and buy a newer better one for your next vehicle. But, if you
must preserve this, then just splice the new harness to the
old one about an inch before the old connector and leave the
old connector on the harness. When you go to put the old stereo
back in, just cut off the new harness and cover the cut off
ends with tape.

Ted

 

Got it, and done.

I removed the obvious screws, but could not quite figure out how to
get the dash panel off properly,so I cheated and carefully stressed it
upward just enough to slide in the new equipment.

The wiring harnes was indeed as you said, and the adapter piece was
readily available and inexpensive!

Thanks for all the pointers guys. The new stereo is awesome.

 

1. It easy to do. 2. Forget the filler kits. Buy a good 1.5 DIN unit.
Alpine, Pioneer are 2 that make them. They fit perfectly and look WAY WAY
better.
Larry