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Anyone ever put a different model stereo in their car?

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Old 01-13-2008, 04:48 PM
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Default Anyone ever put a different model stereo in their car?

By different model, I mean different auto manufacturer. I want to put a late model Subaru stereo with integrated 6 disc changer in my 1997 Formula. Is there a source for a harness that would let me do this without looking for pinouts of each radio and splicing wires? I know that the bezel would require modification for the double din radio.

I found this: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Metra...oductDetail.do which comes from the 97 Pontiac's harness and makes a universal connection, but I need something that would go from that to the Subaru radio.


Anyone have any input? Too much of a pain to bother with?
Old 01-13-2008, 05:03 PM
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Considering the cost of really good aftermarket head units now, sounds a lot like a waste of time. If you buy a headunit from Crutchfield, they will usually include, for free, the bezxel and the wiring harness to make install trivial. When you consider the cost of the adapter harness and other bs, seems like a no-brainer to install anew aftermarket unit.
Old 01-13-2008, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Boodyrider
Considering the cost of really good aftermarket head units now, sounds a lot like a waste of time. If you buy a headunit from Crutchfield, they will usually include, for free, the bezxel and the wiring harness to make install trivial. When you consider the cost of the adapter harness and other bs, seems like a no-brainer to install anew aftermarket unit.
Gotcha- I just like the idea of the 6 disc changer in dash and having the lighting match the red of the interior.
Old 01-13-2008, 10:11 PM
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you need a subaru reverse harness, its deff doable cause ive done it before lol
Old 01-14-2008, 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by pentavolvo
you need a subaru reverse harness, its deff doable cause ive done it before lol
Really? Cool- where can I get one?
Old 01-14-2008, 08:49 AM
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You may want to check a junk yard.
Old 01-14-2008, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by jedimaster71472
Really? Cool- where can I get one?
If you get the radio from a car at the junk yard, cut the connector(s) off the car (just make sure to get about 10" of wire with it so you have some length to work with).
Old 01-14-2008, 12:03 PM
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metra sells em go on metraonline punch up the car the radio is from and bam... i bought mine from some guy that everyone on the subaru forums said to go through.
Old 01-18-2008, 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by pentavolvo
metra sells em go on metraonline punch up the car the radio is from and bam... i bought mine from some guy that everyone on the subaru forums said to go through.
Cool- sent out some emails to them- thanks dude!
Old 02-09-2008, 05:40 PM
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Thanks to all for the advice- got the stereo hooked up today- with the amp and speakers, it sounds really really nice.

I haven't gotten it mounted in the dash, but just verified it works. Looks like I'm going to have to cut the brace under where the factory stereo goes- any problem with cutting that out? I'm also gonna have to fab some kind of bracket and Dremel the stereo bezel a bit, but that's no biggie. Also have to get some foam to complete the look, as the Subaru stereo is a little skinnier than the stocker.

Think anyone would want the stocker? Maybe Ebay?
Old 02-09-2008, 06:22 PM
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Stocker maybe ebay. Im glad this worked out for you, please pics id love to see how this looks in your fbody. Cutting bracket is no big deal ive done it a number of times
Old 02-09-2008, 07:55 PM
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Yeah man- I'll definitely grab a few shots, once it's in the dash. I have a piece of pinstriping over the SUBARU logo on the radio for now, but I'd like to take the lettering off and get a vinyl PONTIAC sticker to put there instead.
Old 02-15-2008, 07:59 PM
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I put a 2002 WRX stereo with red lighting in my 1997 Firebird Formula. This thing sounds badass.

Well, these are the almost done pix- still need to do some smoothing and finishing on the bezel, but it's nice to not hear that 11 year old stereo.





Comments? Advice? Someone wanna make fun of me for not just getting a Blaupunkt?
Old 02-18-2008, 03:41 PM
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To each their own, I think it would look better if it sat back in the dash a little further. I want to make fun of you for having such a dirty car! J/k.
Old 02-18-2008, 05:36 PM
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I couldn't get it sitting back any further, unfortunately. But it is angled toward the driver, which is cool




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