Newb stereo question:
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TECH Resident
Joined: Jun 2005
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Newb stereo question: Ok folks. Here's the short version:
Bought Trans am with an aftermarket HU. Aftermarket Pioneer Amp. Aftermarket woofer.
The stock speakers still work and produce sound. Haven't checked them all yet - but I have lot's of sound.
The current set up sounds TERRIBLE.
My question is this: I am picking up a Monsoon HU / AMP really cheap to install. I am looking at going right back to stock, with an upgraded KEE AUDIO speaker package.
What wiring harnesses do I need?
(1)Should the factory harness still be intact even though he installed an after market unit? Or would that need to be removed to install the new HU?
I realize I won't know until I tear into it - but I have never installed stereos EVER - so I don't really know what's required.
Bought Trans am with an aftermarket HU. Aftermarket Pioneer Amp. Aftermarket woofer.
The stock speakers still work and produce sound. Haven't checked them all yet - but I have lot's of sound.
The current set up sounds TERRIBLE.
My question is this: I am picking up a Monsoon HU / AMP really cheap to install. I am looking at going right back to stock, with an upgraded KEE AUDIO speaker package.
What wiring harnesses do I need?
(1)Should the factory harness still be intact even though he installed an after market unit? Or would that need to be removed to install the new HU?
I realize I won't know until I tear into it - but I have never installed stereos EVER - so I don't really know what's required.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
If done properly, there will be no damage to the head unit wiring. The proper way is to get a harness adapter for about $10 that connects to the wires from the aftermarket HU and then plugs into the original factory harness. However, there are a lot of hacks out there who cut of the factor connector and directly splice the HU to the factory harness. Fear not... there is an inexpensive kit that includes a replacement factory connector and wire to repair the harness - much better than trying to replace it.
I do have a harness for someone who has a situation where someone cut the stock harness instead of using a harness adapter. It basically replaces that part so you can go back to stock if needed.
Hopefully this won't be necessary and everything is still intact.
Hopefully this won't be necessary and everything is still intact.
I have the same problem mentioned above. About 10 years ago I installed a flip-up Alpine Video head unit in my T/A. I'm thinking about upgrading to a new Kenwood flip-up head unit and I'm dreading the install b/c my wires are all hacked up.
Ian, what kit do I need to go back to the stock harness? I would like to do a cleaner install this time, so I would like to have the stock harness back so I can just add a Metco adapter harness to it and be done with it.
Ian, what kit do I need to go back to the stock harness? I would like to do a cleaner install this time, so I would like to have the stock harness back so I can just add a Metco adapter harness to it and be done with it.
