installing aftermarket stereo
 

I've got the wiring harness, just waiting on my dash kit and antenna adapter to get here. I'll take pictures of the install, as long as I don't aggravate my man too much. Wow about $120 just to install a stereo I already owned... but man is it worth it! Can't wait to have my bump back!:)

As I promised, here are my install pics!!!
First off, I bought the metra kit (bad decision on my part).
Second, I used the directions you can get on the metra website for free,
but there are a couple of places where the directions were incorrect.
When you click on the thumbnails, the pics are huge, just right click and click on view image.

And lets all give props to my man "DREDD" for all of this.

Before Pic!
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...c3015dbc8d.jpg


Now, following metra's directions, on step 3 it tells you to unclip the 3 a/c
controls. Remember when you unlip these, make a little note of what color
goes where

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...f00410c00b.jpg


step 4
Remove the screw in the middle of the a/c controls, and remove the bottom panel

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...a50397531a.jpg

Step 5
The Metra directions say that these 2 bolts are 10mm, well they lied they are 8mm
and impossible to get pics of. They are WAY up there, look on the far right and
left sides.


Steps 6 and 7 in the metra directions are not true, completely ignore them and save
yourself 30 minutes.

In place of steps 6 and 7
Pull on the whole factory setup, starting at the lower right corner. It does take a
bit of force. After you get the factory setup out, remove a/c and defrost switches
and remove airbag light.

Step 8 in the metra directions is essential!!
don't forget the clips
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...dc2e513910.jpg

Also while you have the old stereo out, go ahead and remove those 8 phillips screws
metra talked about in step 7 and keep the white peice nearby.

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...fd9df31c3e.jpg
Wires everywhere
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...8bf71662b0.jpg

Follow Metra's kit preperation instructions.


My new stereo in a single din, so your install may not be the same as mine.
But, putting it back together is the easy part right?? Here are some pics of my install

Beautiful wires
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...7a31ce0945.jpg
Make sure you tape this off!
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...5284be63dc.jpg
get into this position a few times lOl
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...257f0ea5a2.jpg
Test run Whoohoo it all works!
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...d764e8459b.jpg

Also to all of those people that want amps, and are looking in the forums thinking
you HAVE to cut through on of those wire casings, well you DON'T. The pic isn't that
great but it does show you where the wire will go through. We pushed a wire coat hanger
through, then tied the power cable to the wire and pulled it through. NO CUTTING NEEDED!!
Remove your fuse box cover, get underneath there and look for this
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...b9afd851d2.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...ab9a46e2d1.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...cbac2552e0.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...714a399ae5.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...b54721e1d0.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...29a2f8f1bf.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...4691b7cb2d.jpg


And finally my finished product!
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...f2cb5b4a27.jpg

Do you just pry the A/C control Knobs out gently or do they have to be turned to a certain setting first?? seems to be stuck pretty hard...

Thanks

Alex

we pulled and wiggled. And yes they are VERY hard to get out. Try getting a rag and some pliars

But that power cable is so thin, compared to what most people pass through their, the cable i had to pass through was half an inch thick, yours is barely quarter inch. I struggled to pull the power cable through mine, it just refused to let such a big thing through, cutting was the only alternative i had =_=