Been a long time since I've installed a car stereo. My Electra already has an old aftermarket Sony AM/FM cassette stereo installed. It was in there when I purchased the car. With that, shouldn't a more modern stereo receiver of the same brand & size be a relatively plug & play install? I'm assuming it'd use the same harness... Thanks, Langston
I would not assume it to be a plug and play. Most modern radios will have two power leads, one ignition on 12 volts, and one 12 volt constant. Then speaker + and -, and ground. They will also have a turn on lead for power antenna or add on amps. Depending on radio model, it could also have pre amp and subwoofer connections which are optional. Radio installs aren't hard. A test light or meter is all it takes. Outfits like Crutchfield might be able to supply you with a wiring harness that plugs into the stock wiring and the radio you buy to make things easier. It all depends on whether your car wiring and speaker connections are still stock, and whether custom harnesses are available for an older car. Lots of unknowns.
Thanks Larry. I definitely remember it being easy to figure it out when I did installs on my previous cars...just been a long time and I guess confidence kinda eroded. One of these days I'll take things apart to see what was done and give it the ole college try. I look forward to putting in a digital media receiver w/ bluetooth...I surely don't own any cassette tapes or CDs lol
Remember you can get an original style radio and have it modified with with modern internals. If you are going for an original look that would give it that stock appearance. Post any issues and we'll try to help!
U also need to determine the ohm rating on the speakers unless u are replacing all the speakers which I assume u would.
I think all the car speakers today are commonly 4 ohm. Since Langston already has an aftermarket radio in his car, the speakers probably are 4 ohm, but he should check anyway.
Yeah I'll definitely replace the speakers as well. The front dash speaker doesn't work at all right now. The rear 6x9s work well for what they are, but they leave a lot to be desired. Bill, I'm not too concerned with an original-looking radio. I appreciate the discussion...definitely helps me plan out another spring/summer project
Not to sidetrack this thread but does anyone know which brands of receivers, with CD player, fit into original radio opening WITHOUT cutting the dash?
FYI, there is very little room on the driver's side front speaker. The factory unit obviously fits but you are going to have a hard time finding a replacement that fits without moving things in the way. I personally cut holes in the kick panels to install speakers there. Just a suggestion.
Ate u looking for the factory original replacement? If so, www.turnswitch.com has thrm in stock. It's called a 4×10 "GM special rectangle" . It's a direct replacement and is the correct ohm rating for the factory radio.
custom auto sound has a radio that fits,the cd player goes in the trunk Custom Audio (customautosoundmfg.com)
Two Cadillac 4" round 4 ohm dash speakers, mounted side by side in place of front speaker. Works great so you have stereo sound coming out front without cutting up anything. Two 6×9's 4 ohm in rear. Kicks azz.
That looks like a single DIN unit. Did they give you any thin "L" shaped tools with the car? The unit should slip out of a sleeve with the tools. Does the front come off if you push the dark grey button on the lower left(under the "+ -" rocker)? The good news is ANY modern radio will slide in. Here you can see the sleeve and a radio being prep'd:
I think this is yours: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XR-CA...082389&hash=item265c56eeab:g:ERgAAOSwwhdgTago Body and sleeve:
You may luck out and find that a bluetooth/MP3/USB/AM/FM Sony radio will be plug and play! Looks like they may use a "standard" Sony plug. That would be sweet! Check the wiring instructions on-line.
