Hi everyone, new in town and did some research on swapping out my stock radio system and speakers on my 01 Cavalier but I'm still looking for some answers. thanks in advance for any help
What is an easy to install, but feature-full (would be nice to have an AUX input port to attach my MP3 player) replacement for the stock radio system (mine doesn't have cassette or CD).
Are there any lock codes or programming codes that may be needed when changing the radio?
What are good, but cheap replacement speakers for the stock ones? (I'd like to feel some bass)
From what I've seen, it seems I would need to pull out the whole dash to swap the radio, does anyone have a good guide?
See sticky at top of forum
If you want MP3 playback capability, check out this Pioneer unit:
http://www.cardomain.com/item/PIODEHP4700MP?vq_id=none
However, if you're just looking for an entry-level unit with an AUX input, you can go to any store like Best Buy, or Circuit City and get one for fairly cheap.
As for factory replacement speakers, I'm partial to Alpine speakers. I've owned Sony and pioneer, and neither hold a candle to Alpine. So, if you're looking for the best quality, go for Alpine. If you're looking for cost effectiveness, go with Pioneer.
Hey guys, I appreciate all the help so far and did some further research. The sticky guide explains everything I need to do so now the only questions are these:
Where can I find the antenna adapter I need? (a decent quality one and eBay link might be nice
)
What do you guys think about the Alpine SPS-460A and SPS-690A speakers0?
Though mp3 playback from CD is nice, it isn't at all needed for me (though basic CD playback would be ok)... basically what I need is something with an aux input, easy installation, fits nicely (or along with somethign to fill the space), and a nice price. Can someone suggest a few systems/model no.'s to look at?
Thanks again for all the help guys, you are clearing away a lot of confusion for me
Almost all aftermarket decks are a standard DIN size. You will need a dash kit, harness adaptor, and antenna adaptor. Any store like Circuit City, Best Buy will have all the parts you need. Also if you buy the deck from them both install the deck for free, you just buy the parts. A lot of people on here will look down on having CC or BB do the installm but J's are common and easy cars, so I would say you don't have to worry too much about them messing it up.
-Chris
if you get it installed at CC or BB the harness will cost you around 100 bucks....
I'm sorry guys, but could someone explain why I would need a harness adaptor? In other words, what does it do? Can't I buy one and install it myself? Is it possible to splice the wires directly?
The first kit you linked is for a Malibu, if you want the American International kit you want the 420 not the 350. The second kit is gonna be a pain to put together. I personally like the metra kits. I believe the part number is 99-2003 if I remember right.
The harness adaptor plugs onto the stock plug and then into the radio so you don't have to cut any wires. This makes removal of the deck and reinstallation of the factory or another deck sooo much easier later. You don't have to use the $90 adaptor if you don't mind losing your door chimes, you can use the harness adaptor for a tracker. I believe all that is in the sticky as well.
-Chris
Thanks Besse for saving me from those mistakes, I think I like the Metra model and will go with that. Pics when it's all done ( gonna be a while before everythign is done though).
