88 CD Player Install - HELP!!!

[JAKennedy2]

Hey guys, I'm new here and have a really tough question. I just bought an 88 Chevy truck off a fella and it is in desperate need of a CD player. I've installed numerous CD players before, but this one is nothing like I've ever done. All the others I've done, you just unplugged one and plugged in the other. In this 88, I took out the stock deck and stock tape player and have no idea what to do?? ANY help is appreciated. Thanks. -Justin

[jntar]

Hey guys, I'm new here and have a really tough question. I just bought an 88 Chevy truck off a fella and it is in desperate need of a CD player. I've installed numerous CD players before, but this one is nothing like I've ever done. All the others I've done, you just unplugged one and plugged in the other. In this 88, I took out the stock deck and stock tape player and have no idea what to do?? ANY help is appreciated. Thanks. -Justin

There is an external amp on those trucks that you will need to uninstall. You will need it for the speaker wires. It is under the dash. The CD player will have to go where the tape deck went. What other info is troubling you?

[SimpleGreen]

Buy a Scosche intall kit from your local WalMart. It'll have everything you need, including the directions for all the wiring (what like what needs to come out in these old trucks) and the new face plate too because the old one isnt deep enough. I used the Scosche to install my Pioneer...its a good way to go.

[JAKennedy2]

I've always seen them installed under the vents in the middle of the dash. A buddy of mine has a truck almost just like mine and his is right there. My other question is what do I do with the wires on this install. I'm used to just plugging in the harness, is that not going to be the case with this install??

[JAKennedy2]

I've purchased the install kit from Wal-Mart and that is being no help. When i took out the factory CD player, it had wires directly soldered onto the board. Then, I took the factory tape deck out and it also had wires directly soldered onto the board. That is where I'm so confused...

[v8sonoma]

above the gas pedal to the right is a silver box.It is the external tuner and amplifier.Remove the 3 9/32" screws and drop it down and unplug it.This will give you a standard Gm plug for your harness adapter.You know you have found the right box because it also has the antenna plugged into it.

[JAKennedy2]

V8Sonoma: Thank you very much. I looked under the dash and found the box and thought it may have something to do with it. Now, I know it does. Again, thanks a bunch. -Justin

[SimpleGreen]

Did you buy the actual 88-94 Chevrolet kit that comes with the new face plate that goes around the middle vents and everything? If so, all the directions should be in there. They were in mine...but, w/e...

[JAKennedy2]

No, my instructions didn't come with the directions. It was merely a small box with the connector and an antenna adapter. I did successfully install the deck (with help from everyone here) and I greatly appreciate all of your help. Thanks again. -Justin

[TLS]

With my old '90 I just ordered everything from Crutchfield. It came with all adapters, and even a nice storage pocket for the old radio location. Came with speaker wire adapters and everything. Excellent step by step instructions with vehicle specific pictures.

I don't know if they still offer all this stuff, and if they do whether they offer it for such old vehicles anymore.

I always liked dealing with Crutchfield. Never any problems, FAST shipping and pretty decent prices.

[JAKennedy2]

Hey guys, I've got another quick question. When I installed the new CD player and dash piece, I can't seem to get the bottom on the dash piece to "click" into place. This isn't a really big deal, but it just makes it a whole lot easier for someone to steal it, etc. Any help is appreciated. -Justin

[Frankenbiker]

You'll need to remove the metal clips from your old dash piece and put them on the tabs on the new one. You may also be able to buy the clips from your stealership. They're designed to dig into the plastic, to keep them from coming loose, so you may have to "persuade" them a little.

-blaine

[JAKennedy2]

I got the two clips from each side, but it still won't go. It's almost as if the deck is too deep (could that be possible). Plus, if i try and push it in really hard, the deck itself starts to come out of the dash unit. -Justin

[Frankenbiker]

Then the deck is too deep. There's not a whole lot of room in the dash to shove stuff. You might try moving some of the wiring around to make sure it's not taking up that extra 1/4 inch you need...

As good as the early OBS trucks in other regards, GM *REALLY* dropped the ball on this particular item. One of the few time when I give GM's engineers an Idiot Award(tm).

-blaine

[k7duv]

If you use a METRA Dash kit , it comes with a 1" extended trim ring. This helps out for those decks that are a little deeper than normal. Plus use your backstrap! That helps to keep the deck in place ....so when you hit a bump those @#$!@# clips don't un-snap. Use a #8 X 1/2 pan head screw to fasten the back strap to the lower heater box and if you use ONLY a 1/2 " screw you wont "peg" anything inside......