Hi, just as topic states I'm replacing the factory 84' GSL stereo for an updated one. I dont know if I should do the install myself or get it done professionally (BetsBuy does free install i believe) I kinda want to do it myself any opinions. Oh the stereo I'm getting is going to be a decision between: Sony Xplod CDX-S2210 ( http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1099389701695 ) and the Sony Xplod CDX-F7710 ( http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1099389701805 ) The former looks and matches my car more cuz of the red keys but doesnt have all the fancy crap and its cheaper. the latter has more room for expansion should i upgrade the audio or whatever and looks nicer etc.. opinions would be helpful. thanks.

 

well I recommend upgrading the whole sound system but this can be expensive because it involves purchasing new speakers... The 20 year old ones just dont cut it. I personally dislike sony products, I have only heard and experienced bad things with them in the past... If you have never installed a cd player before it might be the best to take it in and get it professionally done unless you have a day to mess around with your car and some basic tools. Pretty much you need a test light, wire cutters, tape, soldering iron and solder, shrinkwrap... I recommend at looking at rotorhead.ca for a clean looking bracket with a spot for 3 gauges to finish off the look and make it appear clean. The hardest part I found with installing a aftermarket deck is making it look like it came there from the factory, and the install kits you find at the local autozone don't quite cut it. Heres a picture of my deck. Just so you guys know I have the 3 guage rotorhead.ca model ordered im just waiting on manntis to finish them up, I can hardly wait...

 

Dan , nice looking install and clean interior, good job.
Encore, Don't even think about taking it to best buy or anyother non-professional
stereo shop. That's all they do is cut into every wire harness they can think of and they do not solder anything, they use butt connectors and scotch lock connectors to tap into power sources. Then if your lucky they won't break your center console
trim and disconnect some other function of your car. Then they will finish it off with
some x-brand faceplate. You will turn your stereo on and your wipers and hazard lights will come on instead,LOL.
Seriously, i have seen too many hack jobs from these type of what i call HACKMASTERS. Speciality stereo shops in most cases won't charge you more for their systems and the installs are reasonable. Just make sure they know what you expect in a install up front. You do not have to spend alot of money on a system to get quality sound. It's all in the mating of the stereo to the speakers.

 

I should mention as well when I took my car to the local stereo shop to get the subs put in, just like rx7doctor said they split my a/c switch in half and half assed glued it back together... stupid idiots I should of made them replace it.... You would think they would be gentle with other peoples cars but offiously not. So I recommend for you to learn about hooking up your deck, its not very hard with a test light to find the constant power and to find the ignition wire.

 

Thanks. Thats exactly what I was afraid of and thats why i didnt want them messing around with my car. I have no problems messing around with the internals cuz I know i'll take care of my baby. Most of the online places like crutchfield give free wiring harnesses and install kits specifically for my car and free instructions. So im prolly going to go that route. Thanks a lot!

 

encore, there are plenty of threads here to figure out how to wireup a stereo to the 7...get the head unit with a wiring harness and by a cheap meter and solder kit from radioshack to figure out what wire goes to what...it isn't hard at all...

here's my install and this was my first install...you can read more about it here... http://hroman.slac.com/rx7/04-06-04-Audio_System/



btw, i made my own pocket under the stereo with sheet metal from lowes and some fabric from walmart

 

It's been a long time so I don't remember exactly, but isn't the factory antenna incompatible with aftermarket radios? If you've still got the OEM antenna, you either need to wire it up on a separate switch and raise/lower it with the switch or get an aftermarket part.

 

I replaced the antenna with one from radio shack i got for $12.99 on sale works great so hopefully i wont have any problems.

EDIT: still a power antenna

 

where in Michigan are you??

I do car audio on the side, and I do it right...

I have several cd players on hand and can do installs too.

I have a Sony right now, not sure on the model number, but its almost brand new.

I'll check the model number tonight and put it up tomarrow.


PM me if you are interested in finding out more.

 

Hey, not sure how far away Canton is, but I'll be in the market pretty soon myself. I'll definitely keep you in mind, because this isn't the type of headache that I need for myself...

 

haha im in Canton, MI. I just saw your location crazy. havent seen any other 7's in the area well i saw one but it was behind Firestone Tires just sitting.