Factory radio swap?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Oldblue98

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 27, 2017
Messages
853
Reaction score
640
Location
Gulf Coast Florida
If you want the best of both worlds, there are people who upgrade the factory CD units to include Bluetooth functions. You may be able to find them cheaper, this is just the first example I found on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-GMC-...ayer-Upgraded-w-Bluetooth-Music/171946847156?

There's also the RetroSound Newport, which has no CD player but sports a lot of other cool modern options like Bluetooth and amplifier pre-outs. It uses the entire opening in the dash and is a pretty decent match to the rest of the instruments.

https://www.retromanufacturing.com/...olet~md_c-k-series-pickup&variant=31556985998
This is the way I went with mine and I am happy with it, I am one of those people that prefer the factory radio.
 

SLOK1500

Newbie
Joined
Dec 21, 2018
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA
i was able to find the OEM remote CD player for my factory AM/FM/Cass unit for my 95 Silverado for 20 bucks. It is very easy to install - basically plug & play and eliminates the empty "cubby" in the dash. While the CD player is miles ahead in sound quality, it still doesn't sound very good overall. My next step will likely be a new double DIN Pioneer and upgraded speakers / tweeters in the doors and rear pillars along with a new dash bezel to make it look right. The rear speakers look like a lot of work to get installed and I might just talk myself out of the whole deal if I think about it too much.
 
Last edited:

Franks

Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2019
Messages
41
Reaction score
29
Location
Arkansas
does any of you currently have a aftermarket head unit with bluetooth and hands free calling. being able to talk trough my truck is what i miss most.
 

94burbk1500

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
790
Reaction score
334
Location
Omaha, NE
does any of you currently have a aftermarket head unit with bluetooth and hands free calling. being able to talk trough my truck is what i miss most.
Almost every new aftermarket head unit supports this. I have a $50 Boss radio in my truck that I bought off of Amazon, it supports bluetooth for calling and audio, USB for charging and audio, aux in, micro sd for audio, and even has a remote (which makes no sense to me).
 

Eveready

I'm Awesome
Joined
Nov 29, 2017
Messages
1,342
Reaction score
1,634
Location
North Carolina
All that usually craps out in the OEM head unit is capacitors in the amplifier section above the accelerator pedal mounted to the firewall. The larger paper caps are usually the problem and if you are into electronics you can replace them for the same values and the radio usually works. I did not bother with mine as I wanted to install a small GPS in the spot where the radio goes. I went the usual aftermarket route with a Kenwood bluetooth unit in the middle. On the work trucks the rear speakers are easy to replace. On the Silverado high trim package they are a genuine PITA to replace as the you have to start at the floor to get the trim out and something always breaks. You might want to run door speakers instead and just replace the fronts.

The old speakers ALWAYS crap out so if your radio works but sounds bad it is likely the awful Delco speakers. None of the 4 in my truck worked at all even with a 9 volt battery shorted across the line.

I replaced all 4 speakers and installed the Kenwood in the middle . I now have good sound and the hands free phone is really nice. I still haven't gotten around to the GPS unit for the dash but that will eventually happen.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

scottydl

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 2, 2018
Messages
155
Reaction score
157
Location
Illinois
Almost every new aftermarket head unit supports this. I have a $50 Boss radio in my truck that I bought off of Amazon, it supports bluetooth for calling and audio, USB for charging and audio, aux in, micro sd for audio, and even has a remote (which makes no sense to me).

What model is that? I'd love to find a decent double DIN head unit (used is fine) that fits & wires in the factory spot without a bunch extra equipment needed.

My driver door speaker is starting to rattle too so I think it's blown. I always thought this factory system sounded pretty decent... except for volume always cutting out because of the bad connections in the factory head unit.
 

94burbk1500

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
790
Reaction score
334
Location
Omaha, NE
What model is that? I'd love to find a decent double DIN head unit (used is fine) that fits & wires in the factory spot without a bunch extra equipment needed.

My driver door speaker is starting to rattle too so I think it's blown. I always thought this factory system sounded pretty decent... except for volume always cutting out because of the bad connections in the factory head unit.
Mine's a single din, and idk if a double would fit in the 95 dash, my 94 dash is completely different. Here's the radio I have:
BOSS Audio 508UAB Multimedia Car Stereo – Single Din, Bluetooth Audio and Hands-Free Calling, Built-in Microphone, CD, MP3, USB, AUX Input, AM/FM Radio Receiver, LCD Display, Wireless Remote Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZA6E94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lph4CbY3EB895
 

jnewkirk77

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 7, 2018
Messages
50
Reaction score
46
Location
Maceo, KY
I got BT and hands-free calling with the Blaupunkt Toronto I installed last week in my '96. And at the time I ordered it, the thing was $12 and change on Amazon. I've so far been very impressed, and it even has a rear USB input that charges my phone. Sure can't complain for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Blaupunkt-To...ion/dp/B07NJQVXDW?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_3019210011

There are reviews on YouTube too ... I had to watch before I ordered. The one guy acted as if he'd seen a miracle, and I guess at the price point, it kind of is. ;)
 

scottydl

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 2, 2018
Messages
155
Reaction score
157
Location
Illinois
I got BT and hands-free calling with the Blaupunkt Toronto I installed last week in my '96. And at the time I ordered it, the thing was $12 and change on Amazon. I've so far been very impressed, and it even has a rear USB input that charges my phone. Sure can't complain for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Blaupunkt-To...ion/dp/B07NJQVXDW?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_3019210011

There are reviews on YouTube too ... I had to watch before I ordered. The one guy acted as if he'd seen a miracle, and I guess at the price point, it kind of is. ;)

What?! How is that price even possible?? I mean, Blaupunkt is even a brand I've heard of that used to put out decent car stereo equipment (back when I was into that sort of thing).

Any comments on the installation, i.e. wiring harness or other parts needed? With BT, aux in, SD card, USB... there's really no need for CD player, but I wonder if the factory "slave" CD unit could be wired in.

Post a pic if you have one!
 
Last edited:
Top