F-Body Europe

As the CD-changer deal didn't work out with Robin, I'M thinking about putting a complete new Stereo in the car ... two problems - one, I'll probably need some kind of adapter cable, and two most of the stereo systems are only about 2/3 in height from the GM radio - are there any covers to put in between?

Garry you can get the adapters from a stereo shop like the one we have here or order them online at a place like http://www.crutchfield.com They make one for the harness that will just plug in and one for the area not taken up by the radio. Hope this helps, let me know if I can help you...

Found one place that carries the stuff ... DM55 for the mounting adapter, DM25 for the cable adapter, and another DM18 for the antenna connector ... kind'a nuts ...

Well, yesterday I went to Heidelberg with my boss, and I went to the PX to look around a bit. I just happened to stumble across a wiring kit that fit!! Now, I just need to fabricate a piece to hold the radio in place.....

I just did it all myself.
Screw the factory wiring and crappy speakers and do it all good while your at it.
There is really no point in having a high end aftermarket headunit and still use the ultrathin factory 'welfare' wiring and the 2 dollar speakers.
If you wire the radio and the speakers and even the antenna yourself there is NO need for adapters.
Even with decent factory speakers (Bose) i'd highly recommend doing the wiring yourself.
The only thing you need is the Bracket that makes that 1.5 DIN slot suitable for that 1 DIN sized radio, OR you could add a 0.5 DIN sized Equalizer and fill up that way.

I'll tell you what; I just finished installing my stereo today, and it sounds AWESOME!! I have a Kenwood HU, MB Quarts in the doors, stock 4inchers in back(gonna get some more MBQs), 2 ESX AL 12s(rated at 450 RMS, and a Hifonics Zeus Z500 D class amp. I left the stock wiring, and it seems more than sufficient!!

Well, 2 days ago i installed my new Kenwood eXcelon Z828 headunit and let me tell you that it is the Sh**s !
All other radios i've seen are rendered pathetic next to this one.
Down from the Geforce 3 animated matrix screen to the 4.5 volts preouts it certainly is in a league of it's own.
Reads CD-R/CD-RW with mp3 files (including ID3tags !), has a seperate Aux in for DVD/TV/Mp3 computer, seperate non fading preout, golden RCA jacks, Build in System E crossovers, System Q ex sound processor, and the list goes on and on.
And YES i CAN actually hear the difference compared to my Sony MDX-670 RDS minidisc radio.

I btw restyled my radio adaptor using some real carbon fiber that was normally the bezel for an Automatic transmission. I'll take pictures of the unit this afternoon if any cares to see it.

How much did you pay for the HU? I was thinking of getting either a single-CD with MP3 playing, or regular tape/cd changer combo ... can the Kenwood drive the regular speakers that are there already without an extra amp?

Ended up paying $540 (including shipping) for the unit which is considered a sweet deal as they were NOT available yet for the consumer yet, just retailer demonstration models, well i just had to had it since my Sony had gone bad and was VERY unrelable.
I simply cannot be without a stereo, i'm sure most of y'all can relate

It can drive speakers easily with it's 47x4 Watt build in AMP. Using the unit without a seperate AMP and even with factory speakers simply doesn't do it justice, BUT it's possible and you can always upgrade later.

Hey Jack, What kind of box did you get for your subs?

I built it myself!!

Sony CD players have always been crappy. They last about a year and then take a sh!t!! My favorite is Eclipse for head units. They even waranty there units against theft! I have had just about every brand (alpine, sony, kenwood, pioneer) and Eclipse is the best I have come across.

AMEN !!!

Sony has a build in clock that counts down the warranty period once it's installed !
I've had 2 MD units from Sony and had the same crappy results after some time.
I hope i have more luck with this Kenwood.

Damn I want my head unit back!! Soon enough, soon enough!!