Sound system question

Ok I want to put a sound system in my TB (amp and subs) How would I go about doing it? I want to keep the stock head deck. Should I have a pro do it or can I do it myself. I have a standard system, not bose. I know some of you have done it.

Main questions:
Will it interfer with my Onstar?
Can I still use the wheel buttons?
How should the wires be ran... back speakers are in the doors?

Any input is good input...

Ok I want to put a sound system in my TB (amp and subs) How would I go about doing it? Should I have a pro do it or can I do it myself.

You definitely can do it yourself, if you can do basic wiring (crimp, solder, etc) and aren't afraid to tear up and reassemble some of your TB's interior. (BTW, do NOT assume having a pro do it means it will be done right!!)

I highly recommend crutchfield.com. They have an excellent on-line tutorial about installing the amp, and the ability to compare many speakers' specs. You'll want to replace all four door speakers at the same time, of course. The on-line information is excellent, and their customer service people really know their stuff. Surf around the site and get a feel for what you think you want (performance- and price-wise), then call them up and run your ideas by someone. They can verify compatability among the components, etc., and maybe suggest alternatives. You can find virtually everything they sell cheaper on ebay or elsewhere on the net, but you won't find that level of competence and service to go with it.

If you keep the factory radio unit, and just upgrade the speakers, add an amp and add subwoofers, you shouldn't have to worry about any functionality. Onstar, the steering wheel buttons, etc., should all work exactly the same -- all you are "messing with" is the sound signal after it leaves the radio and goes to the speakers (or our of an amp output).

One option you might consider is tackling the project in phases. I replaced all the factory speakers with Infinity 2002-SI's ($100 for the set on ebay). The sound is better than stock, but the speakers take more oomph to drive, so I lost volume throughout the range, resulting in a lower high end. It takes more power to really drive quality speakers adequately, so I'll be adding a power amp next. The subwoofers will only go in if I think it's really necessary with the amp properly driving the speakers -- I rather doubt it will be. Spreading the project out like this means several relatively small hits on my wallet rather than one big one, and I only have to disassemble parts of the truck at a time (both of which help maintain domestic tranquility :^)

Good luck with the project!

Ditto above. Personally being one that owns a stereo shop, I will say the best improvement is replacing that horrid OEM stereo. I know you stated you don't want to but that was the first thing I did when I brought my vehicles from the dealer. Then I added stuff from that point.

I agree that having a pro do it does not mean its going to be done right. alot of cars that come into my work will have stereos that were put in by best buy or circuit city, most of the time they do a half ass job. If you want something done right you gotta do it yourself. Its possible to keep your stock head unit. However if you want clearer bass and to get the most out of your amp. I would reccommend an aftermarket reciever.
use crutchfield. thell tell ya everything you need 2 know.