Audio Installation Question...

I have a '99 Silverado Extended cab, and was looking to install a subwoofer. I have the sub, amp, wiring, custom box... everything I need. But here's the issue... is it going to be possible to hook up the amp to the factory radio? Is there a plug/place were it would go? Someone also said that it might not work since you need a heavier gauge wire (4-6) for the amp, and the stock radio has very small wire (16 gauge). Thanks for any help.

you'll need to run a power wire from the battery to the amo either way usually about 8 gauge or bigger...what your wanting to do is possible, but i would find a confident and able audio man that will hard wire it for you.....BUT i think it would be worth your 150 bucks to go buy yourself an aftermarket head unit....

You'll need a spot on the stock stereo for your remote wire (usually a blue wire). Not sure if the stock stereos have those, but they might. You're best bet would be to go to a professional and have him do it or at least give you some advice on the task at hand. Good luck on whichever path you decide to take!

What I usually do, is run a remote wire to a fuse that is activated by the ignition. It only needs like 1/10 amp. If you'd rather use the radio to activate the amp, there is a thread with the GM factory stereo color codes somwhere on here, just search for it.

You do know however, that the only thing you have to hook to the radio is some sort of output cable/device to run into the amp. The radio will not power the amp itself. THe 4 gauge wire will run straight from the battery (with a fuse of course). If you want to keep the factory radio, you can get an RCA converter for under $20 from radio shack that converts the signal from the speaker wires into an RCA signal for easier connection to the amp. PAC audio also makes these devices, I'll look up a part Number for you and post it later.

It is possible to do using the methods mentioned above, but if you are installing an amp and subs why on earth are you keeping the stock head unit? Even if you don't want to drop $150 on a decent one even a $90 "Walmart" head unit is better than most stock ones....

Get an aftermarket, it will make all the difference in the world. You can get an extremely nice quality brand (Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer) for pretty cheap. I'd say in the $150-$200 range that's 50watts x 4 with MP3 audio.

You need a line level converter to hook an amp to the stock head. Having done it, its not hard. See http://search.ebay.com//search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=line+level+converter

Yes, its crazy. But so am I. ;)

I took my MP3 HU off, sold it and stuck my stock HU back in. Its actually LOUDER than the after market HU was. The line level converter will actually fit below the stereo, behind the A/C knobs if you set it on its side and tuck it down in correctly.

As for wiring diagrams, check out http://www.installdr.com for those.

Thanks for the help... the only reason I want to keep the stock radio is because in less than a year, I will have my car rebuilt. I'm just driving this Chevy till I get my car finished. I guess I could go ahead and get a new head unit, then just put the stock radio back in once I finish the car.

that would be much, much easier

What I usually do, is run a remote wire to a fuse that is activated by the ignition. It only needs like 1/10 amp. If you'd rather use the radio to activate the amp, there is a thread with the GM factory stereo color codes somwhere on here, just search for it.

You do know however, that the only thing you have to hook to the radio is some sort of output cable/device to run into the amp. The radio will not power the amp itself. THe 4 gauge wire will run straight from the battery (with a fuse of course). If you want to keep the factory radio, you can get an RCA converter for under $20 from radio shack that converts the signal from the speaker wires into an RCA signal for easier connection to the amp. PAC audio also makes these devices, I'll look up a part Number for you and post it later.

I cannot find it