1994 Sonoma Stereo Install

Hello,

I just bought a 1994 Sonoma standard cab and I'll be putting a stereo in tomorrow.

I haven't looked too closely yet, but can anyone here tell me how to get the dash apart around the current stereo? I see two screws by the ashtray... other than that it looks like I have to take apart a large portion of the dash to get to the center console... seems like a bad design to me. I've done a lot of stereo installs and I haven't had to take apart as much dash as it seems like I will have to with this truck. Am I missing something? Is there an easier way?

I appreciate the help.

Hello,

I just bought a 1994 Sonoma standard cab and I'll be putting a stereo in tomorrow.

I haven't looked too closely yet, but can anyone here tell me how to get the dash apart around the current stereo? I see two screws by the ashtray... other than that it looks like I have to take apart a large portion of the dash to get to the center console... seems like a bad design to me. I've done a lot of stereo installs and I haven't had to take apart as much dash as it seems like I will have to with this truck. Am I missing something? Is there an easier way?

I appreciate the help.

2 Screws just above the speedometer only, then simply pull the bezel off. (It's held on by clips) Be aware though, if you can't get it past the steering wheel to get it off, you may have to drop the column (2 15mm bolts under the dash) But being your 94 is a second gen with the 1st gen column, you may be able to get away with just pulling the steering wheel if anything at all.

Thanks for the quick response. I'll try to post some pictures of my install for other 1994 Sonoma owners.

2 Screws just above the speedometer only, then simply pull the bezel off. (It's held on by clips) Be aware though, if you can't get it past the steering wheel to get it off, you may have to drop the column (2 15mm bolts under the dash) But being your 94 is a second gen with the 1st gen column, you may be able to get away with just pulling the steering wheel if anything at all.

Okay, so for anyone installing a stereo in a 1994 GMC Sonoma...

General Tips:
- Replace all stock wiring, it's garbage.
- Be gentle - Almost all panels in this truck are held in place with clips, not screws. The clips break easily.

The speakers in the doors are 6.5" rounds. To get the door panels off:
1. There are two screws under a cover in the door handle.
2. There is a screw behind the door lever. This frees the door lever panel from the door panel.
3. Seperate the door panel from the door frame at the bottom. There are no more screws, only plastic clips left. You will likely break one or two, so get extras at a junk yard or automotive shop. Be gentle.
4. Once the bottom clips are free, keep pulling upwards and the rest of the clips will pop out. Now lift the door panel upwards. The door panel is held in place by a lip at the top. The panel should be free now.
Reassembly:
1. I played around for a while before figuring out the trick here... Make sure you unscrew the door lever panel (a small panel that surrounds the door lever) and pop it through the door panel first.
2. Reverse the disassembly instructions.

Taking the dash apart:
1. There are two screws under the steering wheel... remove them. The left side of that panel is now free. The right side of it (going all the way to the cig. lighter) is held in place by a couple of clips. Pull gently and let the panel drop to the floor.
2. There are two screws directly above the instrument cluster. Remove them. The control console frame from the left of the steering wheel to the right side of the stereo is all held on by clips from here. Simply pull gently to remove it. Once free, you can lift the entire frame 90 degrees counter clockwise to get it out of the way. Be carefull not to rip any switch wires out though. Your other option is to remove the steering wheel to get this frame right out of the way, but I didn't find it necessary to do so.
3. The stereo is held in place by four screws - they're obvious... you'll see them.
4. You should have easy access to wiring now. Do your thing.

Front Speaker Replacement:
I highly recommend not buying 4"x6" replacement speakers.... buy some nice 4" rounds with a 4"x6" adapter. Round speakers sound way better.
1. Remove the two screws in the speaker cover.
2. Remove the speaker.

My Install:
4" JL speakers in the dash to cover mid range and high frequencies
6.5" JBL 125watt rms speakers in the doors (provide decent bass for a small cab)
6"x9" JBL 150watt rms speakers in the rears - amplified to 75w rms each

To do:
10" woofer box.... my 12" rockford just doesnt fit :(

I hope this helps....

Sean

To do:
10" woofer box.... my 12" rockford just doesnt fit :(
Sean


I have a box in my reg cab '83 S-10

has a 10 inch Lighting Audio sub, and 2 Mag Audio 6x9's
all seperated internaly so each has its own space