Some Radio Replacement Questions (06 Silverado)

I recently purchased a 2006 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab LT. It has a factory AM/FM/CD/Tape player installed. I also have steering wheel controls.

What I'm looking to do is replace the stock unit with an MP3 player. BUT, I'd like to keep my steering wheel controls. So that leads me to think about going with the GM MP3 player. Where would I go about getting one of these?? Before you say the dealership, I want to exhaust other options b/c they charge an arm & a leg. Also, would I need anything else to go with it?? How hard is it to replace the factory unit??

Aside from the GM unit... would there be any way to go with an aftermarket radio and still be able to keep my steering wheel controls??

Any information in advance is greatly appreciated!!!

If you want to keep your factory headunit & steering controls and run your MP3 player through it, you can get an auxilliary input adapter. It converts the pin input on the back of the headunit to stereo RCA jacks to which you can connect your MP3 player via a RCA/headphone jack cord.

I did this on my 2002 and it works great. I dont know if they changed anything through the years (besides the looks), but if your radio has an AUX button it should work. I ran the wire down behind the dash, under the carpet, and up between the seats for a clean look. Really easy install.

I think the part # for the adapter is GMAUX, but you might want to verify that. I got mine at Tweeter for around $50, and the RCA/headphone cord from Radioshack for like $8.

Unfortunately I don't have an MP3 player. I was more looking into a factory head unit that will play MP3 CD's. But I want to make sure I keep my steering wheel controls.

Check the junk yards.

Came across this page today with the GM MP3 player.
http://www.oem-auto-accessory.com/15104155_am_fm_cd_new_take_out_2004_2005_chevy_and _gmc_trucks.html