Aftermarket CD player?

[cvp71]

I'm pretty sure that my 97 PA's CD player is shot. It barely reads CD's anymore, they constantly skip and make a horrible scratching noise. I'm looking into getting a simple aftermarket CD player. I was going to ask you guys what the deal is with the CD/radio unit. It looks to be one piece but does the CD portion come out of the unit so I can just replace that? Or does the radio/cassette portion have to all come out with it? If the entire piece has to come out I have no idea what will fit in that big space.

[HotZ28]

Welcome to AF! Check eBay and your local Pick and Pull for a factory replacement, if that would suit you better. IMHO, it looks much better than after market with the big filler kit installed!

[cvp71]

I feel the exact same way, I just can't picture an aftermarket one matching the interior well

But I will have to look for a newer one because I don't want to buy an old one and have the same thing happen on me.

[Smitty's Buick]

I'm not sure if they still make them, but Pioneer used to make a 1.5 DIN stereo that is designed for the GM and Mopar radio opening. I have put one in a 1990 Lumina as well as my 1996 Dodge truck. With the use of the right harness, the job is pretty easy. The 1.5 DIN fits the opening perfectly and gives you big buttons like you are used to with the PA. Check Crutchfield for availability.

You can also give up on the CD's and use an FM transmitter to connect to your MP3 player. That's what I've done with my system.

[012620]

I bought a used Delco Radio off of ebay and as I remember the price was not too bad. I looked on ebay and looks like the price of cd player is anywhere from $75.00 to $100.00 plus shipping.

You said "But I will have to look for a newer one because I don't want to buy an old one and have the same thing happen on me." but it might really depend on how much the cd player was ever used. I think that most Buick Cars owners are older like myself and that the cd player never got much use. I myself use my cd player but I listen to the radio most of the time. So I think a used Delco CD Player should be just fine.

As far as installing the radio its simple. Just pop off a few trim pieces and the few mounting screws and the plugs on back of the radio and you got it installed. Good luck.

[cvp71]

So Im in the process of taking the unit out and Im having a little trouble unhooking the wire harness out of the back. Is there a special way to do this because it's not budging when I press down on the clips and pull, and believe me I've pulled pretty hard.

[danielsatur]

Find one with a hook up for an Ipod, you can play your own playlist.

LOL - How about an 8-Track player from the flea market

[012620]

Originally Posted by cvp71

So Im in the process of taking the unit out and Im having a little trouble unhooking the wire harness out of the back. Is there a special way to do this because it's not budging when I press down on the clips and pull, and believe me I've pulled pretty hard.

It seems like I used a flat edge screwdriver between the back of radio and the harness. Work the blade back and forth carefully at the same time you are working with the clips and it should start coming off.