2003 Seat Bolts

[keltoiskin]

I am getting ready to install a complete aftermarket stereo system in my 1500 Z71. In order to run all of the power, RCA, and speaker wiring, I will need to remove the seats and center console. I noticed that the seat bolts are inverse torx. I went out and found an E16 socket that will remove the back bolts to the seats, however the front bolts will require a deep well socket and for the life of me, I can't find anyone that sells a deep well E16 socket. Any help?

Also, I am having Crutchfield ship me a wiring harness with the head unit I bought from them, but they recommended a $80 additional harness that will allow me to keep the door chime. How important is this? Won't the standard harness work to power the head unit, and control all the necessary functions? Since this head unit doesn't have an internal amp, I have to run a remote turn on lead to my amps. Will the standard harness have one? Thanks for your help.

[GMMerlin]

Check with www.snapon.com or www.matcotools.com for the socket you need

[keltoiskin]

Already have. Neither one carries it. I found a company in Taiwan that carries it, but I'll take it to the dealer and see if they can lend me the socket or something.

[OverKil customs]

the aftermarket head unit will have a remote output specifically designed to run external amplifiers, normally blue/white.... also, why bother pulling out the seats and console? run all your cables down the sides, under the thresholds, there's all kinds of room under them. that $80 part sounds like a databus 2 retention module, necessary on 03-up fullsize pickups among many other 00-up gm vehicles, and no, the standard harness will not work. among other reasons, because there is no standard ignition wire in it (the factory deck is triggered on by the databus 2 system). long story short: use the part

[dieselman]

Ok this will work take a deep 9\16 12 pt. tap down so it fits hold down when takeing off I did the same thing also you can use 7\16 6 pt. for the rear

[bnwhite]

No, No, the $80 harness Crutchfield is talking about is what pwers the radio even when you turn the key off. You know when you turn the key off and the radio still runs until you open the door then it goes off? This will retain the factory ability to keep your radio on until the door is opened. However this is not really necessary unless you want it.

[OverKil customs]

what bnfwhite is talking about is gm's rap system (retained accessory power) which is controled by the bcm. the rap system has nothing to do with the databus system or the retention module, and really has nothing to do with the $80 part

[huminski]

Listen.

Overkill, with all due respect you're incorrect here.

Bnwhite you're on the right track but left some stuff out.

The 03-04 silverados do not have a 12-volt ignition wire going to the radio. They use a 'data' wire that tells the radio when to turn on, when to sound the chimes, when to turn off, when to change the volume compensation, etc.

The purpose of the module you're looking at is to interpret the signal on this data wire. The module has a speaker that will sound door/headlight/low fuel/etc chimes, as well as a 12 volt switched wire that will turn on and off a conventional head unit.

You have 2 options. Option 1 is to get the module (which by the way can be had for $50 if you look around, I actually got mine for $20 from an install shop that had installed and then removed it from another vehicle). This will keep the full functionality of the data wire active, including chimes and delayed-turn off.

Option 2 is to forgo the module and tap into a switched 12-volt ignition wire somewhere else and run the wire behind the radio. This will work fine but the radio will turn off as soon as the key is turned off, and you will lose all of your chimes. People always call it the door chimes but you have to remember it's also headlight chimes, low fuel chimes, "you left the blinker on" chimes, etc, etc.

I put the module in my truck and am glad I did. Look around, You're getting robbed at $80.