Replacing/upgrading stock radio

[zombie13]

My van has just the standard cassette player in it. I would like to upgrade to either a cd changer (it has controls, or at least names, to control one), or replace the head unit with a factory cd player/changer. Anyone got any pitfalls or gotcha's that I might need to know about? The van also does have an anti-theft system, but I don't think the radio does.

Z.

[fcrew]

It would be simpler to add an aftermarket cd changer to your van than the factory single cd player radio because then you would also need the factory amp and they have different connecters than the cassette radios do.

[rrclyoung]

Go to this link....I use them all the time. They supply all the wiring harness connectors an instructions you will need.

www.crutchfield.com

I put a pioneer with xm radio in my van....don't even use the CD player anymore

[netherland24]

frist what year is the van? does it say premium on the door speakers*cover* what are you planning on doing? just replacing the cassate player? or speakers too? if you have a amped system meaning they are PREMUIM then u are looking at a REwire of speakers. u can use the amp but u will get engine niose for sure.

[rrclyoung]

I have a 98 windstar with a premium system. Crutchfield sells an adapter to attenuate the signal from your aftermarket stereo so you don't overdrive the amp......the web site goes through all this when you choose "what fits my car?" I have already done all this, and my stereo sounds great

[itsmeeelisa]

I bought a 6 disc indash off of ebay. It took me 5 mins to install, it was plug and play so to speak. My dealer doesn't mess with stereos. Their authorized dealer wanted $750 for the same one. I got one for $150 new. Of course, you didn't say what year your van was. I know you can do this with newer vans (mine is an 03) I am not sure on older ones.

If you do replace it yourself. Remember to unhook battery first. If you don't, the airbags could deploy.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by zombie13

My van has just the standard cassette player in it. I would like to upgrade to either a cd changer (it has controls, or at least names, to control one), or replace the head unit with a factory cd player/changer. Anyone got any pitfalls or gotcha's that I might need to know about? The van also does have an anti-theft system, but I don't think the radio does.

Z.

[wiswind]

I also have the factory casette radio in my '96.
I added a CD changer a few years ago.
I bought one that connects to the antenna connection for the radio. So you tune the radio to a station that the CD changer operates at....and use the CD changer. Just select a station, and use the CD changer. Was the easiest way to go, and still have a nice sounding system.

To remove the factory radio, you will need to buy a "removal tool" which is just 2 bent wires that go into the holes at each corner of the face of the radio.....and release the radio.

I replaced the 4 "premium" factory speakers several weeks ago. They sound is much better. I bought Pioneer "direct fit" 6"x8" speakers that Crutchfield listed for my car. They sent plugs for them with my order...so it was plug and play. I found that the screws that came with the new speakers were too small (not thick enough) so I had to use different screws.

They may or may not make a wiring harness for your radio. Crutchfield did not have one for my '96 radio. If you can get a harness, it will make the job easier. Still will be a bit of work to change the radio....due to the wiring. But it is do-able.
Figuring out the correct wiring is the hardest part....and can be quite challenging.

[zombie13]

I just realized this thread was out here (and I started it...how forgetful I am...) I ended up doing something remarkably easier...sorta...I also had a '99 Ranger with an in-dash cd player. This was totalled in late sept., so I removed that cd player and put it in the winny...and it works. Before I pulled it, I called a Ford dealer and was told that if the plugs on the back match, it will work, otherwise it won't.

Z.