PLEASE HELP with Stereo Installation

[tec_41]

I have had this nice Kenwood head unit sitting on my desk for a while, and I'm sick of staring at it. I finally found what I need to get to install it into my 1994 1500 sierra- http://www.tune-town.com/Cars/stuff/...GMC_Sierra.htm

BUT...I'm not sure which faceplate to get! I have the tape deck in the center, and that's where I wanna install the kenwood head unit. So which faceplate do I get? The top or bottom one?

Thanks!

[2000CAYukon]

When I replaced the stereo on my 90 K1500, the kit came with the bottom one. This is because there is not enough room where the tape desk is without the newer larger faceplate.

I got mine from Crutchfield and it can with all the parts on the website you posted.

//2000CAYukon

[tec_41]

Thanks for the reply...this is what your talking about?- http://www.crutchfield.com/S-RWa1Rpe...o&i=142GR1482R

If so, then is there no possible way that this will work- http://www.tune-town.com/yho/lg99-3001.gif because I thought they gave this option for people with the tape deck already installed...

I'm getting very confused lol...Is the wireing harness hard to get at? If I order the one off tune town would I be all set? Please let me know what you think!

[dexter452]

you will need the following

metra 40-gm20 antenna adaptor
metra 70-1858 wiring harness adaptor
metra 99-3000 mounting kit.

i would get the color match kit by adding the first letter of the interior color to the end of the kit #,eg. blue interior-kit#99-3000b

the actual radio is above the gas pedal called the tuner pack.this is where you will make all of your connections,remove this piece and all of the connectors are there, plug in your antenna adpt, make up your harness from new radio to the adpt plug and plug it in run those to the center of the dash and install the kit.
now the facory head piece will no longer function so get a pocket
metra#88-00-3301, and install that.
if all of this seems overwhelming or if you have anymore questions,please do not take offence but you are in over your head and take it to a professional(not best buy or circut city)go thru the yellow pages and find a good installer, he will become your best friend.
i know i was an installer for 17 years.

[tec_41]

Thank you Dexter! I can handle all of that...but I have just a few more questions. First off, are the stock wires long enough to reach all the way up to the center of the dash, or is the new wiring harness extra long? If not, then how do I reach the wires all the way over there?

Also, I wasn't able to find that metra #88-00-3301 on Crutchfield...what exactly is it? Could you please provide me with a link? Thank you very very much for helping
EDIT: Oh, I found it- http://www.crutchfield.com/S-acIy8KB...&search=pocket

That's a tad too expensive...I think I'll just leave the stock stereo there for now to fill the space. Or maybe I'll get this- http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/88-00-3301.html

[dexter452]

the stock harness will be long enough once you add the adapter and the aftermarket harness as well,i would probably not order any of that stuff online just go to your local store and buy it all as a package price,there is no way you should pay more than 75-90.00 for all 4 pieces.the other option for the head piece is to also get a 71-1858 as well (it is a plug that will fit back in to the stock tuner pak)and provide power and acc and dimmer and ground to the factory parts so the clock and lights will still work,a bit more involved but works well.

[tec_41]

Hopefully some one will chime in and help me before I get too impatient and start yanking stuff out, but my stuff came yesterday . Unfortunately, that was the wrong antenna adapter but I can send that back no problem. In the meantime, I have a few more questions. In the tuner pack, I know there are 2 seperate plugs (one for the tape deck and one for the tuner). Do I just get rid of the one for the tape deck altogether?

Also, when I take out the stock tuner in the dash, there is just a black cord with a bunch of wires I would imagine in it. There is no where to unplug it up there, just from the tuner pack. What do I do with this? I imagine that I get rid of that as well...but then what do I do with the new wiring harness I bought? That plugs into the tuner pack I know, but how do I get it to reach up to the aftermarket stereo in the center dash? Dexter, I know you touched on this a little, but I just need a little more detail before I start pulling wires...thanks!

EDIT: I just went to see if the new wiring harness fits anywhere, and it doesn't...what's the deal with that? Is there a hidden plug somewhere that it's supposed to fit into? I just tried the tape deck and digital tuner plugs...thanks again!

[dexter452]

first off remove the tuner pack,3-7mm bolts, 1 above the gas pedal ,1 behind the under column plate and 1 by your wrist when you grab the tuner pack from below with your right hand.

unplug the bottom 2 plugs, 1 for the tape and 1 for the head piece, pull down and reach up and unplug the antenna and power harness. your adapter will plug into the power harness and thats all. there will be enough harness to snake it over to the center of the dash.

sorry for taking so long to respond , i just got back from dropzone truck show in salem oregon,the 17 hour drive home was a killer. but i won 3rd place in my class,not bad for a daily driver with factory paint competing against show trucks. woo-hoo

[LOUD-ASS-SIERRA]

Hey, i have been reading the posts. I know i am a little late but i was in the same situation you were in last summer. I too have a94 sierra. Got a new stereo. How the hell to do it ! It was very simple. If you have already done everything that's just fine yet this is how did it. First of all, you obviously have to get that hunk of crap cassette deck out. That is where your stereo will fit. I do not know you were wanting that black box you posted in there on for a seperate website. I simply went to best buy and you can get everytyhing you need right there. They give you the antenna, new mount, and wiring. I had to more or less pry off the stock face, and deassemble the cassette deck. The wiring connects up above your gas pedal if i remember right. Its pretty much self explanitory after that. Let me know if you've put it on yet and if not maybe i can help.