Aftermarket stereo and stereo mount, why is it so much?

[tarasalero]

So, I went to Circuit City yesterday and was really excited to put in a new deck for my car (trust me, it needs it badly). I got the horrible news that while the installation is free, the parts needed were about $140. Yikes! The guy said I'd need a stereo mount-thingy in order to still have things like my antenna and other things hooked up to the stock stereo. He told me that alone would cost $105. It was a GM0502 or GMOS02 (can't read the guy's handwriting).

So, where could I get one for cheaper (ebay? amazon?) or is it just easier to go through an installer? Thanks again for your help.

BTW, this website is so helpful to chumps like me who know nothing about anything.... thanks again!

[thesd45]

The first question is does your Alero have OnStar, and what kind of aftermarket receiver are you trying to install. There are actually Three things that you most likely need to install an aftermarket receiver (Radio/CD Player). The first is the Dash Mounting Kit. This is needed because Alero's have what is called a Double Din or size DD dash opening (4 inches tall). Most Aftermarket car recievers are only Din, (2 inches tall), the mounting kit is needed to fill the extra space that would be left in the dash. Normally this adds a small storage "pocket" under the aftermarket receiver. Dash Mount Kits in my area of Wisconsin normally run around $15.99 to $19.99 for Alero's. On Circuit City's website the one for 02 Aleros is $20.99. Be advised although most dash mount kits look simmilar they are not the same, the ones at Wal-Mart are cheaper, because they are made of cheaper plastic and sometimes need modification. I personally prefer the dash mount kits at Best Buy. Also 99-01 Aleros use a different dash kit than 02-04 Aleros. The second thing that you will need is a Wire Harness adaptor. This is the more expensive part. This is because the wire harness that plugs into the back of the stock radio will not plug into aftermarket receivers. Most people do not realize that some of the dash warning lights and the warning chimes are actually controlled through the stock radio. Also the feature of the radio staying on for 10 minutes after the car is turned off is controlled in the same manner. I am going to assume that your Alero is like mine and does not have OnStar. In an Alero without OnStar there are two options for wireing harnesses, one that keeps the stock radio but moves it to the trunk, and one that replaces the stock radio. The cheaper one is the one that retains the stock radio and uses it to maintain the warning chimes. This adaptor is between $50 and $60 dollars in my area. The second adaptor replaces the stock stereo, and the adaptor is used to maintain the warning chimes. This is the adaptor that I use and it runs between $79.99 and $99.99 in my area. I was unable to find the adaptor on Circuit City's website. The third thing that you will need is an Antenna Adaptor. The antenna lead that is in Aleros will not fit into aftermarket receivers. Aleros have the General Motors US size and Aftermarket receivers use Japanese Size. The antenna adaptor is normaly about $10 to $20. Circuit City's website lists theirs at $15.99. So the Price quote of $105 for all of it seems about right to me. I would suggest going to www.crutchfield.com and using their vehicle fit selector, (Outfit My Car). It will tell you exactly what fits and exactly what adaptors you need and how much they cost. And if you buy a receiver through them they often throw in most of the adaptors free, and they might even be cheaper than Circuit City for the reciever, but they dont do free installation, although they do include free car specific installation instructions, so if your feeling a little DIY comeing on it might be a good way to save some cash. Hope this helps, let us know if you still have questions.

[tarasalero]

Thank you so much for your help. No, unfortunately Alero's were never blessed enough with OnStar, so mine does not have it. After I posted this thread I actually ended up on Crutchfield somehow and ended up buying the adapter for the chimes through them. I definitely recommend them for this, and they do throw in a lot of free stuff. However, I was unaware of the antenna adapter and will be buying that soon here too. And yes, I am feeling a little DIY and adventurous as well!

One more question though... I'm assuming the antenna adapter isn't that difficult to install, from the picture on the Crutchfield site... are there any warnings or things I should know about before installing the adapter?

Again, thank you soooo much for your help. I'm just a girl trying to learn stuff about her car... I hope this helps other people!

[thesd45]

The antenna adaptor is as simple and pluging both ends in. The wireing harness adaptor requires some wire spliceing. This is relatively simple, with a few different ways to accomplish this. http://www.mmxpress.com/technical/connections.htm, This site has a rather good overview of the different kinds. I personally use butt crimps. Just make sure to follow the wiring diagrams and instructions, just going by wire color doesn't always work, as every manufacturer is different. Crutchfield has a basic video that shows the major steps in the process as well.

[frobotz]

I pout an aftermarket in place of the factory Piece of garbage radio. Cost me $100 for the radio and $15 for the antenna adapter from a universal kit. i use a piece of flat aluminum and made a custom dash plate to fit the radio. Scuffed it up. Painted in flat black to match the interior and it looks real clean like an aftermarket install kit. I am not about to get robbed becasue oldsmobile made such an ignorant setup. Get a little creative. They sell aluminum sheets at home depot and lowes.