Question about C5 Stereo Install
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Question about C5 Stereo Install
Hello,
I have installed a stereo in a C5 before, but I have alway's used a PAC converter and wiring harness because I still used some of the stock speakers.
My question, I am helping a friend install a new stereo in his 98C5. He plans to gut the whole interior and dynamat it, but also take out all of the stock speakers.
I was wondering if I need a wiring harness if all of those connections, ie ... speakers, are not used? If not, what cables do I need? I know where to obtain ACC and constant power and ground, so that is not a problem...
Thanks for any help, pics appreciated ...
I have installed a stereo in a C5 before, but I have alway's used a PAC converter and wiring harness because I still used some of the stock speakers.
My question, I am helping a friend install a new stereo in his 98C5. He plans to gut the whole interior and dynamat it, but also take out all of the stock speakers.
I was wondering if I need a wiring harness if all of those connections, ie ... speakers, are not used? If not, what cables do I need? I know where to obtain ACC and constant power and ground, so that is not a problem...
Thanks for any help, pics appreciated ...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,390
Likes: 0
From: stop your crying... who cares
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (AP)
If im reading this right... no, you do not need a wire harness if using an after market HU (just what comes with it). Keep in mind, you will have to run all new speaker lines and extend the power, ground, etc. which will be your best bet. This will also give you opportunity to upgrade the gauge of the speaker lines compared to stock.
If you choose not to run new lines, you can splice into the stock lines if you can figure out the color code. I beleive I have seen the chart for it on the internet if someone wants to jump in on this.
If you choose not to run new lines, you can splice into the stock lines if you can figure out the color code. I beleive I have seen the chart for it on the internet if someone wants to jump in on this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,064
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (Conquer)
i would advise using an amplifier, so you would only have to run RCA from the head unit to the back of the car. Use quality wire to run to the doors & sub.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (ICULUKN-C5)
I think I have not clearly stated the question. I know that I can connect the RCA's ...
How do I get access to the antenna? how about the illumination? ... and other things that a harness would automatically do.
How do I get access to the antenna? how about the illumination? ... and other things that a harness would automatically do.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,390
Likes: 0
From: stop your crying... who cares
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (AP)
How do I get access to the antenna? how about the illumination? ... and other things that a harness would automatically do.
Read this again!
If you choose not to run new lines, you can splice into the stock lines if you can figure out the color code. I beleive I have seen the chart for it on the internet if someone wants to jump in on this.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Pataskala OH
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (AP)
I got a harness adaptor and it had the power antenna , switched and non switched power and ground..
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (zZArAZz)
I got a harness adaptor and it had the power antenna , switched and non switched power and ground..
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
on another note ... you car looks sweet on the website you have ... I see you are from Ohio ... I used to live in Worthington, near Columbus, when I was at school @ OSU ... now I am in Cleveland ...
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 332
Likes: 3
From: Little Rock AR
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (zZArAZz)
I got a harness adaptor and it had the power antenna , switched and non switched power and ground..
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
I did exactly the same ... got the harness at Best Buy. (Color code on the box was wrong on a few wires though - be careful!)
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (Still_Single)
I got a harness adaptor and it had the power antenna , switched and non switched power and ground..
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
I did exactly the same ... got the harness at Best Buy. (Color code on the box was wrong on a few wires though - be careful!)
I ran all new speaker wire so I would not have to cut the stock ones up..
Remember the trade in ....
the bose wiring is too small for quality power anyway...
I did exactly the same ... got the harness at Best Buy. (Color code on the box was wrong on a few wires though - be careful!)
Still_Single: Thanks for all of your previous help ... my buddy decided against the Kenwood and got the Alpine instead ...
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 332
Likes: 3
From: Little Rock AR
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (AP)
The harness I bought was for late model GM radios 97??? - current. (I'm probably off a bit as I don't have the packaging to look at anymore.) I think it cost about $12. I only used a few wires in the harness - the antenae power being one of them. If you're wiring a coupe, make sure you hook up power to the diversity switch box - otherwise your reception will be terrible! Also, did you pick up a GM antenae connector adapter yet? I have no idea why GM had to be different on that part. :rolleyes:
I went back and forth between the Kenwood and Alpine for months. It was the new Kenwood DVD Nav system that pushed me over the edge. Alpine makes a good unit too!
Make sure you take some install pics and good luck!!! :flag
I went back and forth between the Kenwood and Alpine for months. It was the new Kenwood DVD Nav system that pushed me over the edge. Alpine makes a good unit too!
Make sure you take some install pics and good luck!!! :flag
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (Still_Single)
Thanks Still_Single ...
He picked up the converter today ... and I think that the harness is going to be purchased in the morning ...
How long is the harness? Will I have to pick up extra wire to extend the cables to the hide-away box ...
Sorry I am asking so many questions ... my buddy is not a mechcanical person ... so I will be doing most of the install ... I want to be prepared even though Best Buy is only 1 mile away and Home Depot 3 miles ... I do not want to make 15 trips in a day ...
As far as the Nav is concerned ... he is not getting it .. so it would not be a big deal ... dad's car has the Alpine Nav it is really good and works great ... but I liked the Kenwood better ... the only problem is that the KVT-911 screen is semi automatic and my dad was afraid of it breaking ...
He picked up the converter today ... and I think that the harness is going to be purchased in the morning ...
How long is the harness? Will I have to pick up extra wire to extend the cables to the hide-away box ...
Sorry I am asking so many questions ... my buddy is not a mechcanical person ... so I will be doing most of the install ... I want to be prepared even though Best Buy is only 1 mile away and Home Depot 3 miles ... I do not want to make 15 trips in a day ...
As far as the Nav is concerned ... he is not getting it .. so it would not be a big deal ... dad's car has the Alpine Nav it is really good and works great ... but I liked the Kenwood better ... the only problem is that the KVT-911 screen is semi automatic and my dad was afraid of it breaking ...
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 332
Likes: 3
From: Little Rock AR
Re: Question about C5 Stereo Install (AP)
I actually liked the 911 display because it was semi-auto. I looked at 3 Alpine 800s and all 3 had striped gears from people trying to 'help' them raise up. I don't think there's a quality problem - I think it was a case of the demo units being abused.
The harness wires are only going to be about 6 inches long. You'll definitely need extra wire to run it to the back. I don't know about the Alpine, but the Kenwood had about 10' of wire on the base unit harness ... but that isn't enough to go all the way to the front.
I hear you about not wanting to make many trips to the store ... I love to go to Best Buy, but I really hate waiting in line at their checkouts! Seems like there's never more than one checker and it always takes me at least 15 minutes to get checked out! :mad (Sorry for the rant)
The harness wires are only going to be about 6 inches long. You'll definitely need extra wire to run it to the back. I don't know about the Alpine, but the Kenwood had about 10' of wire on the base unit harness ... but that isn't enough to go all the way to the front.
I hear you about not wanting to make many trips to the store ... I love to go to Best Buy, but I really hate waiting in line at their checkouts! Seems like there's never more than one checker and it always takes me at least 15 minutes to get checked out! :mad (Sorry for the rant)
