Dealer Install of factory CD Changer
 

Can anybody reassure me that having the dealer install the factory CD changer is an o.k. idea? A year ago, when I bought my C5, a couple of the sales people there told me it was factory installed or not at all. Now they say they can do it and have the changers and install kits in stock. I'll do without the changer if it means tearing the interior apart and things just not being the same afterwards. Please share you experience if you've gone down this path.

Thanks!

Kevin Garvey
Deerfield, IL

Re: Dealer Install of factory CD Changer (KevinAGarvey)
 

There are two CD changers for the C5. Both are connected to the head unit thru the E&C data buss. The one many dealers use is an RF output one because it is faster to install. The factory installs an audio output deck which has superior sound. Many people have added a deck to their car. Do a search.

Re: Dealer Install of factory CD Changer (99HT)
 

If the person doing the install knows what they are doing there SHOULD be no problem.
I recently purchased a 98 with-out a changer, I will be installing the factory one in about two weeks, let you know how it goes.

Re: Dealer Install of factory CD Changer (KevinAGarvey)
 

Why not do it yourself and save the extra money for other things? All you need is a changer, install kit, drill, rivet gun, and some epoxy.

I purchased my car without the changer, bought a used changer from a forum member, purchased the install kit from GMPartsDirect. and put it in on a Saturday morning. The most difficult part was finding the connector in the passenger footwell since I wasn't quite sure what exactly I was looking for.

If you would like to see what is involved, here are the installation instructions:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/unxp...s/changer1.jpg http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/unxp...s/changer2.jpg http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/unxp...s/changer3.jpg http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/unxp...s/changer4.jpg

Re: Dealer Install of factory CD Changer (UNX PGMR)
 

Thanks UNX,

I have not looked at the links you showed me, so I'll keep my mind open. While it is always nice to save a little money, TIME is tougher to come by for me. I can buy the changer and kit from Ken Fichtner's Chevy for a bit over $400. and take your advice (assuming I don't also have to get something to raise the C5 up onto?). For a little over $600, the dealer will do it. I'm handy, but would really, really hate to discover the better/best way to do the install AFTER I've poorly epoxied or mis-drilled or otherwise messed up a dream car. That's really one of the main points of my first posting. In other words... "will the dealer have to tear things up so that the rugs, seats, floorboard, etc. etc. never seem right again." Whether its the dealer or me doing the work, if things are going to get mucked up at all, I can live with the in-dash CD player.

I'm looking forward to reading through the links you passed along. Thanks again,

Kevin G.