I have a 1979 Ford Ranger Lariat. I want to put a new radio in (existing one is not stock but still a 2 ****) and suggestions on which way to go? Is wiring going to be a bitch? Also, I only have center dash speaker and would like to add door speakers. Thoughts on this welcome as well. Thanks!

I am sure this is covered before but too lazy to wade thru years of threads trying to find it.

 

Wiring is easy, stereo will have a constant, ignition switched power, and a ground. You will have your antenna lead to stock antenna, and some radios have a light lead that goes to the dash lights so the radio lights up at night. Beyond that they will just have the speaker leads.

I have a Dual brand shaft radio I got a few years ago for $40 on ebay. Analog/manual tuning radio but it has pre amp outputs for an external amplifier and it has an MP3 jack on the front so I can plug in my iphone. I'm very happy with it.

 

Check out Crutchfield.com

I had a '74 and installing the stereo and door speakers was pretty easy. Crutchfield will give you detailed instructions. I would say if you have not pulled your door panels before that will be the trickiest part of it. But the directions from Crutchfield will tell you what you need to know. Plus they give you all the installation supplies for free.

I would suggest you spend $100 on a pair of door speakers and $100 up to $140 for the head unit. The speakers are the most important part of the install - don't skimp there.

 

Doors take standard 6.5 speakers. You can get a decent set of pioneers for $50. You can spend more but you don't have to. Most shaft style radios won't have enough power output to take advantage of expensive speakers anyway.

 

I put a cheap Sony headunit in mine. This one, I think: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+5...8#tab=overview

Then I added in a pair of $40 Sony door speakers. A year later, my cousin hooked me up with a pair of $130 Kickers to go in my center console. The whole setup is plenty loud and clear enough sound quality for my needs.


I don't know why you'd spend $100+ on a pair of door speakers for a loud, poorly sealed old truck. Maybe if you Rhinolined your whole cab and shelled out the cash for all new rubber, but otherwise, a $60 pair is perfectly fine.