CD Installation

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Feb 12, 2004 | 01:56 PM

David26

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Woodstock, Ontario

CD Installation

I've been thinking about installing a Sony CD player into my 89, but after reading about the installation troubles that people have had with the aerostar, I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't. It has the premium stereo with equilizer but I'm willing to forego that part (a 200 watt Sony deck would probably be more than adequate) and when I sell the van in a few years, I can just pop the cassette deck back in and everything will still be stock. So is it really that bad to do the install or are people just trying to do more elaborate things. Thanks.

David

Feb 13, 2004 | 11:04 AM

reever

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Joined: May 2003

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From: laurel springs NJ

I believe the problems most folks have encountered are due to using the existing wires/ harness's to the factory speaker locations. Has something to do with the outboard amplifier (I'm guessing here, don't have Premium sound in mine).

If you are not using the existing wires/ harness(s), and are going to run new, I don't see how there will be a problem. If you decide to use the existing wires, check out Crutchfield.com, They should be able to suggest and or even sell compatible harnessing.

By the way, I used to be nothing but a Pioneer or Sony guy in all of my vehicles. Do yourself a favor and spend a few extra bucks and buy an Alpine head unit. Absolutely the best purchase I have made in quite some time. You will not be disappointed. And no I don't work for Alpine!!! Just a very satisfied customer.

reever

Feb 13, 2004 | 11:48 AM

Beast12

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Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 14,413

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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!

I installed a cd player in my old 89 Aerostar with the eq. Man, was that a chore. I ended up rewiring my whole entire van! I bought a harness for it and it didn't even work. So I ran new wires to the fuse box for the power and ran new wires to the speakers. It took me and my friend about 4-5 hours from start to finish. That's including all the time we wasted trying to use the harness. Once we figured out the harness was screwed up and we went to rewiring the whole van it only took abot 1 hour. Good luck!

-Matt

Feb 14, 2004 | 02:16 AM

Berry

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Joined: Oct 2001

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I just did it the easy way and installed one of those under the seat 10 disc rf coupled units. Works fine and holds 10 cds. When those ten cds are mp3s I have many, many hours in one cassette.
I didn't have to mess with the wiring either, just a plug in for the radio antenna so the cd can play through the radio. It works well and should do for most folks unless you really need to bump.

Feb 14, 2004 | 03:26 AM

David26

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 58

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From: Woodstock, Ontario

hmmm...that's what I was afraid of. I really didn't want to spend a lot of time rewiring my van as I'm probably only going to be keeping it for another year at most and then selling it to buy another Ford. I think a CD changer may be a better investment for me as I can then transfer it to the new vehicle. I guess if I want more power, I can always buy a powered bass tube. Thanks for the suggestions.

Feb 14, 2004 | 12:34 PM

Aftrmidnite

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,570

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I put a 12 CD player under the drivers seat. The inter-face unit is behind the glove box, Velcroed to a heater duct. The selector is to the right of the steering wheel, Velcroed to the dash, its hard to see by looking in the windows. I removed the drivers seat, center console, cup holder, and glove box, to install. I made a kick plate so the CD player couldn't be damaged by kids. I spent a weekend, which included steam cleaning the carpet, front seats and cleaned the plastic parts, before reinstalling. The unit hooks to the factory radio's antenna. The only probem is the dash speakers need to be replaced and I had too much cable. Does any one have a suggestion for a dash speaker that will fit without a lot of mods?

Feb 14, 2004 | 08:57 PM

reever

Elder User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 500

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From: laurel springs NJ

Yo midnite,
Do yourself a favor and just go to the front doors. It is a royal PIA to get anything bigger than a 3" in the dash. I believe the cutout in the doors is for a 6" speaker. I gotta look for sure.

reever