Aftermarket CD Player installations
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 58
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From: Iqaluit, Baffin Island
Aftermarket CD Player installations
I am interested in finding out some options on installing a cd player in my cab. I do not want to remove the factory radio/casette as I know I would get in a mess. Has anyone installed one under the seat / dash etc? I have a 99 4.2L F150. Any ideas, options or links to products would be appreciated.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
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From: Chicago Area
This is not as easy as it might seem, since you cannot get a signal into the amp of the factory radio. I think the only reasonable way is to get a cassette adaptor which will plug into the CD player and then put the adaptor into your cassette slot.
Actually, its not that hard to change the factory radio. If you have the unit with the two pair of holes on the face, buy a removal tool at Walmart. Then, slide it out and unplug the connectors on the back. You can find a factory CD or even CD & Cassette on eBay which will plug right in. And aftermarket CD/radios and adaptors are easily available.
Actually, its not that hard to change the factory radio. If you have the unit with the two pair of holes on the face, buy a removal tool at Walmart. Then, slide it out and unplug the connectors on the back. You can find a factory CD or even CD & Cassette on eBay which will plug right in. And aftermarket CD/radios and adaptors are easily available.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 69
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From: Orange Park, FL
it would probably be easier to just install a cd player in the dash i just put a new pioneer in my 99 f-150 and it only took about 25-30 minutes total to do it if you put one elsewhere in the cab you have to run alot of wires from behind the dash to where ever you put the cd player
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
An FM modulator type CD changer works well and is easy to hook up.
The signal from the CD goes through the FM on the radio. It uses a little box that goes inline with the truck's antenna. You tune the radio to 88.7, or whatever the CD changer's manufacturer decided to use, and the sound plays through the radio.
The signal from the CD goes through the FM on the radio. It uses a little box that goes inline with the truck's antenna. You tune the radio to 88.7, or whatever the CD changer's manufacturer decided to use, and the sound plays through the radio.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 5
From: NE PA
I installed a 10 disk changer in the console and hooked all the wires into the factory wires. Makes for an neat setup and keeps the stock look of the dash. I picked up a cheap one for about $100 at Wal Mart and it works great.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 77
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From: SC
I removed the stock radio/player and installed the new one back in its place with the dash and wiring kit (any wal-mart) super easy and no cutting of stock wires. The company that makes the kits has a web site and is more than happy to tell you exactly what kits you need for your truck.
The only thing is after one day I was buying new speakers too, Ford speakers just can't handle that little bit of exta power, not to mention it sounds 1000 times better with the right speakers.
The only thing is after one day I was buying new speakers too, Ford speakers just can't handle that little bit of exta power, not to mention it sounds 1000 times better with the right speakers.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
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From: Trussville, Alabama
Before you discount replacing the factory radio, look at the in-dash units and the kits (as mentioned in post above).
It really is easy to install a new unit. You can get both faceplate adapters and wiring adapters. Not much to it - takes about 5-10 mins.
It really is easy to install a new unit. You can get both faceplate adapters and wiring adapters. Not much to it - takes about 5-10 mins.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
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the fm modulator mentioned in one of the post i would recomend as a last resort. one benefit of a cd is the better sound quality and using a open fm channel will give less than desirable results! installing a new head unit is a very simple plug and play job! you will have to get something to cover the hole of the factory unit as it will be almost twice the size as most aftermarket but with some kits you will actually gain a small storage slot just above the radio. very handy for putting the remote if the unit comes with one. if you prefer the large head units then try crutchfield. some companies make aftermarket units that are the same size as the dinosaur in your dash now.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
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Originally Posted by lodown98
the fm modulator mentioned in one of the post i would recomend as a last resort. one benefit of a cd is the better sound quality and using a open fm channel will give less than desirable results!
I had on of those FM radio cd changers in an old t-bird of mine... sounded like crap.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
I guess I should qualify what i said about the FM modulator system 
My feeling is that if you are keeping the stock head unit, you're probably keeping the stock speakers, not adding an amp or anything, so I doubt you'd notice that the sound wasn't quite perfect.
My feeling is that if you are keeping the stock head unit, you're probably keeping the stock speakers, not adding an amp or anything, so I doubt you'd notice that the sound wasn't quite perfect.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 5
From: NE PA
I have bucket seats in my truck and I put the box inside the console. I removed the console to mount the unit inside then re-installed the entire console. I put the control box in the glove box and ran the wires under the carpet. It was an easy, out of site installation and the sound is good enough for me!
