My stock AM/FM cassette player is acting up in my '88 F-150. It fades in and out of reception. My first guess was a bad connection to the antenna, but now it seems like a short in the head unit. Sometimes the radio will work fine all day, then sometimes it won't work at all. For the most part, it usually fades in and out and drives me nuts. I'm gonna eventually replace the factory head unit with an aftermarket head unit and nice sounding speakers.
My question is, is my stock head unit junk or is it a bad connection to the antenna. BTW, I don't have any cassette tapes anymore, so I didn't try putting a tape in the unit to see if faded like the radio. I'm hoping someone had this similar issue and can help me out. I'm in no hurry to buy an aftermarket head unit right now, but if my head unit is the problem, I'll replace it right away. It's driving me nuts.
Also, has anybody installed the Highliner w/built-in speakers from LMC truck? Is it worth the $270? How does it sound? I'm thinking of buying this for my truck.

 

Well I think the best way to figure out your problem is going to be to pop a tape into the unit. My guess, your problem is the head unit. The antenna is really just a thick gauge wire that runs up to a metal rod, not much room for malfunctioning there. But the stock units are awful, you should replace it ASAP. You won't believe the difference in sound.

-Chris

 

go to walmart, get a cd/radio for $50., buy the adapter kit for your truck, $7. and get the radio removal tool if you do not have them.

best investment you will ever make.

 

That headliner with the speakers is nice but way overpriced.......you can do the same thing on your own......build/buy some boxes for the rear corners......mount and run wires.......got to do all of that to put the expensive one in anyway......new speakers in the doors.....dash....make it even better than the pricy one.....
I'll be going to Circuit City, buying one and letting them install it cause I don't need all those "watts"....

Good Luck

 

I thought it was a bit overpriced myself. I think I'm gonna go to my local car audio installer and have them give me a price on a decent speaker setup. They did a good job on my friends' truck, but I don't want the kick *** system he has. I just want something loud and clear. I had a Land Rover with a factory Harmon/Kardon system in it and I loved it. If they can install something that sounds almost as good as my Landy sounded, I would be satisfied. I don't need my bass to be heard from 3 miles away, just something that rocks. As far as a head unit, I don't need anything special. Something with a remote would be nice, but it's not a neccesity.

 

Good quality brands for head units are Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood. I personally prefer Pioneer because I love the interface, its very intuitive and the sound from the unit is awesome. And you can buy speakers and install them yourself for a lot cheaper. Check out crutchfield.com, if you buy speakers from them they include install instructions (specific to your vehicle) and the proper wiring harness adapters for free!! I ordered from them a couple months ago and I am VERY satisfied with their service and prices. It'll probably save you around $50-75 if you install the speakers yourself. Good luck!

-Chris

 

If you have'nt pulled the antenna yet, do so. The cable is wont to fall out of the connector & produce the kind of symptoms you describe.