'78 stereo install issues
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Senior User
Joined: May 2007
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'78 stereo install issues
Hey all, I posted this in the general audio forum, thought I would post here too.
Here is what I got:
1978 F150 reg. cab with stock fuse panel.
New CD player (I won it and it is some off brand - 'XO Vision' cd/mp3/dvd)
Crossfire 100x2 amp
2- 6 1/2 in doors
2- 6x9's behind seat.
I have installed maybe a half a dozen systems in my time, but never on a vehicle this old. I am unfamiliar with the fuse panel. The truck had a stereo installed but it was yanked when I bought it. I have the amp hooked up. I ran the power cable to the battery side of the solenoid. Not sure if I should run it directly to the battery or not. My other issue is I can't seem to get the cd player to power up. I am sure I don't have the ac cable hooked up correctly and possibly the battery wire. Do I run the 'red' battery wire to the fuse panel or directly to the battery or solenoid? If anyone has a diagram for wiring a 73-79 I would appreciate it!!! Thanks.
Here is what I got:
1978 F150 reg. cab with stock fuse panel.
New CD player (I won it and it is some off brand - 'XO Vision' cd/mp3/dvd)
Crossfire 100x2 amp
2- 6 1/2 in doors
2- 6x9's behind seat.
I have installed maybe a half a dozen systems in my time, but never on a vehicle this old. I am unfamiliar with the fuse panel. The truck had a stereo installed but it was yanked when I bought it. I have the amp hooked up. I ran the power cable to the battery side of the solenoid. Not sure if I should run it directly to the battery or not. My other issue is I can't seem to get the cd player to power up. I am sure I don't have the ac cable hooked up correctly and possibly the battery wire. Do I run the 'red' battery wire to the fuse panel or directly to the battery or solenoid? If anyone has a diagram for wiring a 73-79 I would appreciate it!!! Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 5
From: MA
Amp power, I normally do to the solenoid, battery side, just make sure you fuse it.
CD radio..
Not being a jerk, but you say you've done 6 systems.. same as any other vehicle. radio power (keyed 12v, normally red) goes to the RADIO fuse.. constant memory power (yellow I believe) goes to.. I usually use the cig lighter fuse.
If you don't want to run extra wires, tap into the harness for the cig lighter wire and the radio power wire itself.
CD radio..
Not being a jerk, but you say you've done 6 systems.. same as any other vehicle. radio power (keyed 12v, normally red) goes to the RADIO fuse.. constant memory power (yellow I believe) goes to.. I usually use the cig lighter fuse.
If you don't want to run extra wires, tap into the harness for the cig lighter wire and the radio power wire itself.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2007
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The thing is, my fuse panel doesn't have anything on it in terms of what fuse is what. I see a few red wires going into it as well as a few blue wires. That is my main issue as to what fuses are what.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 947
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From: Spokane, Washington
psquare7575 i'll beat you to the punch :-)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...agon/fuse1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...agon/fuse2.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...agon/fuse1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...agon/fuse2.jpg
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon, Sask
Your Stereo sounds pretty new. Anyways, newer stereo's already have a built in fuse so really tapping into the fuse box isn't essential. Going to the battery with it wouldn't be all that bad, maybe even putting in an inline fuse if you still didn't feel safe with the idea. Also, there should already be a wire in the dash for the original radio for "key'd" power since the older radio's never needed a constant power supply. And like psquare7575 said, just tap into the cig lighter power wire for constant (memory) power.
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thanks guys, now that brent posted the fuse diagram, thank you so much, I think I can finish it up. Thanks again.
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New User
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I would stay away from the fuse panel.That's a Mickey Mouse way of installing something.
There are better sources for power than the fuse panel... available.
Running a wire directly to the relay is good.
Here is your behind the cluster connections.
There are better sources for power than the fuse panel... available.
Running a wire directly to the relay is good.
Here is your behind the cluster connections.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon, Sask
Now that i think about it, I think that's where i plugged my keyed power for my stereo into. I should do some junk yard diving for one of those "holy cruise control's" in which you speak of. Foot gets into some pretty weird positions after 3 hours of driving.
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