Good chance the bendix is dragging due to the starter being frozen. Some sort of extreme temp lubrication on the starter shaft the bendix rides on might do the trick.
The adaptor/interface module is the way to go, especially if you have steering wheel radio controls. Installed a Pioneer DVD player in my '04 Silverado, which has steering wheel controls for radio, and am quite happy that I did. Now can change stations or volume without releasing steering wheel.