HELP! Installing aftermarket stereo in 03/04's

Hogs · December 28, 2003

I need an installation kit to install an aftermarket CD player head unit in my 04 full size Savana van. The factory radio is the same size as the unit in our 04 Silverado. So far nobody has a kit for 03 or 04 Vans or pickups. It's not even listed as an available item in Best Buys computer.

You can't tell me no one is installing aftermarket stereos in these trucks.

Can somebody offer some help??

Sorry to post this here but I need to get this thing put back together tomorrow!!!

Thanks, Mike

Wingnut · December 28, 2003

Did you check JP Customs?

How about Crutchfield?

If you have to go local, I would steer clear of Best Buy, and go to a car audio specialist store. They should be able to help you out.

lrymal · December 28, 2003

UGH.... I would not use Best Buy.

Have no idea about the vans but there are marvelous kits for the '03 pickups and upwards. I gotta run this down, but if someone doesn't beat me to it, I'll list the numbers, etc. You need two things:

1) A Metra head unit adapter. Mine has a pocket underneathe the aftermarket head unit. I **think** this kit Metra number is 99-2002. It is fairly common with GM cars that have oversized double din radios and fits perfectly with 2003 Silverados. It is marked with that pocket and makes things look a bit more "factory" since the single din radio fitting in a double-din hole is sharing with a nearly din-sized pocket. I'll try to confirm the Metra number. In the meantime, here is a photo of it. Mine looks exactly like it. Again, this adapter is used with several GM models:

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/items_...ml/99-2002.html

2) A Class II Data-Bus interface GMRC-01. Go here for it:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XGFVEuoW2Rc/c...asp?i=120GMRC01

This keeps your chimes and allows you to play your unit without a key until you open the door. Chimes will even stop with a key in the igniton after about ten seconds. Definitely an improvement over the factory chime system which will chime forever. The GMRC-01 is pricey but does a great job. This unit includes the wiring harness and keeps you from being forced to relocate your original OEM unit in the system (hidden) so that all this junk works. The relocation harness was the first attempt to getting a working system.

You didn't state if you are using a premium audio system. This GMRC-01 will not work with BOSE and probably will not with On-Star. If you have these evidenced by an amp premium system, and a functioning On-Star, you'll have to find another solution.

I'll try to dig up links and part numbers for these and either edit this message or add another.

Hogs · December 28, 2003

Thanks guys, The factory unit is the base am/fm andnothingelse pos. I have the wiring harness and antenna adapter but got the wrong install kit.

Luckily we have many higher end audio shops close buy. I hope they have something "in stock" as it was a pain to get to the radio. The entire face of the dash has to be removed but I'm afraid to disconnect the passenger airbag shut off switch so the major portion of the dash is still in the way prohibiting me from driving the van.

Man, It used to be that Chevy was the easiest truck to put a new system in. Now we have Bose stuff, antenna adapters and door chimes.. geesh! Oh well, at least the rest of these trucks F-in rock!!

lrymal · December 29, 2003

Yeah, and I think we are going to see more and more of this type of integration which makes it difficult to modify systems. For my truck, though, the items I listed work just flat-out wonderfully and the GMRC-01 functions very well with the new electronics. I really enjoy the Metra adapter but I wish I could confirm the model number. I found out about it on a list **somewhere**. The Metra website is a bit lost on their updates and I still find stereo install sites that top out at 2002 models. grrrrrrr

Hogs · December 29, 2003

I finally got it in!!

Metra PN 99-2001 was all the local shop had but worked find.

Thanks for the help!!

lrymal · December 29, 2003

I finally got it in!!

Metra PN 99-2001 was all the local shop had but worked find.

Thanks for the help!!

Awesome that you got it in!!!!

I still cannot locate the model number of my Metra. Most of the install sites have not been updated or are not showing what the Metra looks like. However, I now think the Metra number is a Metra 99-3301. Here is the picture of my Metra. I like it mucho better than the standard Metra that centers the aftermarket radio, thus one losing some space. The pocket in this one is two fingers tall.

Hogs · December 29, 2003

That looks great!!!

The one I got doesn't look as nice but it's a commercial van and looks don't matter much. There a panel that goes over the opening under the radio but I need to install some jacks in it for the XM tuner before I install it.

Next week....Speakers!!