Question re: GM audio systems

[ScottS]

Here is a question for those with Avalanches or in depth knowledge of GM Audio systems....

 

The Avalanche doesn't come with a cassette (as in no option code to order one).  There is a CD in the radio head, and a cubby hole where the tape unit would live in a pickup.  Is it possible to add the unit and harness to plug into the radio head, or would one have to replace the head as well.  Options I am considering, in order of cost and preference....

 

Add tape unit if possible;

Replace radio head with factory radio/tape unit and add aftermarket cd changer;

Replace radio head with factory radio/tape unit and add GM Delco cd changer (changer then being controlled by radio head, cleaner install);

 

I don't wish to remove the factory radio due to it's onstar tie in, and honestly I am not so much of an audiophile to warrant the expense of a aftermarket stereo.

 

Any input??

 

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[Shaners]

I would think your radio is all ready prewired to accept the GM cassette player.  I doubt there is any differences in the radio in your AV and my HD.  I don't know how big the cubby hole is on the Avalanche, but the casette unit isn't very large and you may have to fabricate a trim plate.

 

From the dealer the cassatte is prob rather pricey, but there should be several of them available from an Auto Wrecker.  You might even be able to make the trim piece out of the pickup work somehow.  Almost all trucks that have buckets in them have the cassette option..

 

I just looked at mine, and I think swapping the front section of the console out would be the way to go if it fits.  Chevy4x4Trucks is in the process of putting the whole center console in his base model truck.  PM him and see what the cost was from the junk yard.  You should grab a tape measure and stop by the dealers and take a few measurements to see if it's possible.  

 

Good luck Scott and let us know if you find anything out because I've heard of other Av owners that would like a casette too...

[Pastmaster]

Shaner's right there is a connection on the back for a cd player or in your case cassette player.  I'd get the part number for GM, and then price it on the gm parts site.  (Flow Chevrolet).  

 

We have a '96 Suburban that came ordered with just the cassette player.  From 1995-2000 the cd player was below.  I ended up purchasing both a cassette and cd from a junkyard for $300 and sold the cassette for $75.  That was a waste.  Now I would have just ordered the cd for $100.

[LarryE]

don't ya think it's time to move out of the past and stick with cd's or mp3s..   the quality of tape is soooooo awful compared to new media

[MountaineerTom]

I guess it would be, if he didn't want to listen to cassette's.

 

Scott,

I think I've seen some of the factory, seperate cassette players on e-bay, but I don't remember how much they were going for.

[ScottS]

Thanks Guys for the responses....

 

LarryE, I agree about the quality, but on long solo trips I like listening to talking books, and the vast majority are on cassette, and those on CD tend to be more expensive.  I could convert and burn cd's, but I have a extensive library and don't really want to convert all the books.  All my music is on cd, hence why I am looking for both.

 

If I complete the deal, I will add the cassette to the list of stuff from GM parts dept. (or the wreckers).

 

Thanks again

 

Scott  

[MountaineerTom]

I was thinking that's what you were wanting a cassette player for Scott.  I think I remember you asking about them before.

 

I hope you can find one and get it all hooked up easily.

[Markeaux]

www.radiosandmore.com has a lot of good GM OEM style products, they might have an OEM cassette ... my 01 Tahoe came with the AM/FM/CD w/ remote Cassette and I added a 12 disc cd changer (labeled Pioneer, but looked exactly like my 98 Z28's changer plus the cartridges are identical so it's basically an OEM unit) ... the radiosandmore folks have a Y-cable that lets you run the external cassette AND the 12 disc changer - plus it all works with OnStar ... the changer comes with a loooong cable that plugs right into the back of the stock AM/FM/CD or Y-cable and can be snaked all the way around to under my Tahoes 2nd seat (mounted it w/ velcro) ... when you have the changer connected and playing you use the "5" button to switch CD's in the changer.