Options for replacing CASSETTE player in Tahoe (?)

KMeloney · June 17, 2002

Hey folks,

My Z71 Tahoe came with the caasette player in the console piece right in front of the cup holders of the center console. I can't imagine that I'll ever use the cassette player, so I'm wondering what I could put in it's place...

First of all, are there other factory console pieces I could put in its place? Are there ones that come with CD changers, or more storage bins, or... ? Could just the cassette player be removed from the console's opening, and something else be put in its plavce

Also, any idea on how easy it'd be for me to take this piece out? My friend's '99 Tahoe doesn't have anything in this location. The floor is just open there from the center console to the dash -- so, if there's nothing "useable" to put in place of the cassette console, then I'll probably just take it out altogether.

Thoughts? Ideas? Thanks!

-Kirk

chevy4x4trucks · June 17, 2002

Removing it is simple. Open up the CD storage door and there will be a screw on each side (7mm head if I remember correctly). There are two tabs on top of the piece so be sure to gently remove it. But, on the side of the cassette player there are two tabs that you can depress and simply slide it towards you. You can order a cubby hole from any gm dealership for about 5 or 6 bucks that fits in the slot. Or better yet find an avalanche owner that wants a tape player and swap them for there cubby hole and some cash.

Good Luck

KMeloney · June 18, 2002

Thanks for the reply!

Now... What about the whole console piece that the CD storage bin and the cassette player are mounted in -- can that whole thing be removed, too? (Not sure that I'll totally remove it -- just wondering if I can incase I decide I want to.)

Oh, and what about the wiring to the cassette player? Can I just unplug a harness and not worry about it? Or, would I have to do more with the wiring to make sure that everything else still works?

Thanks! Gotta look for a cubby hole piece in the meantime! (No where to stash sunglasses at the moment...)

-Kirk

Markeaux · June 18, 2002

I have the console cassette, too. I like to keep it because you can use a cassette adapter to play a small tv, scanner, mp3 player or other device thru it. And, if you have the rear seat controls/jacks it makes even more sense to keep it, since it makes one more source available to play - for example if the front seat passenger wants to listen to some smooth music you can play that as normal then the driver can plug in some phones in the back and listen to some rockin mp3's or tv news (thru the cassette adapter).

Regardless, I added an oem style 12 disc changer that is controlled by the stock am/fm/cd head, got it from www.radiosandmore.com ... plus if you want to keep the cassette they also sell a Y-cable that lets you keep it functional while adding the changer - it all works great!

AU Chevy · June 18, 2002

Is there some way to get the wiring harness that goes between the radio and the optional cassette deck...in order to hookup up some auxillary input.

KMeloney · June 18, 2002

Regardless, I added an oem style 12 disc changer that is controlled by the stock am/fm/cd head, got it from www.radiosandmore.com ... plus if you want to keep the cassette they also sell a Y-cable that lets you keep it functional while adding the changer - it all works great!

Ah, a changer... Now that'd be cool. But did you add it somewhere in this console pod?

Markeaux · June 19, 2002

The 12 disk changer from www.radiosandmore.com came with a very long cable that I routed under the drivers side dash, down under the drivers door and back door scuff plate, then mounted the changer using velcro under the 2nd seat which still folds down flat. I can change the cartridge from the drivers seat by reaching back underhanded.

Another possibility might be to mount the changer at the bottom front of the console on drivers side, and cutout a rectangle to allow cartridge changing.

I don't know about adding any other device to the AUX input on these GM heads, maybe ask www.radiosandmore.com

Let me tell you that once you have a 12 disc changer you will always want one in whatever vehicle you drive. And if you have a lot of cd's get one or more spare cartridges. Being able to easily swap carts is really great, I would never like the 6 disc console changer that just sucks all of them in one at a time.

Tungsten · June 21, 2002

Put a XM radio in its place. that would be kick butt.....

kazuaki · June 21, 2002

Go here to see the install I did in my 2002 Tahoe Z71:

Tahoe Stereo

I replaced the cassette player with the cubby mentioned above.

GnatGoSplat · June 21, 2002

If I had a console, I'd probably put a CB radio there. I've heard on long trips, the truckers can be quite entertaining.

boomer8800 · June 22, 2002

does anyone have the part# & price for the cubby??

Jackalanche · June 24, 2002

Boomer, I swapped in a GM Deck in my Av, I have a cubby sitting around - I could send it to you for the cost of shipping. Let me know - you could paypal me the few bucks it would take (the thing is not big).

boomer8800 · June 24, 2002

you got mail

Tucson_02Silverado · June 29, 2002

There is suppose to be a 6 disk changer in the Escalades that mount where the cassette does. It looks wider though.

Carver1 · July 3, 2002

Are the radios teh same in my 98 as your newer ones? I have the tape deck with the cd player separate, below. I want to swap my deck and cd player for a single cd deck. I want to put my cb in the hole where the cd player is. Anyone done this?