Stereo Install In 05 Gmc Sb

Rylinkus · November 3, 2008

I just purchased a very basic 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 short bed. No features at all minus leather. In any case, a CD player would rock. After going to a couple of stereo shops I had a few installers tell me I couldnt possibly tackle it myself. That it was quite complex and required expensive wiring harnesses. Anyone care to shed any light on how bad installing a stereo is? (How bad in this truck, as in most vehicles it's easy as pie)

stadt11 · November 3, 2008

They're just telling you that so you choose them so they can steal your money $$

I had a few installers tell me I couldnt possibly tackle it myself

They're full of BS!

Complex?? How hard is it to read color-codes and match the correct wire with what the directions say?? Again, they're full of BS!

I have a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew. I took out the stock HU when I tapped into a wire for my remote-amp turn-on, it was not difficult to get out at all!

With any aftermarket HU you get, there will always be a separate wiring harness that will work to hook up to your factory wiring.

You didn't mention if you have OnStar or XM, but even if you did and wanted to retain those features. they make wiring harnesses for those too.

Sure there may be a few wiring harnesses, but they'll all tuck in behind your radio.

BTW, Welcome To GM-Trucks Ryan & we need pictures!

Rylinkus · November 3, 2008

I figured with the proper wiring harness it couldn't be any worse than any other car. I guess I'd been wondering about getting around spending for the wiring harness. But then I found out that Crutchfield will do them for 1/2 price if you buy a stereo worth more than 130 buck. And then they include the mounting kit and antenna adpater along with shipping free. Damn, don't know why I hadn't been giving them my business earlier. In any case for under 200 bucks I've got everything I need in the mail.

As for pics, here ya go. This is the "good" side. The other side is being painted this weekend though.

thecraft · November 3, 2008

Actually, you don't need that harness if you don't mind losing the warning chimes and retained-accessory-power. You could just use the Metra 70-2003 harness, find a fuse that only comes on with the ignition, and then use a fuse tap or add-a-circuit to connect the switched power lead on your headunit.

Rylinkus · November 4, 2008

Oh well. My order from Crutchfield is in the mail, supposedly. This weekend I'll need to figure out how the dash comes apart and install everything. Thanks for the info guys. I'm just thrilled to have finally bought a vehicle with under 100K on the clock.

Rylinkus · November 4, 2008

Hey, how does the dash come apart? I havent really given it a look, but figured I'd ask you guys for advice as I'm sure mnay of you have done this.

Motohead309 · November 5, 2008

Hey, how does the dash come apart? I havent really given it a look, but figured I'd ask you guys for advice as I'm sure mnay of you have done this.

On my 05' the 'trim ring' covers the entire cockpit area. From headlight to heating controls, it's all one piece. You just put the truck in neutral, lower the sterring wheel and use your index finger to get it started. It's held in place by snap grommets, so don't jerk it all out at once, start like by the headlight area at the top, then over by the HU at the top, then move to the bottom and work your way back. That's how I did it anyway.

Hope this helps,

Rylinkus · November 6, 2008

Well, everything is installed. Using the wiring harness that retains power and door chimes and all. Damn is the chime on that thing loud. It's really ridiculous.

Also, where does everyone have IPod cables running to? I went to the glove box, but wondered if anyone else had any clever ideas.

Thanks again guys.

stadt11 · November 6, 2008

Mine runs along the right-side of the console underneath the dash (right behind the glove box).

thecraft · November 6, 2008

Well, everything is installed. Using the wiring harness that retains power and door chimes and all. Damn is the chime on that thing loud. It's really ridiculous.

I think there is a way to lower the volume by cutting a wire or moving a jumper somewhere inside the chime. Look at the owner's manual.