So I'm planning on installing an aftermarket stereo in my glovebox when I get home in a month and am trying to figure out the best way to accomplish this. I liked the idea of hooking it up to a relay so that when you turn on the original AM radio the new one comes on. Looking through everyone's posts I think the way to accomplish this is as followshowever I want to check it:

-New radio"illumination signal" wirehooked to triple connector with red/blue wire
-New radio grounded to dash
-New radio switched wire hooked to cigarette lighter
-New radio power wire hooked to #87 post of relay.
-Run a wire from the battery to #30 and #85 posts of relay. I would need an inline fuse, what size fuse would I be looking at using, as well as what gauge wire.
-Power wire from original radio hooked to #86 post on relay.

From what I understand the battery would power the relay and new radio, and when the old radio is turned on it would ground the relay therefore pumping power to the new radio in the glovebox. Is this accurate? Also, if there is a better way to accomplish this without splicing every wire under the dash I'm all ears. Do I need to worry about replacing any of the wiring on the old radio or is it good since it is only supplying the ground for the relay? Im not real big on car electronics but I think with my understanding this is possible and will work. I appreciate any suggestions.

 

I cant really answer that questions that well, so i wont... but:

have you considered a Custom Autosound unit? They are pretty good, and have all the modern conveniences, but still look original and fit in the original radio hole. just a thought...

 

Yes, I looked at those but I read a ton of bad reviews on here about Custom Autosound so decided against it. Obviously some people had good experiences but it seems the majority are bad. This is also a much cheaper route and doesnt limit me to their selection of units. I am not doing anything fancy, just a head unit in the glove box and new dash and kick panel speakers. Maybe some rear package tray speakers in the future.

 

Okay, I understand that.

I would definitely look at doing the rear package speakers, they make a world of difference. IMO.

 

Pretty sure you're going to lose all your programmed stuff in the new radio this way. I do not know how others have done it.

 

im also planning on adding a stereo to the glovebox.

i was just thinking of getting onw with an IPOD rear output and a remote for am/fm channels.

what are good models? and is this a good route to plan?

 

stay away from the Custom Autosound stuff, its over priced junk. Just wire it up normally, not through the am radio. I have a DVD player in my glove box and about 12 other speakers and amps.I could get you a Pioneer Premier 590IB with Ipod control for about 175.It has way more features then youll ever need.

 

So does anyone know what size fuse I need to run between the battery and the new radio? Also, what is the best way of drawing the power off of the battery, hook into the solenoid? Thanks.

 

I'm very happy with my Custom Autosound. No issues