cd player install s14

[redeye]

another newbie question...
hopefully u guys aren't sick of my ignorance...

i did an extensive search on this site (BTW, the search feature for this site doesn't work for me for some reason) and on the net on how to install an aftermarket sony cd player (or any cd player for that matter) into a 95 240sx LE (SE in the U.S.)... unfortunately i couldn't get much information...

i have never installed a deck in my life, but i'm willing to learn how to...

first thing.. is there anywhere that i missed that shows a step by step install for the s14 SE?

i noticed that there are factory amps in my car, some ppl say to bypass it, some just say nothing about them...
do i have to bypass it, or just leave it (without splicing anything?)

do i need an antenna adapter?

can i just get away with connecting it to a wiring harness and calling it a day?

any help would be great.. thanks

[Apparition]

Yeah, the wiring harness is a nice easy way to slam it in, and go. I know in my older car, I took out the deck, and made sure I knew what each wire did, then matched it to the new deck, and I'm on my way. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

All you need if you do it the other way, is a set of wire cutter/strippers, and some "butts". The butt is just a piece of metal tubing, surrounded by plastic. Strip your wires a little bit, shove one wire (ie: power wire is red) into one end, and shove the other wire (the one from your car that is designated power) into the other, and crimp the butt. Thats all it takes.

[gmgs14]

when I did mine, I spliced a nissan harness into the alpine one and plugged it in. &nbsp;Took 30 min. and I still use my amps. &nbsp;You will need an antenna adapter but that's cheap and easy. &nbsp;It's pretty straight forward. &nbsp;I was also surprised at how easy it was to take the dash apart and fit the new deck.

[Archangel]

Most aftermarket cd players will fit right into the dash, no mounting kit required.

As far as the amps, just leave them alone unless you're going to replace all the speakers in the car. &nbsp;It sounds fine with just an aftermarket deck.

Any stereo shop, or anywhere that sells cd players should sell wiring harnesses. &nbsp;Basically, there is a factory harness, and the wiring harness you buy plugs right into it. &nbsp;So, you have to wire the cd player wires into the harness, then plug it in, that way your don't have to cut the factory harness. &nbsp;Any wiring harness you buy will come with a list of what wires go to which wires on the cd player, so its really pretty simple.

Just get a friend, and afternoon, and the right tools, then sit down and do it.

[Apparition]

Speaking of a dash kit, my deck fits in with no problems, but I can't get the outer ring to fit on it. You know the outer ring that makes the desk look flush? That thing. Do I just end up shaving the insides of the plastic mounting bracket (the thing that covers up all the wiring behind the deck, etc) ? Or is there a kit that makes it look flush?

[mrdirty]

I have a clarion and my trim ring doesn't fit either; it would probably look sweet trimmed into the dash like you've mentioned but it would be difficult to get it perfect. I didn't bother; just left it off...

[gmgs14]

You don't need the dash kit or trim peice. You can use the stock mounts that are in the car and mount the cd player flush with the dash.
http://www.eframes.com/ef-cgi/g/geislerg_student_gvsu_edu/8624day_dash.jpg
Don't know if you can tell from this pic.

[kanekz]

I think it really depends on the face of the head unit and the S14 opening for the trim piece. &nbsp; I have installed many brands of head units in different cars and it just depends. &nbsp;The trim pieces are different sizes depending on brand/model. &nbsp;Hopefully when I install my unit into my S14, the trim piece will fit around it, looks way better!!!

O ya, installed a Kenwood KDC-719 in my friends S13. &nbsp;The trim piece fit arond the face perfectly (well a little smashing) &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[Apparition]

Ahh crappish. Well, I may just end up trying to make it fit, gotta do some measuring. But you're right, probably better just to leave it off.

[WaKeMaN]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have a clarion and my trim ring doesn't fit either; it would probably look sweet trimmed into the dash like you've mentioned but it would be difficult to get it perfect. I didn't bother; just left it off...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Clarion DXZ715... &nbsp;ditto.

[rampid360]

I seem to be the only one with the patience to type this over and over again about the amp and head unit install....but im not mad. &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'> &nbsp; <--jk...and im archiving this after i post <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

1. Attain all the things you are going to need for install. &nbsp;Philps head screwdriver and MAYBE wire strippers.
2. Go to an audio place or circuit city/best buy and pick up a wire harness connector and antenna adaptor. &nbsp;(YES..spend the money on these things. &nbsp;If you destroy the factory harness, you will have to do volt-meter testing on wires to find out which go where. &nbsp;Also, if you ever sell/trade in/wreck your car...you will need to replace the stock CD player)
3. If your stock cd player fades in and out or crackles badly...odds are your amps are messed up...bypass them Bypassing factory amps (http://www.zilvia.net/f/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=10160) &nbsp;Odds are they are not messed up...so leave them. &nbsp;Your music will distort less at high volumes.
4. Install time: &nbsp;There is a plastic plate around your shifter (both auto and manual) &nbsp;put fingers on inside of the ring and pull up. &nbsp;You should feel some play in it, work with that. &nbsp;May take some wiggling, but it WILL come out without tools.
5. See the 2 center air vents? &nbsp;point them downward and you can get your fingers kinda under them. &nbsp;Pull straight out and that whole piece (with hazards and AC controls) will come right out. &nbsp; It will make life easy to disconnect the harnesses and put this piece safely aside. (note: &nbsp;SAFELY...these things will break)
6. There are now 5 screws to remove. &nbsp;2 at the bottom that hold the remaining plastic piece on. &nbsp;1 behind the ashtray (also holding this piece on) and 2 holding the factory mounting bracket on. &nbsp;Carefully pull out the center plastic piece (again...careful...if you bought your car used, someone should have taken the liberty of breaking it for you already &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> )
7. Take out the factory bracket and disconnect the harnesses to the CD player. &nbsp;There are 4 screws on the sides of the CD player holding it in place. &nbsp;Remove those. &nbsp;(note: &nbsp;These are a bitch. &nbsp;They are in there tight and want to strip. &nbsp;Use a screwdriver that fits properly and LOTS of pressure)
8. When you get stock cd player out of the bracket, put your new one there. &nbsp;Theres screw holes on the side for it to mount nicely. &nbsp;Secure that. &nbsp;(you may need different screws...i did for my pioneer and managed to find them in my garage)
9. Now, plug in your newly bought wiring harness to the stock one. &nbsp;Then plug that into the back of your CD player. &nbsp;(The best buy people should have given your the correct one...if not, repost and i'll tell you what wires to splice to ur head unit)
10. Thats it, make sure everything works and put it back together. &nbsp;Mounting bracket in first, &nbsp;and top 2 screws. &nbsp;Then Fragile ass plastic piece, bottom 2 screws and ashtray screw. &nbsp;Reconnect the harnesses for your Defog and Hazards (your turnsigs wont work without them <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> ) and pop that back into place. &nbsp;Finally the one around the shifter and your in business.

Let us know if you run into any more problems.

-Al

(THIS IS WHY MY POST COUNT IS SO LOW!!! &nbsp; LOOK AT THIS LONGWINDED CRAP!!!...I DEMAND CREDIT FOR 100 POSTS!!!<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>