Hello All,

I've been looking through archives and trying to find any posts specifically about installing a new deck in a Sidekick.  I'm surprised there wasn't more, but I guess most people have them installed instead of doing it themselves.

Because of my...um...situation...I have a new deck, but I'm going to have to do the install.  Seeing the brain surgeons they hire at Best Buy, I'm fairly confident that I can do it myself.  But I did want to ask the forum if there's anything I should look out for or be aware of.

I did read that one person said you should replace the stock speaker wire, but at this point, tomorrow is going to be a very busy day working on the car already (ball joints, window regulator, stereo, speakers) and I'm hesitant to start getting into running wires.  Maybe next weekend.

I guess my biggest question is how do you get the stock deck out?  Sadly, I didn't get this deck from Crutchfield...but I did get an amazing deal.  We'll see if it's worth it...

Thanks for your help!

for my 96 it was

take out ashtray... two screws

take off 4 AC knobs, pop off plate carefully... two more screws

then the whole panel should lift off to reveal the deck

Wow...I hope it's that easy with my '94.  Thanks, that's great to know!

 

hope so too

the earlier models are typically easier than the older ones

As for replacing the speaker wires, you really only need to do that if you are adding an amp. That, or your anal about your install. And a in dash unit will not over tax the stock wires as it does not have very much power.

Just toss the reciever in the dash and enjoy.

Well, my audiophile friend is encouraging me to install an amp (since I have one available).  I'm not much on the thump side of things, but since an amp is probably in my future, it's something to consider.  I won't worry about it until the day comes, though.  Thanks for the good word, I wouldn't have known stock wires would be taxed by an amp...

You really only need an amp if you're installing extra speakers, like a woofer or two in the back. The head unit will be enough for the stock size speakers. I replaced the rear 4" speakers with 6.5" in the same spot, and it works great, it's more than enough to tune out the noisy kid in the back  If you still have the stock cassette player, I'd buy a wiring harness adapter instead of cutting your factory harness, they're like $12, and they're color coded to the aftermarket head unit, so you just match up the colors, and plug it in

You really only need an amp if you're installing extra speakers, like a woofer or two in the back. The head unit will be enough for the stock size speakers. I replaced the rear 4" speakers with 6.5" in the same spot, and it works great, it's more than enough to tune out the noisy kid in the back  If you still have the stock cassette player, I'd buy a wiring harness adapter instead of cutting your factory harness, they're like $12, and they're color coded to the aftermarket head unit, so you just match up the colors, and plug it in

I would go with the harness too.  the lowest ive seen is $7 on ebay and thats shipped to your door.

i would defanantly get the harness and as for the amp if it lows it will be rca cables and highs u can use stock wires to the amp but larger out of it