I want a CD player in my 99 GrandAm, how?!

[YepYep]

My 1999 GA has only cassette. And I want a CD player (single disc is okay, I don't want a disc-changer... maybe this is what the problem is?!).

I want to know, can I install a headunit without remove any parts of my factory installed audio system?! I mean, just "add" a headunit to the system. And where can I put it? I think a lot... but can't find a good place to hold the headunit...

how do you guys to upgrade your GrandAm's audio system? can somebody show some cool pictures??

[99GrandAMSE]

... you should be able to find a factory CD and simply replace the one you have ... or, you can simply remove the one you have and replace with an aftermarket unit ... you should be able to use everything you have now but the resulting sound may or may not impress you meaning you may want to upgrade the speakers too :)

[YepYep]

How can I get a factory CD? from GM dealer?

how much is it?? Because a not-bad (hehe.. I don't need a high end one... I just want a CD is enough, ennnn.... maybe plus MP3 support?!) head unit just cost 200 bucks something... I think a factory CD system will cost much much more... and my old cassette is just a waste...

[b2089]

I wouldn't go GM factory. It would cost much more than it's worth. You can find radios that should fit and color match. Check crutchfield.com for a while and see what they have. They aren't the cheapest but they will give you detailed instructions and all the wiring adapters you'll need. Please don't get a small radio and a kit, they may be cheaper, but they look cheaper also.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by YepYep
How can I get a factory CD? from GM dealer?

how much is it?? Because a not-bad (hehe.. I don't need a high end one... I just want a CD is enough, ennnn.... maybe plus MP3 support?!) head unit just cost 200 bucks something... I think a factory CD system will cost much much more... and my old cassette is just a waste...

Buying a NEW one, yes, it would certainly cost more than an aftermarket ... I was thinking more along the lines of finding a USED one at a stereo shop or junk yard but a factory one will not have MP3 support unless you install an auxiliary input devise of some sort ... but then, if you keep adding things, you might as well install an aftermarket unit to start with and have them from the start :)

[XoticGA]

Originally posted by 99grandamse
Buying a NEW one, yes, it would certainly cost more than an aftermarket ... I was thinking more along the lines of finding a USED one at a stereo shop or junk yard but a factory one will not have MP3 support unless you install an auxiliary input devise of some sort ... but then, if you keep adding things, you might as well install an aftermarket unit to start with and have them from the start :)


:iagree:

[birdhouse]

First, if you get another HU, you could possibly keep your existing tape deck in there, but that would cause all sorts of needless problems. Get a new aftermarket HU first, then go from there. You can find some with MP3 capabilities now for $200 and under.... That's not saying they are good HU's, but hey, if that's all you have to spend (and I mean just on the HU, you gotta think about install, adapters, holding plates, etc.) on something right now, then do it up.

Just in case you have the money right now, get this deck! It's the one I've had for 3 years now, and she's still running strong! Alpine, IMO, makes the best HU's for under $500, period. Alpine CDA-7894 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39750&item=5785834706&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

[Subtle_Cynicism]

My suggestion, as I absolutely and utterly LOATH aftermarket headunits in Pontiacs, would be to go on eBay and buy a headunit from a 99 or 00 Grand Am or Grand Am GT there.

Make sure you only buy a headunit from 99 or 00, because they started changing the HU in 01-05, and they WILL NOT fit the 99/00 GAs.

They go dirt cheap on eBay, typically, compared to the cost of a new unit or a brand new OEM one from GM.

There's always at least 10 on eBay, I think, if you need any help, by all means, PM me and I'll find you one.

[birdhouse]

What's wrong with aftermarket HU's in any car, especially Pontiacs?? The OEM HU's supplied are crap if you ever consider expanding into a full fledged system.

[YepYep]

I visited crutchfield.com. yeah, there are many models and guidelines... but, hoho.... only have holding stands for Grand Prix...

can birdhouse or b2089 show me some pic that you installed your HU?!

Why I want a new one just because I think the CD player (the laser lens) in some means is expendable. The more you use it, the faster it getting worn. So, the best way to have an audio input source for a cheaper price is buy a aftermarket HU. But the only problem right now is how to install it.

maybe make it simple, where to install it?

Because I think I can use the HU input instead of the cassette input, so I can select the cassette funtion on my original system, and get the music from the CDplayer... Is this idea childish?!

Because the GrandAm seens not ready for ppl to install any aftermarket HU....

[Subtle_Cynicism]

I just think it takes away from the interior look of the car, aftermarket head units.

If you're adding a system, I guess that's fine, but Im not big into huge sound systems anywasy. Guess that never meant much to me

[RocketFast321]

Will's install guide.
1. Pop this out.
http://img220.echo.cx/img220/5241/dscf18031pu.jpg
2. Put your car's gear thingy in 1 make sure your e-barke is on.
3. Pull trim off slowy because you have to disconnect the hazzard and ETS button.
http://img220.echo.cx/img220/4667/dscf18067gk.jpg
http://img220.echo.cx/img220/4708/dscf18075jx.jpg
4. The radio is held in place with 3 small bolts.
5. Wire up you new radio
http://img239.echo.cx/img239/885/dscf18018wg.jpg
6. Enjoy
http://img239.echo.cx/img239/4153/dscf18110bf.jpg

[YepYep]

quick questions!

(1) Is the wiring job complicated?! it looks like "plug and play"~ is that really so simple??

(2) I noticed there are a small room under the new HU after installation. Can I use it as extra storage? Or I have better to seal it?!

[zero53121]

if im correct for the wiring circuit city has fool proof wiring that you can do all it is a gm connector to universal then universal to deck specific. they may or may not have ne more them i remember having 1 but i took it out

[YepYep]

and all I need to do is make the same color wire connected together ?!

and, I am very new in this field, ask a stupid question...

what's the difference from DIN size to other specific ? Do I need to take special attention to the connectors?!

[RocketFast321]

1. yes. It very easy for you since you have the older wiring system
2. your car has a 1.5 din. The 2001+ have a 2din. In plain terms my radio mounting hole is bigger.
3. I got a special mounting kit with the storage thing :)

[sunrunner_pei]

If you get a wiring harness, they will give you a diagram that explains what color wire connects to what on your aftermarket deck. Connect your deck to the harness, then plug the harness into the factory harness in the car. Viola!

With a '99, I don't know of any brackets that will give you a cubby hole. Like William said, the 2001-2005 have a larger opening.

[sunrunner_pei]

BTW, great pics, William!!! :thumbup2:

[want2modmygt]

nice how-to will! and as for its being hard? no. if you can read your all set. pretty much connect all the same colored wires together and then read the instructions to cross check your wiring. splicing them togehter works great. no soldering needed.

its actually a fun mod because it isnt messy and you dont have to twist your body in weird ways to see what your doing and it brings enjoyment to you everytime the car turns on.

[RocketFast321]

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
BTW, great pics, William!!! :thumbup2:

I try and take pics of everthing i do, so i can help others. :) But i don't have pics of me installing my intake.

[YepYep]

Thank you William~~~
You are great and very helpful~

hehe~ now I only need to search for my lovely HU~

=====

BTW, I just noticed while at nite, the red black-light of the factory audio is very beautiful and very harmonious to the style of the car... at this point, the factory one is better than the aftermarket one.... do you guys agree??

if the factory CD player is not so expensive, I think I would like to replace my cassette with it...

[RocketFast321]

Some will let you change the color, but i like the way my alpine looks. It does not clash to hard with the red.
http://img115.exs.cx/img115/5647/dscf18167qm.jpg
http://img115.exs.cx/img115/3397/dscf18151qe.jpg
One day I will change the lights from red to blue :cool:

[YepYep]

But I didn't install it by myself... because of the price, I got free installation... so, why not?!

For ppl want to DIY, besides the HU, you also need to by one harness connector, the size is 21pin. looks like this (you don't need to buy the same brand)

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=12410

and then one bracket set. I bought a 3 pieces kit.

and one connector to connect the antenna to the new headunit.

[YepYep]

And what suprise me is the color fits my GrandAm's original look very much!!

[RocketFast321]

what kind of radio is that?

[YepYep]

SONY CDX-M7810

included tax and everything... cost me 400 bucks... became poor now....

[ttah8]

I just decided to put my deck in my Grand Am and it costed me $50 dollars WITH my friend's employee discount at best buy. I had to buy a relocation harness that moved my stock HU to the trunk. The harness was 61.99 reg. price and the price to put in a new HU in a newer GA is quite pricy. But I have full function of my door chimes and I bought a PAC steering wheel control interface, so everything is legit and still works. The total amount to get my HU working with the remote controls = $105.

[RocketFast321]

I got my relocation kit for $25 off ebay :(