I would like some help. I ordered the basic factory radio and speakers in my 2004.5 3500 CTD with the idea that I would replace them with something better when I had the chance. Well, my bday is a coming so the boss has approved purchasing the parts. My idea is that I can get more/better equipment if I do the install myself and use the savings on equipment.

I am looking at a Sony GT400 deck, and a clarion calypso plug and play Sirius reciever (that way I can move it to the commuter car for use during the week and only pay one subscription to Sirius), and some better speakers. Not sure what speakers at this point. The GT400 has a aux input so I can plug the Calypso dock right into the radio for the best signal. I will also need to install the Sirius Antenna on the roof of the truck.

1. What trim do I have to remove to get the factory radio out of the truck and how many and where are the screws that hold the radio in after I get the trim off?

2. Where is the best place to put the Sirius Antenna on the roof of the truck and what the the best route to get the cable to it; e.g. were do I go through the firewall and then how do I hide the wire to get to the roof were I want to stick the antenna? I fiqure I will mount the antenna with double sided tape so it does not move.

3. I think I can buy an adapter so using the factory wiring should not be that difficult. I don't think I will have to much trouble pulling the door panels to get to the speakers in the door of the truck. I am not sure how I get to the rear speakers. I could use some suggestions here on what I need to do to get to the rears.

Any other suggestions / comments on my choice of equipment or the project would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Your in luck as I have done this many times to my own truck as well as friends.

1. The front dash is the only part you have to remove to get the deck(radio) out. There is one screw on the opposite side of your ashtray behind that hook or whatever it is. then just pull it off gently and unplug your cig lighter and A/C controlls. They are just plugs so don't pull too hard, and there is a clip holding them in place in the plug. THen, you unscrew the 4( i think) screws holding the deck in and remove. The deck will come out easily and you will need to unplug the antenna and the wiring harness. Deck is now removed.

2. The best place for the antenna is in the middle of the roof toward the front. I believe that the antenna comes with a cover for the wire between the front of the windshield and the antenna itself. The cover is sticky on the bottom so it stays where you put it, also the sirrius antenna is magnetic. Besure to clean the surface with the supplied pads or alcohol. The hole in the firewall you want to use is on the driver's side, you'll have to look under the dash to see it. You can see it from under the hood as well. The wire is small so it is no problem. After you route it through the firewall you want to route it to the doorjamb and put it between your hood and windshield.(there is room under the hood when it is closed). Then you gently push the wire under your windshield trim on the outside. This makes it practically invisible, and it goes around the top of the windshield to the middle of the truck and about 9" back or so and mount the antenna.

3. Door panels are easy just unscrew the screws and pull up and detatch any electronics. Be sure to save the factory speaker clips(they attatch the wire to the speaker and won't work with new speakers, you have to splice the wires) For the wiring harness for the deck Circuit City has harnesses that connect to your new deck and directly to your factory harness. THis involves no soldering. THe place you got your deck should carry something similar, although you might have to get one that is not pre-soldered. Then all you do is match colors and look at your instructions or you could blow something up . The rear speakers are the most annoying. You have to remove the cover over you seatbelt at the top and unscrew the large hex bolt(I had to buy a larger automotive socket) and there is one at the bottom holding it to the floor. Then the panels slide off or unclip like the dash and doors.

Well, thats about it. You can PM me if you have any questions. Have fun and take your time ( this will take a while without help). DON'T LOSE ANY SCREWS OR FACTORY PARTS