How-To Install a Stereo in a 1973-1987 Chevy Truck, Crew Cab, Blazer, or Suburban

Instructions on how to change the older shaft style radio to a new single DIN size radio in a 1973-1987 (91) Chevy/GMC truck, crew cab, blazer or suburban. This is how to use the Metra 87-99-3052 installation kit for an easier and cleaner head unit install. This dash kit usually costs around $15-$20 and is well worth the cost.
Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. 67-72chevytruck... . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what. I wish I could tell you specifically what wires to use but the trucks change from year to year and so do the headunits. Download the wiring diagram for your year and it should tell you what you need to know.
Here are more pictures of someone else's installation using the same kit: 67-72chevytruck...
Here's the web page for the Posi-Product connectors that I used: www.posi-lock.com/ and here is a link to them on Crutchfield's web site: www.crutchfield... . It is kit #500 and is made for head unit installation. Costs $7. .
LET'S CONNECT!
God's Country's Accounts:
- gplus.to/GodsCo...
- / godscountrychannel
- / in_gods_country

[@mean_sbc8653]

For anyone who is looking for wiring help all you have to do is hook up the speaker wires to the correct ones on the harness, as for the radio harness power wires just hook the red wire to the yellow in the truck. Then the yellow wire on the new harness will go to a "hot" wire or a constant 12v. Now if you look at the old harness their is no constant 12v wire so you'll have to find one, what I did is since the clock in the dash is always on even when the truck is completely off I just hooked up the yellow wire to the orange clock wire that way every time you shut the truck off you won't lose all of your presets and settings on your new radio. DO NOT hook the yellow and red wires on the new harness to the yellow wire in the truck, although the radio will work and turn on every time you shut the truck off all your presets and settings will be gone. Hope this helps :)

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks BVX. I can't confirm your wiring setup since these trucks were produced for so many years and the wiring changed in some areas through out production. This video's description has a link to wiring diagrams for each year of truck so that the owner can double check their wiring. Thanks again for the post.

[@mean_sbc8653]

+BeetlexVW *getting

[@co1eofficia157]

yup thanks I think this is gana work on my 1970 ford

[@bacon57]

I wish I came to the comments before watching the entire video because this is the information I was looking for. Thanks for the help.

[@yourtubefool]

Nick Horner same here haha. Wiring. Still a good video 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@wjeiv]

Hey thanks for posting this! I just took out my factory radio from my 88 suburban and wondered about the specific steps. This made it look much easier than I thought.

[@GodsCountry]

I'm glad it helped Bill! Thanks!

[@StuartP]

Excellent video with none of the BS . Great editing and hands down best install video on youtube and the entire internet. Thank you sir!!!!!l

[@GodsCountry]

Well thanks Stuart!!!! I'm so happy it helped you!

[@80spyder1]

Thanks for the video. I'm already proficient at stereo installs, I just didn't know that the Metra adaptor plate existed. That info alone made the video worthwhile. I'm working on a 1979 2 ton GMC that I've converted to a dually pickup truck but it basically has the same cab as the 1/2 ton to 1 ton trucks. Thank you.

[@GodsCountry]

+80spyder1 You're welcome! Sounds like you've got a cool project going.

[@chriscole6724]

Memory and main power source i wired it in to the cigarette lighter works perfect but ur video was a huge help man thank you.

[@GodsCountry]

Chris Cole Thanks I'm glad it helped. If you use the cigarette lighter and the stereo at the same its possible that you might blow a fuse. Anyway, I'm glad you got it working.

[@FCFordLord]

+God's Country The outlet is pretty stout. Before i repaired my radio wiring, I had the radio, dash camera, and my GPS running through the cig outlet.

[@ChrisMartinScruffy]

Gotta love the situational OCD of wanting to paint the two little slots black but ignoring the two big rust spots near the "deck". Oh the pain of it all. I just purchased several shelves and they all had small chips in various places. I grabbed a marker and concealed the area. However each shelf (four of them) has adjustable shelves and all the unused holes are color of 'wood" and I'm not going to let myself worry about it.... unless I can find little black circle stickers lol

[@davidflores849]

I was wondering if you knew , what wires go with what wires for the wiring harness? To be more specific, what colors go with what colors.

[@Dudemieser]

That is a touchy subject with cutting the dash is for the single DIN radios I just can't see any way around it if you want a decent radio and have access to it. I'm a 2nd gen F body guy and I've actually begin stockpiling the dashes that still have the two holes in them that haven't been cut up thinking that someday somebody will make a decent two-hole radio. All I've seen so far is a couple of really good guys that will refurbished old Alpine's pioneers what have you,, And install hidden or not so easily seen pigtails for the various things you may need but their services are not cheap

[@GodsCountry]

I agree it is a touchy subject with some people. I think people should do what they feel is best for them. If trucks like this start to go for huge money, they can weld the tabs back in for a shaft style radio. That's partly why I folded the tabs back instead of totally removing them. It would be easier to bend them back out if someone feels the need to revert to the old style radio. I see the excavator in your avatar. I've got a bunch of excavation videos on this channel if you're interested! Great minds think alike... Haha.

[@TheXV1CT0Rx]

Great video man my truck I bought will definitely be getting a radio now

[@GodsCountry]

TheXV1CT0Rx Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful.

[@eddydunn22]

Thanks for the video. I didn't realize there was a kit available, I was about to just hack saw the dash.

[@GodsCountry]

No problem! I'm glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment.

[@jbncnow]

You still have to hack the dash

[@RollinwithRedBeard]

More than helpful. great step by step. hopefully you will also install sub woofers and speakers and show how to do that as well.

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Jaron. Glad you liked it. I did install speakers and a sub already. I've got a video about it but it's not a how-to: 1982 GMC Crew Cab Stereo Update: Speakers, Amp, and Sub . I'd be happy to help if you have any questions though!

[@Geoduck.]

What a well crafted video. Genus level doing the plasti dip ash tray! I'll do this as well. Also plan on converting the lighter into a USB port.

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks for that! I'm really glad it helped you!!!! USB port in the lighter is an awesome idea!

[@DustySquitoNM]

Very nice! I've got an old 85 Sierra Classic that is in dire need of a new radio. This makes it look pretty straight forward, even if the idea of cutting my dash makes me a little uneasy.

[@GodsCountry]

dustysquito Thanks Dusty! It's not to hard. Just don't be in a rush and it should turn out well!

[@snowpro90]

Thanks for taking the time to video this installation. I installed a din style radio in my 87 suburban and came out nice.

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it helped.

[@thomasbynum4025]

Hello I am restoring a 87 suburban right now and the hole has been cut already for a single din radio but the radio was stolen and wires are in a mess. What wire colors go to the radio? I think I have found two that could be the ones but I’m not sure. Any help is appreciated

[@GodsCountry]

@@thomasbynum4025 Thanks for your comment Thomas. Just an FYI, when you reply to an old comment, it usually makes it hard for the video owner to reply. No big deal though. If you look at the description of this video (below the video itself), there is a link to wiring diagrams for specific years of these trucks. I hope that helps!

[@modernxroots9910]

Thanks buddy just got 78 Chevy truck gonna do this

[@mikeniemczyk1978]

Thanks for the info about the Metra kit. I didn't know they made on for these trucks. That looks a lot better then just cutting the dash.

[@GodsCountry]

You're welcome. I'm glad it helped. This was my first time using the Metra kit and I feel that it's really worth the time, effort, and money to get your hands on one.

[@romybobby]

I have a 1982 Chevy K5 I don't ever want to get rid of it and I rarely drive it. I'm going to continue to put $ into it great Video I need to install a up to date radio. ☺😊

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks! I'm glad you found the love of square bodies! They're fun.

[@dannykline9706]

Yeah. This is a great video. I have an 87 Jimmy that I'm finishing up a custom stereo for. I basically did the same thing you did. Very clean. Looking good bud. Thanks!!

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Danny! I'm glad it worked well for you.

[@propdoctor21564]

Cool man !! I put a stereo in the boat with a USB port on the front so it's easy to play music off a thumb drive.

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks! It's so much easier to carry around alot of music these days!

[@WooberGoober]

Thanks much! Watched this video multiple times, and because of this information you provided, I was able to do it right, the first time. And, it looks great!!

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Scott! I'm glad it helped!

[@BanCorporateOwnedHouses]

It took me 20 minutes to find your video. For some reason, nobody has a good video on modding and installing one of these into a mid 70s C10.

[@GodsCountry]

I'm glad you found it! What year is your truck? Mid 70s should be the same or very similar as this video.

[@BanCorporateOwnedHouses]

@@GodsCountry 1976 Cheyenne. Just inherited it this week after my grandfather passed. The factory radio is shot, and a replacement is so expensive

[@GodsCountry]

Sounds like a cool project. I believe the 76 dash is a little bit different but not much. I think they changed minorly around 1981.

[@tobyc1579]

excellent video! just what I needed! No BS and to the point!

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Toby! I'm glad it helped you!

[@jackofblades3171]

I suggest you buy the Cup Holder insert and replace the ashtray. Makes these old chevys dailiable. A Din radio with Bluetooth is a good choice as well.

[@GodsCountry]

Those cup holder inserts are nice and look like they would work well.

[@taylorluedtke353]

Thank you, this video is a huge help!

[@robs_garage0278]

i have a 1998 hino fa1517 diesel box truck i have. It didn't came with no radio so i went to Wal-Mart to buy a jvc kd sr40 it looks very good i didn't had to buy a bezel for it and the stereo has so much amps that it blew one of the factory speakers so it didn't work few months later i went to Wal-Mart to buy two after market speakers mam wen i was done installing the speakers it sounds very good sounded better than the original

[@GodsCountry]

+jr the geo metro 96 Sounds like a good setup!

[@robs_garage0278]

God's Country i do

[@ethansartin8085]

this helped me out a lot with my 85 k10

[@GodsCountry]

+ethan sartin Excellent! That makes me happy.

[@GodsCountry]

Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. 67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=545416 . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what. I wish I could be more specific but the trucks change from year to year and so do the headunits.

[@dakotasnyder8231]

thank you for the video I hope my 87 is the same this will be going in my playlist

[@GodsCountry]

+Dakota Snyder Thanks Dakota! Your 87 should be the same.

[@dakotasnyder8231]

+God's Country I found the trim piece on ebay

[@mrchu166]

Looks good man, good job. Going to be doing the same to my 1987 C-10

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks JT! It's worth it.

[@mattandres8455]

great video. and you have a link for my wiring diagram too i see. sweet!

[@GodsCountry]

Matt Andres Thanks Matt! Glad you liked it.

[@isaaccesena5982]

Thank you, i loved the video very striaght forward

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Isaac! I'm glad it helped!

[@TheXV1CT0Rx]

Also do you know if the kit comes with the cage or does the stereo have the cage

[@GodsCountry]

TheXV1CT0Rx The cage will come with the radio that you buy.

[@cassiusclaynyc]

Would have been cool if you covered the wiring and in particular the power, ground etc wires as I need to know which color wire is which. Nice install though and otherwise awesome video. Thanks for making it

[@GodsCountry]

Thank you and you're welcome. The reason I didn't get in depth with the wiring colors is because it changes depending on what year truck you have. I just found a good ground under the dash, ran a constant + wire from a location near the battery, and figured out which wire was switched power (I believe I used a wiring diagram for this). Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. 67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=545416 . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what. I wish I could be more specific but the trucks change from year to year and so do the headunits.

[@joseramirez9932]

How did you wire it mine comes with another adapter but cant seem to find where it goes has a yellow and orange cable

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks for watching! If you look in the comments of the video, there is a link to a page that has wiring diagrams for these square body trucks. The wiring changes from year to year so there is no way for me to tell you exactly.

[@jbncnow]

They make modern radios for these trucks from Retro Sound many others that fit perfectly

[@GodsCountry]

jay bradley Yes, I think that most people are aware that Retro Sound and others make replacement shaft style radios but DIN style head units offer many more features for less money. If you don't want to cut the dash, go with a retro sound etc. If you want a fully modern headunit for less money, convert to a DIN size.

[@jonathanbarnes5678]

Great video! I was just wondering how you ran the actual wiring to the back of the head unit?

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Jonathan! I'm glad it helped. The previous owner of my truck already had speaker wire ran from the headunit to speakers in the doors. I ran a new power wire through the existing wire hole in the firewall and found a good, heavy duty power supply near the drivers side battery. I was able to find a good ground under the dash but I can't remember exactly where. It's tough to remember but I think there was already a switched power wire from the ignition to the old headunit and I used that. Is there a particular wire that you're having trouble with?

[@Barnekkid]

Good vid, very clear and logical.

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks KKid!

[@jeremyjames1131]

Great video but only problem im having is I can't find the wiring diagram that you provided. It would be nice if you shared that part with us. Seems that's the toughest part of this install.

[@GodsCountry]

jeremy james Hi Jeremy. I wish I could have covered wiring in the video but the trouble is that I do not know all of the wiring changes that they made from 1973 through 1991 and on top of that, these trucks have often been changed by their owners over the years so the wiring might not be stock. Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. @67 . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what. Thanks for watching!

[@joeculver6227]

First off, EXCELLENT video. But I do have one question; Since you put the radio cage in after the gauge bezel was installed onto the dash, and bent the tabs (securing it in place) with everything assembled, wouldn't that mean that you cannot take off the gauge bezel without removing the radio, and unbending the tabs (essentially making the gauge bezel semi permanent)?

[@GodsCountry]

Joe Culver Hi Joe. Thanks for the comment. Yes you are correct. To remove the gauge bezel you will need to pull the radio out and then remove the radio cage. For most people that's not a big deal because they aren't pulling their dash apart that often. If you installed the radio cage before the dash panel, I don't think the radio could be installed far enough into the dash to lock into place.

[@derekjohnson5872]

What did you do for speakers on it I'm buying square body next week and for the ignition and constant wire also known as the memory i hooked in to the ignition harness that's what did on my blue ford I was wondering what speakers size it uses

[@GodsCountry]

Derek Johnson Hi Derek. The stock speaker sizes in the dash are pretty small. I don't know exactly what sizes they are. A previous owner of my truck cut speaker holes in the doors so that's what I used. Here is a video of the speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGXZn6aems93b9U . I also have a bunch of other videos of this truck. Look at my 73-87 Chevy truck playlist.

[@corybreske9711]

Nice work. I've got an old Chevy Suburban, I'm thinking about upgrading the sound system. Unfortunately it only came with one speaker in the center of the dash. What did you do about speakers?

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Cory. My truck had very small, typical speakers in the corner of the dash. You can see in my dash recover video that I took them out. It looks good but in hindsight I should have left a speaker in those spots. The previous owner of my truck put 6.5" coaxials in the lower door panels. Its nice to have bigger speakers but in the future I may add small speakers back in the corners of the dash. Without them the sound stage sounds really low. The sound seems to come from the floor instead of in front of you like it should. (Makes sense because I took those speakers out!) Anyway, the short answer is that I believe a lot of these trucks have speakers in the corners of the dash also. I'm not sure if it would be easy to add them to yours or not.

[@chucks6.086]

Thanks for the video, and I hope I do as well as you did.

[@GodsCountry]

+Detroit Diesel 6.2 Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@jcfox2645]

Can anyone tell me where the hole for my antenna wire should be? Bought an 83 suburban 4x4 couple days ago but CD player and all had been removed. Antenna wire was wrapped up under hood on firewall but can't find a hole

[@navajohercules7583]

Which wire is the one that has constant power even when the vehicle is off. My radio keeps resetting my settings

[@GodsCountry]

Please see the video description for a link to wiring diagrams for your year truck.

[@reliableroadsiderescue1287]

Good Video, to the point without all the rambling BS and no stupid background music. Shared to gmsquarebody.com in the Electrical and Audio section.

[@GodsCountry]

Well thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@cheeriosdelgado7598]

I’m a teen trying to suprise my dad and bought everything I need do you happen to have any actual wiring the stereo videos?

[@GodsCountry]

Hi CD. Thanks for the message. I'm really sorry but I don't have any wiring videos. If you look in the description of this video I do have a link to a page with wiring diagrams for square body trucks. I hope that helps!

[@MittenCrewOffRoad]

Good video man, thanks for sharing.

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Derek!!!

[@nathanwilliams7492]

great install video!

[@GodsCountry]

+Nathan Williams Thanks Nathan!!!

[@wesleybell8661]

Did you have to use a antenna adapter or did the factory one plug into the new radio?

[@GodsCountry]

It's been a long time since I did this install but I think my antenna plugged into the new radio. I can't 100% confirm that the antenna was factory though... Sorry about that.

[@shuckabey]

thank you for this video.

[@GodsCountry]

+shuckabey You're welcome!

[@stephengirgus6274]

Nice job Bud!

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Stephen!

[@tylernoel3532]

One more thing, I fabricated a support, that's all fine now, but I cant get it to work right. are all the wires color coded like in newer vehicles? I just matched colors like I always have and I cant get it to work.

[@GodsCountry]

Glad you got the headunit solid. My wires were not stock so I started from scratch kind of. Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. 67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=545416 . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what. I wish I could be more specific but the trucks change from year to year and so do the headunits. Let me know if you need more help!

[@jimmancuso8050]

Great DIY video question I have is how do you secure Radio in the Bizel ?

[@GodsCountry]

Jim Mancuso Thanks Jim! The radio has a thin metal cage that slips off of the radio. You secure that in the dash install kit by sliding it into the hole and then bending the tabs up/down/left/right so that it's tight in the hole and can't slide back out. Then you slip the radio into the newly installed cage in the dash and spring loaded pins keep the radio from coming back out. Does that answer your question? If not, please let me know!

[@Mr.DIY69]

What would cause it to lose power once tucked into the dash?

[@GodsCountry]

Hmm. That's strange. Sounds like there must be a loose connection somewhere. Is the back of the head unit hitting anything in the back of the dash? That's a really strange problem. Also a hard one to diagnose over the internet.

[@bkcamaro]

That looks nice good job

[@GodsCountry]

Thank you! It's nice having music in the truck now.

[@kendrarogers2962]

What would I do for a accessory switch for my truck cuz I have a 77 chevy and I want to put a newer stereo in but can't find a place for the constant and my switch to turn it on and off

[@GodsCountry]

+Kendra Rogers In my truck I got constant power from a circuit breaker under the hood. Check out the video description. There is a link to wiring diagrams for each year of truck. I don't know which wire you should use for switched power but the wiring diagram should tell you.

[@FCFordLord]

I used the cigarette lighter for constant.

[@nathanmartineau3998]

Hey I recently put a radio in my square but my speakers stopped working, would that be a radio issue or are my speakers junk?

[@GodsCountry]

Hi Nathan. I'm sorry you're having trouble with your system. Unfortunately, it would be very difficult to try to diagnose your problem over the internet because their are so many things that it could be. I would tend to think that a new radio probably isn't the problem if wired corectly. And if all of your speakers were working before the new radio, it is unlikely that they all went bad/blew/stopped working at the same time. It is most likely a wiring issue.

[@nathanmartineau3998]

@@GodsCountry so I had it all wired up and it was working for a few months and damn good too, so I’m thinking it’s possible that I could’ve blown a fuse, or something cause the radio itself still works just no sound and nothing coming from the speakers not even a static sound

[@marcusjuarez1261]

Any idea where I could get a install kit for a 82 gmc s15 Sierra classic? Anything will help

[@GodsCountry]

Marcus Juarez Hi Marcus. Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with the s10/s15 series trucks. What I would do is search the internet for an installation kit, find one you like, get that kit's part number and then search the internet for the brand and part number. I wish I could be more help but I just don't know anything about those trucks. I used a Metra brand install kit in this video but there are lots of brands available.

[@PokeJediTrek]

I would have installed a Kenwood KDC-X998 or a Pioneer DEH-S4010BT.

[@chewbaccajones76]

Great idea with the plasti dip.

[@GodsCountry]

chewbaccajones76 Thanks! I love plasti dip.

[@derekjohnson5872]

Is there any way I can put subs in a single cab truck mine is a 77 Chevy Scottsdale k20

[@GodsCountry]

Derek Johnson Yes, people do put subs in these trucks. This video shows my sub setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGXZn6aems93b9U

[@chasestone2747]

Does that cage that the radio slides into come with the mounting kit?

[@GodsCountry]

chase stone Hi Chase. No, the metal sleeve cage comes with whatever radio you buy.

[@mudd2512]

I was hoping to see the wiring. Guess I'll keep looking..

[@GodsCountry]

There is a link in the video description to wiring diagrams. There are different wiring setups for different years of production over the 14 years (18 years) of square body production.

[@co1eofficia157]

I have a 1970 ford f 250 and I cant even find any wiring where the radio goes. when I bought the truck it had no radio no wires or none that I could see

[@GodsCountry]

Yes, that's not surprising. You never know what a previous owner has done to the truck. These radios aren't that complex to wire up though. When you buy a head unit, it will come with a wiring diagram. It's really just basic power, ground, speaker, and antenna connections. If you have not done an install like this before I would suggest finding someone to help you.

[@hayleywilson2442]

Hi, very nice video. But I'm trying to do this to my truck I have an 85 Chevy Scottsdale, I bought the radio and everything, I did this, now, sorry to sound like a city folk, how do I connect the wires?

[@GodsCountry]

Hayley Wilson Hi Haley! Awesome to see a pretty girl driving a square body truck! And great job on getting the headunit installed. Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. @67 . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what and these shop manuals should tell you what wires do what in the truck (unless they have been changed by a previous owner). I wish I could be more specific but the trucks change from year to year and so do the headunits. Let me know if I can help with anything else!

[@Michael-fq4wl]

Was it hard to take out the old stereo

[@GodsCountry]

Mike Guzman It shouldn't be that hard. I think the knobs generally pull off and then there are nuts underneath that hold the headunit to the dash.

[@rafatrill]

nice did u buy a wiring harness? because Idk if mine is hidden or of they even make one for a 83 Chevy c10

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Rafael. No I did not use a wiring harness other than the one that came with the headunit. A previous owner had installed a older head unit and speakers so I had to figure out what wires went where. If you look in the description of the video, there is a link for some wiring diagrams that might help you.

[@ScottxSmithx260]

Where did you order all the pieces of the kit? Like radio, the metal outline plate, and the part that slides in after the cuts? Links would help a lot. Thanks.

[@GodsCountry]

+ScottxSmithx260 Thanks for the comment Scott. I know you want specific links but it's not really that difficult. For the radio, just pick one that has the features that you want. They even have lots of radios that will work at Walmart. Otherwise places like Crutchfield.com or sonicelectronix.com have tons of radios. For the installation kit, you need "Metra 87-99-3052". Metra is the manufacturer and 87-99-3052 is the part number. Just google "Metra 87-99-3052" and it will come up with tons of them. Or go to ebay or amazon and search for the same thing. They are not difficult to find.

[@ScottxSmithx260]

+God's Country thanks man I appreciate it. Video helped a ton

[@tylernoel3532]

I have a huge question for you, I have my dash ripped apart, everything together, all wired and everything, this video was absolutely fantastic for all of that, thank you. There is just one thing, the head unit bounces around, and really needs support under it, what did you do to support the back end of the head unit in your dash?

[@GodsCountry]

Hey Tyler. Thanks for the comment. My radio cage fit tightly in the radio opening and then I bent a few of the tabs of the radio cage outward. That locks the cage in place. After that I just slid the head unit in and it fit tightly and does not bounce or move. Did you bend the tabs on the cage? If you did and the radio it tight in the opening, you might need a support strap on the back of the head unit. I think some radios have a screw/bolt on the rear that you can attach a metal strap to and then you attach the other end up above inside the dash. That sort of hangs the rear of the head unit. Let me know what you figure out or if you have more questions.

[@tylernoel3532]

Thank you very much for the quick reply, and yes, I did exactly what you did, but it puts a lot of pressure on those tabs, and I can actually see it bounce when I go over bumps. Im going to attempt to do either a support from the bottom of the dash, or hanging it like you suggested. thanks for the help, and thanks again for the video. I didn't even know this conversion was possible until I saw this.

[@GodsCountry]

That is strange Tyler. I don't have that problem. I wish I could be more helpful.

[@tylernoel3532]

you've already been plenty helpful. thank you, seriously.

[@drewutley6576]

Does anyone know where I could find one of these dash kits for a 86 Chevy k10. Any help would be appreciated thanks

[@GodsCountry]

Drew Utley Drew the same dash kit in this video will work for your truck. Just type "Metra 87-99-3052" into google and a bunch of them will come up starting at around $10. I think BestBuy sells Metra but it looks like the same kit is $40.

[@danielbowers2378]

is there a video to show me the wiring harness hook up?

[@GodsCountry]

Daniel Bowers Here is a page that will let you download wiring diagrams for these trucks. Make sure and save them to your computer instead of downloading them multiple times. @67 . The headunit that you are installing should have instructions that tell you which wires do what. I wish I could be more specific but the trucks change from year to year and so do the headunits. On top of that, usually the previous owners have changed the wiring.

[@nathanwilliams7492]

Nice install video but I was wondering if you had a link or list of all the parts you used so I can do this myself

[@GodsCountry]

Look in the video description. The part numbers are there. You don't need much except the headunit and the dash kit.

[@nathanwilliams7492]

does the head unit usually come with the cage?

[@GodsCountry]

+Nathan Williams Yes, the cage comes with the head unit.

[@tristanmcdonald2733]

I'm doing the exact same job right now as we speak but my stock radio didn't come with A wire harness it's like a whole bunch of stock wires wired it into one was yours like that

[@GodsCountry]

+Tristan McDonald Hey Tristan. My truck didn't have a stock radio in it when I got it so I'm not sure how stock looks. I just had speaker wires and then I had to locate a constant+, a switched+, and a good ground. Check out the description of my video because there is a link to a page that has wiring diagrams for each year of truck. That might help you identify what wires are what.

[@tristanmcdonald2733]

+God's Country thanks but I'll have to do it tommarrow already got too mad and confused so I just put the dash back together lol

[@bigcat2679]

For all the guys getting butt hurt about hacking the dash just leave the bottom part and fold the tabs down.. then you just fold back up and tack weld and smooth and boom. Back to original.

[@GodsCountry]

Yes, very good option Big Cat.

[@01gamemaniac]

what kind of harness will i use for my 86 k5 blazer

[@GodsCountry]

+1 SOURCE FOR COD GHOSTS! Thanks for the comment. A lot of these old trucks have truck wiring that has been cut up by a previous owner. So I would check that first. If that is the case then you won't need a harness because there won't be a factory plug to plug into. If you do have a factory plug, you could check places like Metra, Scosche, or Crutchfield to see if they make a harness for your year truck. Hope that helps!

[@jimmancuso8050]

It looks like you attached the cage to the biz ell and then slide radio in

[@GodsCountry]

Jim Mancuso Yes, that is correct. The cage has a thin lip on it so it can't slide all the way through the bezel opening. Once you bend the tabs up/down/left/right, the cage can't slide back out of the dash or deeper into it.

[@thenamelessyee]

how secure is the radio like this. strongly thinking about doing this too my old 86

[@GodsCountry]

Hey D. The radio is very secure. It doesn't move around or bounce.

[@thenamelessyee]

Alright thanks dude.

[@EragonSuperM]

Where can I find a shaft style radio with those inputs? I really don't want to hack the dash up

[@GodsCountry]

EragonSuperM There are several companies that make radios like that. I don't know the names of them but you could start by searching the places that sell replacement parts for these trucks. Classic Parts, LMC Truck, Classic Industries, Brothers, etc.

[@jbncnow]

EragonSuperM If you know what your doing you can add an aux input to a GM factory cassette/8 track tape player, i have an 8 track from a 81 cadillac with seperate bass and treble and digital readout and i tapped the tape head wires and i slide an empty 8 track in to switch it to the sat radio mp3 phone ect, i have a video of it on here somewhere, it sounds better than you would think and it looks bone stock

[@joshuakeith8710]

How do you remove the old radio? I have that knob style radio and have no clue how to get it out.

[@GodsCountry]

Hi Josh. Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately I did this project a long time ago and I can't remember how the old radio came out. For some reason I'm thinking that the knobs pulled off the front and there were nuts underneath securing it to the dash. You might CAREFULLY try to pull your knobs off. I can't say for sure that this is how it disassembles. Sorry.

[@joshuakeith8710]

God's Country Yeah, after I take the knobs off, the nuts are recessed inside the stereo and there’s no way I can get a socket or anything inside to take them out. My radio is different tho. It’s a KE-4141 Pioneer.

[@socal_c10]

The previous owner of my 83 had a pimp sound system before I got in it before I bought and he hacked it all up so now I have to fix that. 😑

[@PrAnCiNgCoBrA1]

You may have been asked this before. But for the life of me I cant find a kit with a metal backing plate. All reviews say they were plastic. Where can I find one that's metal??

[@GodsCountry]

That's interesting. You're talking about the backing plate/cutting template plate right? Were you shopping for this specific part number kit from Metra? They may have changed the kit since I bought mine.

[@PrAnCiNgCoBrA1]

Yes, all the reviews for that kit say that its plastic, but the picture shows a metal backing plate. I guess they have changed it. Wish I would have got one 5 years ago.. lol

[@blakeedwards7294]

what website did you get the metal guide plates and the plastic cover for this specific truck?

[@GodsCountry]

Blake Edwards I can't remember which website I bought the installation kit from. It may have been from ebay. The kit is made by Metra and is part number 87-99-3052. If you do a web search they should be available from lots of web stores.

[@DustySquitoNM]

Depending on what store you order from, they may be included. I believe Crutchfield includes it if you order a head unit from them.

[@GodsCountry]

dustysquito Yes that is true. I'm not familiar with Crutchfield's kit for these trucks. I like crutchfield and I do buy things from them sometimes. I think that sometimes their prices are a little higher than other places to offset the cost of the "free" install kits. Overall though it's a great company with tons of great information.

[@tylerbrunswick]

Would this kit/install process work in an 88 suburban?

[@GodsCountry]

Yes it should. I believe the suburbans, blazers, and crew cabs were all square style until 1991.

[@34donta]

where can I find the mounting kit. I have a 73 c10

[@GodsCountry]

You should be able to find them pretty easily. Search the internet for "Metra 87-99-3052"

[@yomommajumprcables]

looks good

[@GodsCountry]

+yomommajumprcables Thanks!

[@loebo1609]

Where dud you get the aftermarket wiring harness from

[@GodsCountry]

I did not use an aftermarket wiring harness. The headunit comes with it's wiring harness and I had to figure out what wires went where from the previous headunit installation.

[@loebo1609]

Ok thanks man

[@chriscole6724]

Did u have to have a antenna adapter

[@GodsCountry]

Chris Cole Hi Chris. My truck didn't require an antenna adapter.

[@stereomann83]

do you still have the old craig stereo?

[@GodsCountry]

No, I'm sorry but it's long gone.

[@GodsCountry]

I'm not sure but I don't think it would look very good.

[@calebjackson9953]

What wiring harness did you use?

[@GodsCountry]

+Caleb Jackson Hi Caleb. My truck had an aftermarket shaft style radio in it already so there wasn't really a factory side wiring harness to use. I just hooked into the speaker wires and found a good ground and switched/constant power. Sorry.

[@incognitorichy2127]

What radio did you put in, what's it called.

[@GodsCountry]

RichyIncognito Hey Richy. Thanks for the comment. My radio is a JVC. I don't remember the exact model number but I bought it at Walmart after looking around the internet, etc.

[@laurensiemens1436]

Good job...I actually took my cig liter out made a bracket so the usb was in place of the lighter. Smoking is disgusting anyways

[@GodsCountry]

Thanks Lauren! The USB idea is excellent!

[@jbncnow]

Cool kit

[@jbncnow]

jay bradley www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-70s-Shaft-and-Knob-Look-AM-FM-Car-Stereo-Radio-w-iPOD-USB-CD-SD-MP3-/231594913822?hash=item35ec21f01e&vxp=mtr heres a decent one but id use different knobs and ommit the faceplate.

[@jbncnow]

jay bradley a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/126/6533ae1d6eb7fa62a61e1f8285af0f9e/l.jpg I have this in my 85 with a drop down video screen, it takes the place of the headliner, LMV truck sells it for 270 bucks or so, its running all the wires especially with multiple amps but its really cool and it sounds amazing with subs and i left the factory radio totally functional so people look in and think its all stock and i put some bages and my sirius radio above the driver in that little area, mine is black but as you can see it can be painted, oh one think the stock speakers are cheap i put some Rockford Fosgates up in mine but buy the thinest grills you can so it doesnt stick out over the circles for the speakers.

[@chriscole6724]

Hey buddy were do u install the yellow wire

[@GodsCountry]

Chris Cole Hi Chris! What is the function of the yellow wire on your head unit?

[@tylernoel3532]

How did you get the factory radio out of the dash?

[@GodsCountry]

If I'm remembering correctly, it was a little difficult. I may have taken it out of the rear/bottom of the dash. Or I may have pushed the radio back into the dash, cut the new hole, and brought it out the front through the enlarged opening. Sorry I can't remember for sure.

[@FCFordLord]

+God's Country The radio is way too big to go out the front. It goes out the back bottom. Takes a bit of work, but it'll come out.

[@chrismooney5737]

I wish mine wasn’t cut I’m gonna fix mine back to factory

[@Brodrdude97]

I wished someone did the radio install right and not jerryrigged but at last they didn't

[@daelonrideau7499]

How do you remove one

[@GodsCountry]

Remove a shaft style radio? It's been a while but I believe the knobs pull straight off and there are nuts on the shaft that hold it into the dash.

[@connerfleury7]

Probably wouldnt be enough room to put one of those big touch screen units with gps and stuff in it huh. Looks tight already with what u put in their

[@GodsCountry]

I don't think you can get anything taller than a standard single DIN in there but there are some touch screens that mount in a single DIN opening and slide out, and flip up. My head unit was just an inexpensive JVC. Nothing special.

[@connerfleury7]

@@GodsCountry mines an 89. The hole system looks completely different then yours

[@GodsCountry]

In that era I think they were using DIN and a half size radios (1.5 DIN).

[@connerfleury7]

@@GodsCountry so what does that mean? Is that differnet then yours?

[@GodsCountry]

It means that your dash probably doesn't need to be cut (I'm not 100% sure of this). Your dash may be able to accept a 1.5 DIN radio or a single DIN radio by using an installation kit.

[@GusgusA1]

Good vid but that wasn't a stock radio to start with

[@GodsCountry]

GusgusA1 Thanks. Yes, that was not a stock radio.

[@jordanwhite4289]

How did you wire it up?

[@GodsCountry]

My truck did not have a wiring harness in it. I found a good ground under the dash, ran a constant on from the battery, and found a switch source in the dash (can't remember where). Then hooked up the speaker wires. If you look in the description of the video, there is a link to a page that has wiring diagrams for square bodies.

[@angrydonut7751]

would this work for a 1979 Chevy?

[@GodsCountry]

+angry donut Yes I believe they would be very similar.

[@angrydonut7751]

+God's Country thanks man