So you 're wanting to install a new stereo in your Chevy. When I put a stereo in my 01 Chevy the first thing I noticed was how similar it was to installing one in my 96 Chevy truck. Let's start with the head unit, they say a fish rots from the head down so if you start with a decent head unit your system will be off and running. First things first, prior to pulling things apart do a bit of research and make sure you have the proper adapter bezel,connectors wire and so on. Remember all those times when I mentioned getting a service manual for your vehicle? Well this is one of those times you should have it just reference. Make sure you have disconnected the battery to be sure you don't accidently catch an airbag in the face.
Removing the dash trim is actually easier than it looks. Slowly use your fingers to pull back on the trim, you'll need to have the tilt wheel all the way down and the truck in neutral so make sure either your foot is on the brake,the emergency brakes are on or the wheels are blocked. Most Chevy trucks from 1996 to about 2011-12 are pretty close to the same when it comes to removal. Anything older and you're reaching up from the bottom of the dash or custom making a mounting console to accommodate a Din deck. Anything newer refer to your service manual
Once you have the dash trim removed you'll see a tab on each side of the stereo,press these down and carefully slide the deck out. Remember,the factory buttons can and usually will pull off so having a box right handy to put the stereo in is a good idea,be sure that its big enough to have the old speakers put in as well.
When you remove the wiring harness,be sure to gently press down on the plastic retaining tab on the top of the plug. It may only be plastic but,it will seem as if it's crazy glued in until it breaks if you fail to press down on the tab.
There are a couple ways to attach the new wires to the trucks stereo wiring harness. I used an adapter plug and crimp connectors with heat shrink to do the trick. Some, like shown in the picture will solder the connections.
Slide the stereo sleeve through the adapter bezel from the front until it is tight and bent the closest tabs over to the outside of the sleeve.
Yup, you guessed it, the new stereo slides right into the sleeve. It may seem a little tight so use care when sliding the head unit in.
Be sure to have the new harness and RCA plugs installed and you're ready to slide the new deck into the slots.
You'll hear a click as the mounting clips seat into place. Use a bit of caution so that none of the wires from the harness or the RCA plugs get jammed up while you're sliding the head unit in.
Carefully re-install the dash trim in reverse of how you removed it checking to make sure the mounting clips are going back into the places they are meant to. I have messed this step up and let me tell you,its not fun listening to it rattle while you're driving down the road. When complete it will look likes it was meant to look like this from the factory.
Removing the dash trim is actually easier than it looks. Slowly use your fingers to pull back on the trim, you'll need to have the tilt wheel all the way down and the truck in neutral so make sure either your foot is on the brake,the emergency brakes are on or the wheels are blocked. Most Chevy trucks from 1996 to about 2011-12 are pretty close to the same when it comes to removal. Anything older and you're reaching up from the bottom of the dash or custom making a mounting console to accommodate a Din deck. Anything newer refer to your service manualOnce you have the dash trim removed you'll see a tab on each side of the stereo,press these down and carefully slide the deck out. Remember,the factory buttons can and usually will pull off so having a box right handy to put the stereo in is a good idea,be sure that its big enough to have the old speakers put in as well.
When you remove the wiring harness,be sure to gently press down on the plastic retaining tab on the top of the plug. It may only be plastic but,it will seem as if it's crazy glued in until it breaks if you fail to press down on the tab.
There are a couple ways to attach the new wires to the trucks stereo wiring harness. I used an adapter plug and crimp connectors with heat shrink to do the trick. Some, like shown in the picture will solder the connections.
Slide the stereo sleeve through the adapter bezel from the front until it is tight and bent the closest tabs over to the outside of the sleeve.
Yup, you guessed it, the new stereo slides right into the sleeve. It may seem a little tight so use care when sliding the head unit in.
Be sure to have the new harness and RCA plugs installed and you're ready to slide the new deck into the slots.
You'll hear a click as the mounting clips seat into place. Use a bit of caution so that none of the wires from the harness or the RCA plugs get jammed up while you're sliding the head unit in.
Carefully re-install the dash trim in reverse of how you removed it checking to make sure the mounting clips are going back into the places they are meant to. I have messed this step up and let me tell you,its not fun listening to it rattle while you're driving down the road. When complete it will look likes it was meant to look like this from the factory.
Credit goes to the Haynes Xtreme Customizing Manual for the pictures.
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