Just another dumb stereo thread...... Sorry...

[ehjorten]

I put a Pioneer DEH-6400BT (well whatever the prior version was) in my '77 K20.  The new versions don't have a rear iPod connection anymore.  Mine does.  I routed the iPod cable from the back of the receiver over to the glovebox.  The Blue-tooth microphone I routed up the inside of the A-pillar trim to the sunvisor.  I really like being able to connect my iPod and store it in that little LH pocket of the A/C glovebox!  It is hidden and I have full control over my entire music library from the receiver!  The Blue-tooth works surprisingly well.  I was worried about the performance in an older truck with more interior noise, but it is very clear.  I guess the new ones only have front USB connections because people are using there iPhones and whatnot and don't necessarily want to shove thier phone in the glovebox and forget it.  I personally don't like to have to have the cord hanging out the front of the deck and have to constantly be getting it out and putting it away, but then I don't have an iPhone.  I know Kenwood makes a deck that has an internal hard-drive and you can load all your music onto the deck and then forget about it!  Last time I checked Kenwood though their interface was slow and clunky.

I installed my deck using the proper kit from www.installer.com

If you are careful in positioning your unit, you have a clean, solid install.  I love it and want one in my crew cab, but haven't made it a priority yet.

[1980c10]

My alpine which is the current model does have the ipod plug coming from the back of it as well. I however don't have an Iphone. As far as I'm concerned I really like the simplicity of the flash drive. Just plug it in and no cords hanging and ready to play 1000's of songs all sortable by files folder and tracks etc. So easy to put together on the computer and plug it in and its ready to go.

[firefighter]

I had a great guy from this site take the time from his schedule to call me and talk specifics about his install to upgrade to the new style DIN radios.
I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna cut !!   
Now that doesn't mean you guys who kept your dashs original were wrong, I just feel I have way more options this way. I'm not trying to keep my truck all original either which is a real factor for some.
I'll start the searching process of finding a unit with the inputs I need with a reasonable price to match.

Here's two more questions though since you guys have been so great:

1: If I'm gonna wanna crank up the tunes every now and then, am I going to pretty much need to purchase an amp too? I'm not trying to bounce quarters off the roof and I'm not gonna have killer subs, but I may want to "Git-R-Dun" every now and then.   
I'm sure it will depend on the output wattage of the unit, but most off the shelf "reasonable priced" units most like aren't that powerful, right?

and

2: I can rebuild a truck from the frame up, but I have no idea what you guys are talking about when you speak of hooking your phones up through your radio.
I know the bluetooth is the thing hanging off your ears (I have no idea how they work) but I don't know how or why you hook them up through your radio.

I have a flip phone with no camera or internet on it. I know, I know..... I'm way in the dark ages in this area!!

Thanks again guys, especially you thirsty !!

[454Man]

If yor phone has a head phone jack that is what you use. The radio will have that same jack on front. Use a cord like http://www.google.com/search?devlocsession=off&client=ms-android-hms-tmobile-us&hl=en&gl=us&source=android-launcher-widget&q=aux+cable+pics&site=images&tbm=isch&biw=533&bih=256&sei=qME5T5OkGsje2AXf_-mzCg#i=12
Then you can play music off your phone and when you press the talk button on your phone the persons voice comes through your sterio:) just make sure the mic on you phone can pic up your voice

[ehjorten]

Bluetooth isn't just the ear piece (I personally don't like those things).  That is just one example of a Bluetooth device.  Bluetooth is just a proprietary open wireless technology.  Like the Wi-Fi you might have in your house or at a store, but it is intended for exchanging data over short distances from both fixed and mobile devices.  My phone is Bluetooth enabled.  Usually in the Tools/Settings Menu you will see a Bluetooth menu.  When Bluetooth is turned on, my phone just stays in my pocket when I am driving and it automatically connects to my stereo (wirelessly) in my truck (It automatically connects because I have allowed it to do so).  When my phone rings the stereo automatically switches over and it rings through the speakers.  I push a button on the stereo and it answers.  I just speak normally and the persons voice comes through the car speakers.  I even have access to my phone book through the stereo and can push a button and say, "call so-and-so" and it will recognize the name and call that person.  It is pretty cool and convenient, especially if you live in a state that has banned talking on your cell phone while driving (without a hands-free device).

Anyways...I'm not a computer/software techie, but this is one technology that I think is pretty handy.  I didn't know anything about it until I got that stereo and I just read the instructions and did what it said to set it up.

[1980c10]

Alpine makes an inline amp. It plugs into the back of the head unit where the wire harness would normally plug in and the vehicle wire harness plugs into the mini amp. Kind of a unique product.
As far as playing music from your phone. This can be done wirelessly. The option you are looking for is wireless audio streaming. A nice remote control can also be purchased for the Alpine head units for about $20.

[bd]

1:  If I'm gonna wanna crank up the tunes every now and then, am I going to pretty much need to purchase an amp too?  I'm not trying to bounce quarters off the roof and I'm not gonna have killer subs, but I may want to "Git-R-Dun" every now and then....

For the cleanest, richest sound you'll want an amp.   Everyone has their own opinion on this, but (in response to your stated purpose) a quality 4-channel Class D amplifier rated around 70-100 watts RMS per channel will be more than adequate for a truck cab with four small speakers (5.25" to 6.5" front, 4x10" to 6x9" rear), each rated to handle the amp's RMS output.  You'll rarely run the amp at greater than ~15%. 

Vocals hover around 400 Hz - cymbal clash ~5-8 kHz with a sheen to well over 20 kHz - bass guitar ~30-130 Hz, so look for speakers that have a broad frequency response (realistically, ~65 Hz to 25+ kHz for the small sizes mentioned) and rigid cones.  If you like the richness of full bass you'll need a sub (because of space constraints in a truck, 8" to 10", reproducing ~25 Hz to ~250 Hz).  You can make larger subs fit, but the required space can make them a challenge.  Generally, the bigger the sub, the deeper the base, the larger the enclosure, and the greater the power demand to move the air.  You can save some cab space and integrate a sub into your initial design by using a 5-channel amp, or you can expand later using a self-powered sub.

When mounting speakers, do your best to protect the speakers from water and dust.  Use dedicated fused copper cables to power your amp.  Match your speaker and power cable sizes to your amp and the length of run.  Add a capacitor if you install a sub and your lights flicker in cadence with deep notes.

I hope this provides food for thought and helps answer at least one of your questions.  Regarding sound systems, your limited only by your imagination, your wallet and maybe your wife....   

[thirsty]

That is good information bd. Kind of like sound systems for dummies. You touched base on what most people assume every knows. A lot of us were raising kids during the big stereo craze and missed the boat. Now us metal heads from back then want something occasionally loud and obnoxious but it is not a priority like it would be for some of the younger guys. Thanks.

[firefighter]

I hope this provides food for thought and helps answer at least one of your questions.

Are you kidding me? You HOPE this provides me with food for thought? This is the gourmet meal my friend!!
You gave me great information !!

Thank you very much for taking the time to write all that down for me. I truly appreciate it.


Yeah thirsty, back when some guys were learning about kick butt sound systems, I was busy doing other things.
My wife just rolls her eyes now when I pull out of the driveway with Molly Hatchet, BTO or Blackfoot cranked up.  Ha Ha !!!   

[bd]

Blackfoot, Zeppelin, Floyd... those were the days....   

...course those were also the days of 8-tracks... 

[thirsty]

Blackfoot, Zeppelin, Floyd... those were the days....   

...course those were also the days of 8-tracks... 

What dazes? Did I miss something back then...? Why do I get the feeling I should be remembering something here?haha
Or maybe it's that I didn't miss out on anything back then.

Gonna go watch "That 70's Show" If I remember anything I will let you guys know.

[gto109]

8 track is that the thing that was kinda long and rectangular lookin?  Just kidding I had one of them but it was sesame street but then again I was born in 77.  When a band puts out a new cd I usually ask friends if they heard the new album form 5 finger death punch or what ever band it is.  Horns in the air headbanging till I die.  Floyd, Zeppelin, and Sabbith are in my mp3 player as well.

[firefighter]

Ok, one more question on mounting the new DIN cage into my dash.

For those of you that used the aftermarket mounting plate, how does this item work? Where does the DIN cage mount to, your metal dash or to the plastic instrument panel?
These are the aftermarket plates I've seen:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XI4a19cxIYJ/p_176GM16/Chevrolet-GMC-In-dash-Receiver-Kit.html#customer-reviews-tab
and
http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/2669675/vpcsid/0/SFV/30046?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=GoogleBaseFeed

Are these kits supplying just a metal plate, or some kind of plate with the DIN already mounted to it?

If you mount the DIN cage flush into the metal dash, when you put the plastic instrument panel cover on, you won't be able to snap the face plate onto your head unit.
I have found if you mount the DIN cage into the plastic instrument panel cover, you have a devil of a time getting the instrument panel cover on and off. Actually I've found it to be almost impossible if you have an automatic transmission.   

I know there is a lot of things I could do to custom fabricate a metal plate or modify something, but I'm just curious how the aftermarket kits install.
Pics? Instructions? Details? Tips?

Thank you.

[Skunksmash]

Another vote for cutting the dash. You'll get waaay more for your money that way.

[bd]

Ok, one more question on mounting the new DIN cage into my dash.

For those of you that used the aftermarket mounting plate, how does this item work? Where does the DIN cage mount to, your metal dash or to the plastic instrument panel?
....
Are these kits supplying just a metal plate, or some kind of plate with the DIN already mounted to it?
....
If you mount the DIN cage flush into the metal dash, when you put the plastic instrument panel cover on, you won't be able to snap the face plate onto your head unit.
I have found if you mount the DIN cage into the plastic instrument panel cover, you have a devil of a time getting the instrument panel cover on and off. Actually I've found it to be almost impossible if you have an automatic transmission.   
....
I know there is a lot of things I could do to custom fabricate a metal plate or modify something, but I'm just curious how the aftermarket kits install.
Pics? Instructions? Details? Tips?

You receive the part(s) illustrated on the website.  The panel has a black, textured plastic veneer that blends nicely with the texture of the instrument panel.  You may need to trim the panel ever so slightly for a perfect fit.  Don't cut the dash until you have the panel to use as a template!

After you've cut the dash & instrument panel and installed your wiring harness, 1) Install the instrument panel, 2) install the textured plate, 3) install the DIN cage and lock the tabs through the dash, 4) install the radio, 5) attach the radio rear support and finish it off.