how to install a stereo in a truck that never had one - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldblue72c10 · 06-19-2010, 01:32 PM

I have a 57' ford f100 and it didnt come from the factory with a stereo. So i was wondering if someone could tell me how to install a stereo in it. Thanks

AirSpeed · 06-19-2010, 10:23 PM

There is really nothing to it! Are you trying to figure out where to mount the head unit? Is there even a place in the dash for one? A lot of people mount them in the glove box, the wiring is very straight forward, you usually have a full time positive wire that goes to a fuse that always has power, another positive wire that goes to a keyed circuit that only has power when the key is on. a remote wire to turn on an optional amp, a ground wire that can connect anywhere you can find some exposed steel under the dash. Then you have the right and left channels, one pair for the front and another pair for the rear.
Depending on your stereo you may have RCA out jacks that you use to connect an external amp, it may also have RCA input jacks to connect other units such as an ipod, XM radio, etc.
There really isn't alot you can do wrong as long as you pay attention to the wiring diagram. If you get intimidated by it you can always pay a stereo shop $50 to do it for you. Good luck! Aaron

oldblue72c10 · 06-19-2010, 11:25 PM

Thanks Airspeed

Brett09 · 06-20-2010, 01:33 AM

If you planed on installing it in the dash and need to cut the metal out get one of these. http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...h.subcatid=329

They are easy to control and wont cook the paint. Be careful not to let the saw guards rest on the paint or have the blade out to far. Also try to keep the ground wire 18" or less.

06-19-2010, 01:32 PM	#1
oldblue72c10 LIGHT' EM UP!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Collinsville Oklahoma Posts: 243	how to install a stereo in a truck that never had one I have a 57' ford f100 and it didnt come from the factory with a stereo. So i was wondering if someone could tell me how to install a stereo in it. Thanks __________________ BONDO IS YOUR FRIEND WOULD YOU EVER USE YOUR FRIEND 1972 custom 10 longbed current 360 building a racing 355

06-19-2010, 10:23 PM	#2
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,026	Re: how to install a stereo in a truck that never had one There is really nothing to it! Are you trying to figure out where to mount the head unit? Is there even a place in the dash for one? A lot of people mount them in the glove box, the wiring is very straight forward, you usually have a full time positive wire that goes to a fuse that always has power, another positive wire that goes to a keyed circuit that only has power when the key is on. a remote wire to turn on an optional amp, a ground wire that can connect anywhere you can find some exposed steel under the dash. Then you have the right and left channels, one pair for the front and another pair for the rear. Depending on your stereo you may have RCA out jacks that you use to connect an external amp, it may also have RCA input jacks to connect other units such as an ipod, XM radio, etc. There really isn't alot you can do wrong as long as you pay attention to the wiring diagram. If you get intimidated by it you can always pay a stereo shop $50 to do it for you. Good luck! Aaron

06-19-2010, 11:25 PM	#3
oldblue72c10 LIGHT' EM UP!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Collinsville Oklahoma Posts: 243	Re: how to install a stereo in a truck that never had one Thanks Airspeed __________________ BONDO IS YOUR FRIEND WOULD YOU EVER USE YOUR FRIEND 1972 custom 10 longbed current 360 building a racing 355

06-20-2010, 01:33 AM	#4
Brett09 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Bernardino, CA Posts: 43	Re: how to install a stereo in a truck that never had one If you planed on installing it in the dash and need to cut the metal out get one of these. http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...h.subcatid=329 They are easy to control and wont cook the paint. Be careful not to let the saw guards rest on the paint or have the blade out to far. Also try to keep the ground wire 18" or less.



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