in-dash radio access. worth the hassle?

crustyfish1 · 06-12-2010, 01:27 AM

Howdy!
I'm thinking of trying to access the back of my in-dash stereo to add a line in for an i-Pod. It looks like it might be an ordeal. Can anyone share any insight, tips, or just talk me out of messing with it? Thanks!

Rene

carringb · 06-12-2010, 02:33 AM

It's not too bad. And yes it's worth it.

Skywagon · 06-12-2010, 07:39 AM

Don't most in-dash radios just pop out with the proper little tool/gizmo?
Bill

crustyfish1 · 06-12-2010, 09:29 AM

It's been years since I've messed with any car audio stuff, but now that you mention it, the 'thingy' trick sounds familiar. I'll have to check it out. Now I'll have to go and find my 'thingy'. (Doc said it would fall off if I played with it too much so I put it in a safe place...)

panion · 06-12-2010, 10:27 AM

In my van (2001) just pull the dog house and the stereos backside is exposed.

For my double din stereo it's two thingys. "U" shaped rods, you poke the business ends into holes to release the stereo.

Look at crutchfield.com to find the tool for your van.

Hope I helped.

Skywagon · 06-12-2010, 11:30 AM

We're obviously not on the same page here. I was thinking about a Gizmo, and you guys are talking about a Thingy. I have a Kenwood and it definitely uses a tool/gizmo...
Bill

SheepShagger · 06-13-2010, 01:44 PM

Use the Gizmo Thingy tools if you have them, if not pull the dog house forward and you can get to the clips on each side very easily. If you have a stereo with large LCD display, it's also worth wrapping the bottom of the cage that holds the stereo in some form of heat shield. LCD's hate heat and the bottom of the stereo gets extremely hot from the engine.

This is what I used.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-13575/

PearGrove · 10-21-2010, 01:36 PM

Rene, did you install a jack for your ipod to the stock Ford stereo? I'd like to do that, and can probably figure out how to get the stereo out with Din tools from the local auto parts store, but haven't been able to figure out what I'll need to install once I've gotten the thing out. Crutchfield.com had something for $150 that lets you control the ipod from the stereo controls (depending on which stereo you have), but I don't care about that and would hope to get the job done with a much cheaper cable. --Matt

carringb · 10-21-2010, 02:22 PM

I add 3 RCA inputs to my Ford stereo. 1 input is connected to the DVD player, 1 to the Sirrius tuner, and the 3rd is connected to a mini headphone jack for connecting ipods or smartphones with Pandora. To add the inputs, you need a "PIE" adapter. There are 2 different versions. One for non-CAN based stereos (pre-2003) and one for CAN-based stereos (2003+) and they may have changed the inputs again with the 2009+ stereo (also CAN-based).

crustyfish1 · 10-21-2010, 11:56 PM

I've got an after-market stereo installed from a previous owner. Sorry I can't help with the question about the stock radio, Matt. I went with the lazy way out and picked up a powered FM transmitter ($60 at Best Buy). There's a tiny bit of static between songs when no music is playing, but it's a pretty good way to get my tunes played... and I can move it to any of my vehicles.