Stock stereo conversion or replacement help

[beengone]

I have a '96 FW with the stock tape deck. I know there was an option for a trunk-mounted CD changer, but I don't have it. At first, I was going to try to see if I could convert those changer inputs to an aux. in - probably 3.5mm.

I gave up on that conversion since I couldn't find much info on the chaner leads. I then went looking for a replacement stereo/cd/aux/ipod in. I set everything up with Best Buy b/c i didn't want to deal with it in winter. Got a call back saying they can't even get the dash kit any longer and he told me mine has the amp in the trunk so I'd need the long harness and antenna adapter. I'm going to pop the trunk to look before I post this, but I think he's right as I saw what I assume is the amp this summer while I doing some work.

So, I found the kit I need at Crutchfield and tried to find a stereo. They only have 3 units they claim fit. I called and the guy looked at their pictures and notes. He said there is a metal plate and then a duct behind the stock stereo only allowing for 6.1" behind the face. He said other units won't fit.

So, what can I do to either:
1) add aux. in to the current unit, assuming it has a CD changer hookup in the rear of the head unit? Or
2) swap out the head unit for a new stereo? Anyone done this? Can any old unit fit?

As for the amp in the rear: I just popped the trunk and peeked in. Their is an amp-sized box with harnesses mounted behind the rear seat. This is what I remembered. But, I climbed in (nice to have a land yacht) and followed some cables. The cables coming out of the box look like they go to the rear brake light and maybe the defroster, not to the speakers, therefore it's probably not an amp. I followed the speaker wires and they seem to head through the back into the cabin. So, maybe the head unit is a full stereo with amp, not just a tuner.

I also found two cable ends bundled with the speaker wires just before the seat backs. One looked somewhat like a mini coax connection, the other a multi-wire harness. Are these for the optional changer? If so, anyone know if I can convert them to aux in?

So, can I change out the head unit for any old stereo and have it fit? Is the '96 different than the previous years? Does anyone know for certain about the rear-amp thing?

If I cannot just pop in an aftermarket, can I convert the changer cables to 3.5mm?

If you don't know for certain about the '96, please make that clear as I'm hearing it may be different.

If need be, I can take a few pictures.

[jayoldschool]

Email this guy:
factoryradioservice@gmail.com

He puts AUX inputs in GM radios, and is very cheap (under $50 for the mod).

Here's an example of his work:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Delco...fAudioQ5fVideo

[My_favorite_Brougham]

Wow, we were just discussing almost the exact same question yesterday. Read this thread:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...atibility.html (Stereo Compatibility)

To my knowledge, the '96 had a one-piece radio with no amp in the rear. 1995 and before had that setup. But read that thread; talks about radio options, cd changer, etc. for a '96.

Greg

EDIT: If there were an amp in the trunk, it would be mounted on the trunk wall, beneath the automatic antenna, not in the backseat.

[beengone]

Thanks, both. I saw that post from yesterday and nearly tacked mine onto it, but it was different enough that I decided I better start a new thread. I was not looking to keep the stock look. Most of my questions have been answered, but I'm still unsure whether I can upgrade to an aftermarket radio/cd/ipod in. I guess I'll have to pull out the current stereo and either upgrade it if there's room or send it out for that aux in mod. If anyone gets sees this who has a 96 and has upgraded to an aftermarket unit, please let me know.

The thing's in really great shape, but has 180k miles. Unless someone makes me an offer I can't refuse, I plan to drive it into the ground, so the stock look doesn't matter to me. I'll keep the old unit around just in case.

[thefleetwoodguy]

if you have a mp3 or ipod, you can just got to any walmart
pick up a cassette converter, looks like a cassette, with a wire coming out of it
plug that into your mp3 player,stick the cassette in the radio
no more discs
and you can fit 1000's of songs on a mp3 player
without the clutter of cd's
I dont even use the cd player since i started with the cassette setup
just a fyi

[outsider]

^ true, but sound quality isn't as good as a direct AUX plug. But for quick and cheap, that's the best way

[thefleetwoodguy]

honestly since its digital to start with
the loss is almost undetectable
you cant really tell the difference from the
c/d to the mp3
much better then the fm transmitted
type that you see a lot of
if you can try it, compare, then let me know what you think
Ill bet your surprised....
and its a cheap alternative!

[HUF]

if you have a mp3 or ipod, you can just got to any walmart
pick up a cassette converter, looks like a cassette, with a wire coming out of it
plug that into your mp3 player,stick the cassette in the radio
no more discs
and you can fit 1000's of songs on a mp3 player
without the clutter of cd's
I dont even use the cd player since i started with the cassette setup
just a fyi

Got one on eBay for $2 and am happy with it.

[The-Dullahan]

if you have a mp3 or ipod, you can just got to any walmart
pick up a cassette converter, looks like a cassette, with a wire coming out of it
plug that into your mp3 player,stick the cassette in the radio
no more discs
and you can fit 1000's of songs on a mp3 player
without the clutter of cd's
I dont even use the cd player since i started with the cassette setup
just a fyi

Another alternative is a radio transmitter. They are about nine dollars and plug into your audio output jack of your mp3 player or Cd player and when switched on, produce a radio transmission of the audio, which you then tune your stereo to and viola!

This is what I had to do, because my 1987 Brougham was never equipped with so much as a cassette player, because I am a "damned primitive"

Funny sidenote...anybody else still listen to Vinyl records?

[outsider]

Funny sidenote...anybody else still listen to Vinyl records?

Just installed a record player in my caddy.

just kidding