Car Stereo Install on 1999 Chevy Prizm - Questions

[IronTek 10+ year member]

I thought it'd be nice to perhaps get a new car stereo that I could hook my iPhone up to so I could play it in my car while it charges it (i.e., a stereo with a USB port).

I just got back from Best Buy and they have some okay players, but then it's another $42 for the kit and $50 or so for the install.

Enter Crutchfield. They provide the wiring harness and, if possible, the dash replacement kit.

Here's the problem. They don't have a kit for a 1999 prizm. But they do have one for a 2000 and later Prizm.

I looked at photos online and the 2000-2002 Prizm factory stereo looks just like the one in my car. Will that work.

The other question pertains to the wiring harness. To get the in-dash kit free, I need to say I have a 2000 Prizm. But then the wiring harness is different for the car. Will it still work? When I say I have a 1999 Prizm, they provide a harness for GM vehicles 1985 & later. Shouldn't that one also work on a 2000 Prizm and thus either wiring harness should work on my car?

Further, the Toyota Corolla harness is different (1998 - 2002, GM and Toyota produced the Prizm and Corolla in the same factory in California -- they're essentially the same car)! Would that one not work?

Any expertise would be appreciated. Crutchfield has the stereo I want that Best Buy doesn't carry (a Sony with USB & Bluetooth), and I'm curious to try to install it myself!

Now, my B-plan is to buy one of those install-cards from Crutchfield if this doesn't work out and have a local guy do it, but if someone here can share some knowledge and tell me that it will be okay to install it myself, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!

Click to read more...

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

I'm not going to tell you to completely disregard Crutchfield's recommendation, but you can't believe everything they say either.

My friend wanted a double din dvd player, and Crutchfield told him it was impossible. He then bought an overpriced flip out unit from them. 2 months later he found the double din install kit that would've allowed him to buy the dvd player that he really wanted.

If I were you, I'd order the install kit from the cheapest online retailer possible just to see if it works. Worst case scenario, you'll be out a few bucks. But if it works, you can order the cd player and easily install it yourself. If you have the correct harness, it's all color coded. Easy, breezy, japanesey...

EDIT: You should always look for online retailers other than Crutchfield. 99% of the time you can find the equipment you want for much less money...

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

I'm pretty certain the prizm was only made for a few years, the dash kit and wiring harness should work no matter the year. And that car is rediculously simple to replace a h/u in.

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Ridiculously simple?

Granted, I'm not a car guy at all (though I think I can do this), but I couldn't really tell how to start going about taking out the old stereo...

Any insights?

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

Ridiculously simple?
Granted, I'm not a car guy at all (though I think I can do this), but I couldn't really tell how to start going about taking out the old stereo...

Any insights?

There should be an online, vehicle specific tutorial. It's probably as simple as pulling out the ashtray and removing a couple of screws. We all had to start somewhere, man. I think you'll be fine doing it yourself...

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

yes. the black pastic trim around the radio/climate controls/etc literally just pops off. Need to wedge something in there and just pull the piece directly out - held in with all clips. If you don't have any panel poppers or anything, could probably use a flathead wrapped in a couple layers of electrical tape as to not scratch your dash.

and from there you'll know what to do lol.

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

yes. the black pastic trim around the radio/climate controls/etc literally just pops off. Need to wedge something in there and just pull the piece directly out - held in with all clips. If you don't have any panel poppers or anything, could probably use a flathead wrapped in a couple layers of electrical tape as to not scratch your dash.
and from there you'll know what to do lol.

Wow, not even a screw? Should take him less than an hour, even if it is his first time.

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

Wow, not even a screw? Should take him less than an hour, even if it is his first time.

the radio is held in by screws, but to access it all you gotta do is remove 1 trim piece. doesn't get much easier.

But this is all from memory, too. I could be wrong lol.

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

That's good to know. Despite my best efforts with Google, I wasn't able to locate a '99 Prizm guide for car stereo installation.

Also, you mentioned Crutchfield doesn't always have the best prices...got any good sites to share?

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

the radio is held in by screws, but to access it all you gotta do is remove 1 trim piece. doesn't get much easier.
But this is all from memory, too. I could be wrong lol.

Either way, it's a pretty simple job in most vehicles. I think he'll do fine as long as he has the proper harness...

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

That's good to know. Despite my best efforts with Google, I wasn't able to locate a '99 Prizm guide for car stereo installation.
Also, you mentioned Crutchfield doesn't always have the best prices...got any good sites to share?

Just examine the area surrounding the cd player thoroughly. Once you've found the screws (or lack of), simply pop the trim piece off.

I honestly think you'll be fine. No point in paying someone $50 or more for a job you can do yourself in less than an hour without breaking a sweat. Think of it this way; you can use the money you saved by doing the job yourself to buy some new speakers...

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

So, back to what Crutchfield has for an in-dash installer when I lie:

Here is what Crutchfield gives me for a 2000 Prizm

Here's installer.com's price for one for a Prizm/Corolla 1998-2002

Think the Crutchfield one will work?

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

I can't say for sure. The one from Crutchfield looks MUCH nicer, though...

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Also, as far as wiring harnesses go:

This is the one Crutchfield says I'll need when I tell them on the site that I have a 1999 Prizm

And this is the one they tell me I need if I tell them I have a 2000 Prizm

I don't suppose you recall from memory which one I'll need, do you x1le?

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

You guys are starting to make me think I might be able to pull this off!

And I want to, too! I'll be able to get a much better system for less money than the Best Buy route would have cost me for a lesser model!

Now, just to show you visually what I'm up against, here's a picture of the stereo in the dash (I found this photo online...it's from a 2000 Prizm, but looks the same as mine).

So the black plastic around the stereo, A/C controls, etc. should just come off and then, a few screws later, I should be able to pull the stereo out?