Car Stereo Install on 1999 Chevy Prizm - Questions

[x1le 10+ year member]

yes sir.

I checked metra real quick and the 1985 and up harness is the one you need.

I'm not saying don't go to best buy, especially since I'm an installer there lol, but if you're curious and want to learn then hey, why not.

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Well, I tried to pull the piece of plastic trim off today and most of it came off very easily.

It looks like there's a wire or two running near the bottom connecting up the DC adapter, so I couldn't pull the trim off all the way, and I didn't want to mess with the electrical connection without first unplugging the battery.

Nevertheless, I think I'm good to go to give this a shot for myself!

I think my current plan is to buy the Sony MEX-BT3700U from Crutchfield under the guise of having a 2000 Prizm so I can get the adapter kit that I'm 90% sure will work. I'll pay an extra $12.99 for the correct harness.

If the adapter kit works out, I'll see if Crutchfield will let me ship them back the other wiring harness for a $12.99 credit...But, if not, not worries.

And on the off chance that the adapter kit doesn't fit, I'll sell it together with the wiring harness and use the proceeds to buy a proper adapter kit...

Wish me luck!

And thanks for all of the good advice! I'm sure I'll be back on this thread before all is said and done!

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

nm

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Okay, slightly modified plan.

I would hate to tell Crutchfield I have a 2000 Prizm and have that in-dash kit not work out.

For an extra four bucks above the Crutchfield price for the harness, I can get This kit off eBay with the harness and a kit.

I do have a question with this kit though (naturally). I've drawn in the photo...why does it seem like this kit won't actually fit the radio in it?

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Oh, I found instructions to go with this model online.

For DIN units, those ribs to cut out.

 

[tez4life Premium Member]

Sounds like your on your way. Reminds me of when I use to "experment" on my moms 87 Chevy Nova, took that radio in and out that car prob a hundred times lol.

At least your learning on your own, thats a good step to getting your feet wet in car audio. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Good luck.

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Well, I've taken the plunge!

I ordered my MEX-BT3700U from Crutchfield.

I *might* have been able to get it cheaper from somewhere else, but Crutchfield had an offer that includes a free microphone ($30 retail), and I called them and the guy was willing to send the wiring harness for my 99 Prizm, but the install kit and the antenna adapter for the 2000 Prizm. I also saw on the order list that he put MasterSheets for both the 99 and 2000 Prizms.

That level of customer service was worth the extra money (if it indeed cost me any)!

I'll let you all know how it goes!

Thanks for answering all of my newbie questions!

My first thought was to have Best Buy do it, because "everyone" gets their car stereos installed (everyone I know, anyway).

But when I started looking at what's involved...I think I should be just fine doing it!

Time will tell. If I really shit myself trying to do the install, I can always hang my head in shame and have a local shop do it.

But I don't intend to have to resort to that!

I'll check in again later!

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

you'll be good. there's virtually nothing to screw up. if you have any more questions be sure to ask.

 

[McIntosh 10+ year member]

Well, I've taken the plunge!
I ordered my MEX-BT3700U from Crutchfield.

I *might* have been able to get it cheaper from somewhere else, but Crutchfield had an offer that includes a free microphone ($30 retail), and I called them and the guy was willing to send the wiring harness for my 99 Prizm, but the install kit and the antenna adapter for the 2000 Prizm. I also saw on the order list that he put MasterSheets for both the 99 and 2000 Prizms.

That level of customer service was worth the extra money (if it indeed cost me any)!

I'll let you all know how it goes!

Thanks for answering all of my newbie questions!

My first thought was to have Best Buy do it, because "everyone" gets their car stereos installed (everyone I know, anyway).

But when I started looking at what's involved...I think I should be just fine doing it!

Time will tell. If I really shit myself trying to do the install, I can always hang my head in shame and have a local shop do it.

But I don't intend to have to resort to that!

I'll check in again later!

I have complete service manuals for my 2002 (same car). If you need some pages scanned, PM me.

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Thanks!

I'm a little embarrassed in that I broke down today and ordered the Metra kit just in case the scosche kit doesn't fit.

I called scosche today and the guy claimed it wouldn't work for a 1999, so...well, better to be out the extra $17 and try to resell it later than to have to wait for the right kit to come, and not being able to install the thing until after I get back from my roadtrip.

But the radio itself should be here on Wednesday...though the weekend would be a better time for the install, I doubt I'll be able to hold out that long!

 

[IronTek 10+ year member]

Well, I did the install last Friday and everything went great!

The kit for the 2000 Prizm did indeed fit just fine!

Took less than 45 minutes (not counting the time to solder the wiring harness together)!

Thanks for all the help!