Stereo Install

85Ram · Feb 10, 2013

My 85 had the factory am/fm stereo that only worked on AM and only half the time. So I yanked it in favor of an Alpine head unit w/USB and aux. jack. The factroy setup had 2 6x9's in the doors and 2 box speakers behind the seat. Adequate enough, but I had a pair of Pioneer 250W 3 ways just layin' around, so I swapped the door speakers for those. Welcome to the 21st century!!

85Ram · Feb 10, 2013

a few more pics

86ram · Feb 10, 2013

Looks like a nice clean installation! How do you have your GPS mounted? Did you just put the mount in the cassette cubby? or is there some kind of special bracket holding it up?

86ram · Feb 10, 2013

never mind, I looked at the pictures again and figured it out.

I think I might have to steal that idea when I get my truck up and running again...

85Ram · Feb 10, 2013

GPS sits in cubby and attaches to side glass with suction cup. Nice to have that technology in a 28 yr old truck. Was only $60 at Walmart. Wiring and mounting kit for stereo available at local parts store for about $20. iPad plugs into stereo. Chrysler used the same radio in cars and trucks for almost 30 years!! Makes for very easy install with no mods.

tylerdavis5232 · Feb 13, 2013

Looks good! How much did the door speakers cost you? Cause mine are starting to go out.

85Ram · Feb 15, 2013

The speakers are Pioneer 4 way 250 watt. They are plenty loud!! The deck is an Alpine that I picked up from Best Buy. It has USB plug and Aux. plug. It was only $80. The speakers I bought at an auction NIB for $25. They fit nice in the factory openings. I used the factory speaker wiring.

Deblackmon3 · Sep 11, 2013

I know I'm resurrecting an old post, but where did you find your adapter for the stereo header? I can't find one anywhere online.

edit: Also, does anyone know if the dash can handle a double DIN stereo or just a single?

edit2: After some research, the first gen dash fits a 1.5 DIN, which aren't made by any manufacturers, even though it is STILL used in cars today. Trying to find a way to squeeze in a 2 without having to do too much modding on it.

crazzywolfie · Sep 11, 2013

i am not sure exactly what you are looking but i think any place that installs stereo's should sell what you want.

the stock stereo is 1.5 DIN

Deblackmon3 · Sep 11, 2013

crazzywolfie said:
i am not sure exactly what you are looking but i think any place that installs stereo's should sell what you want.

the stock stereo is 1.5 DIN

If the stock is 1.5, how much do you think it would cost to get a 2 in there? I could move the Command center to where the stereo is now and then rewire the double to be where the cc is now. I don't know.

crazzywolfie · Sep 11, 2013

i have no clue how hard or how much work it would be to install a 2 DIN stereo. i think it would be way easier and cheaper to get a stereo with a flip out screen than it would be to butcher the dash.

Deblackmon3 · Sep 12, 2013

crazzywolfie said:
i have no clue how hard or how much work it would be to install a 2 DIN stereo. i think it would be way easier and cheaper to get a stereo with a flip out screen than it would be to butcher the dash.

You're right, it would be cheaper and easier, I just don't like the flip out screen, especially if I go offroad some and the motors get worn. Plus, it might cover the A/C controls. I don't know, I'm far off from actually doing any interior work. Just setting plans for now.

dodge dude94 · Sep 12, 2013

Just don't have the screen flipped out when off roading.

Simple fix right there.

crazzywolfie · Sep 12, 2013

i don't think a flip out screen would block the a/c controls that much. otherwise you would just have to get a normal single din unit. i have a single din with amp and subwoofer in my 81 and i find it works pretty good. i don't even know why you would need a big screen in a truck. i have though about getting some sort of dvd player stereo for my ramcharger but have not found a cheap enough option yet.

Deblackmon3 · Sep 12, 2013

crazzywolfie said:
i don't think a flip out screen would block the a/c controls that much. otherwise you would just have to get a normal single din unit. i have a single din with amp and subwoofer in my 81 and i find it works pretty good. i don't even know why you would need a big screen in a truck. i have though about getting some sort of dvd player stereo for my ramcharger but have not found a cheap enough option yet.

I wanted a 2din because I travel alot and wanted a built-in nav system.

Side question, where is your sub and what size? I was thinking of putting one behind the bench seat, and I know a box I could put a 10 inch in, or a couple 10 inches.

crazzywolfie · Sep 12, 2013

i use my phone as a gps. i have been thinking about possibly building a mount for my phone since it is a bit too big to sit inside the gauge area's.

my sub is behind the seat. it is a 10" and puts out more bass than my truck needs. i usually have it turned down as low as it will go and it works pretty good for me.

Deblackmon3 · Sep 12, 2013

Thanks for the picture, that helps out alot! I'm young, so I don't think the bass is gonna be turned down

dodge dude94 · Sep 12, 2013

Just remember not to overtax your charging system.

If you only have a 65amp alternator, your lights are gonna be flickering and you'll start nuking batteries.

Deblackmon3 · Sep 12, 2013

dodge dude94 said:
Just remember not to overtax your charging system.

If you only have a 65amp alternator, your lights are gonna be flickering and you'll start nuking batteries.

Didn't think of that at all. This is why I came to you guys for help, I could never do all of this myself xD

crazzywolfie · Sep 12, 2013

don't let dodge dude scare you. your truck should probably have the 90 amp alternator since you have a/c. if not the smallest alternator i think was 75amp. as long as you do the big 3 upgrade you should be fine. i have the 65amp alternator on my 81 and the lights don't dim when my stereo is on.

i don't mind a bit of bass but when you start having the rear view mirror shaking to the point where it is useless it seem like it might be a bit too much. i know my amp can put out way more than my sub can handle.

if the truck is your daily driver you may want to focus on more important stuff light putting your headlights on relays. one of the best upgrades you can do on any old vehicles. it makes your headlights a lot brighter.

Stereo Install

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