Car Stereo Installation

To install a car stereo, you will need a few tools to help you do a good, clean job. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat blade screwdriver, DIN tools, a retaining clip remover, wire cutters, a heat gun, wire stripper, electrical tape, and a soldering iron.

After removing the stock stereo in your car, there are a few steps to follow if your vehicle does not have a custom wiring harness. First, identify all of the stereo wires and connect them to their corresponding wires at the back of your new stereo. Make a choice between either crimping or soldering the wires together. Crimping is preferred by many as it is faster and easier, just be sure that you get to use the right size for the crimp connector. There are quite a few different types of crimp connectors, like bullet connectors, butt connectors, or crimp caps. Soldering on the other hand, makes for a permanent connection between connecting wires. Soldered wires makes certain that you do get the maximum current transfer, although it is a bit more of a time consuming task than crimping.

The next task at hand is to create a power connection that is direct. There are two different types of power sources, the switched power source and the constant power source. The former is active only when the ignition is keyed, while the latter is always on. A constant power source helps in keeping your stereo's custom settings. As soon as that is settled, just get a good ground connection for proper stereo performance and you're pretty much all set.

A mounting kit usually accompanies any new car stereo, so install it, fix the tabs, and assemble the stereo in. a mounting bracket will keep everything in place and all that's left to do is listen to the beautiful sounds of your hard work.