Aftermarket Radio Install Questions

[Tuvan03]

First I'd like to say hi and glad to see there is a group of guys that love their bonnies as much as i love mine

So I've got an 87 Bonneville and I'm planning on getting a new radio for my Bonneville for myself for Christmas and I've been looking at different places trying to figure out which dash kit to get to make it fit since the radio that's in the Bonneville is like a din and a half, and i think I've found the right one but i figured I'd ask guys who may have done this before the kit i think is right is either (All Amazon Links) Metra 99-4500 or Metra 99-4700 and the wiring harness to hook into an aftermarket radio would be Metra Wiring Harness.

I'm hoping there's someone here who's worked on this style Bonneville before who can tell me what i'm in for when i replace the head unit. Planning on doing speakers also but that's straight forward enough.

Thank you in advance for any and all help you can provide with this

[ga93sle]

I put a deck in an 87 wayyyy back in the day but I honestly don't remember what all I used. For the record, I put the 99-4500 dash kit in my car just yesterday, and I'm not very happy with the fitment. I still have to take it back apart and see if I did something wrong, but so far it looks horrible lol.

[Tuvan03]

I put a deck in an 87 wayyyy back in the day but I honestly don't remember what all I used. For the record, I put the 99-4500 dash kit in my car just yesterday, and I'm not very happy with the fitment. I still have to take it back apart and see if I did something wrong, but so far it looks horrible lol.

is the adapter hanging out too far? think i may go with the 4700 since it has an option to telescope though i just want the radio to sit about as close to stock as possible since the one i'm getting comes with a remote. i've never done an install on this car she's still sporting the stock radio so as far as other hardware goes what will i need to support the new radio?

[ga93sle]

Yeah, it sticks way out of the dash and it looks like it angles down, makes it difficult to see the display. Looks like you found everything you need except I think you will need an antenna adapter.

[Tuvan03]

Yeah, it sticks way out of the dash and it looks like it angles down, makes it difficult to see the display. Looks like you found everything you need except I think you will need an antenna adapter.

yea i found one of those too, lots of research and asking questions. The antenna adapter is Metra 40 GM-10 and after checking and seeing that a couple people use bracket Metra 99-4700 i figure i'll give it a try. looked up a couple threads and the review on the bracket, which a guy said he used it to replace the radio in his 91 firebird which has the same radio as the bonneville so should work.

I'm hellbent and determined to keep this bonneville on the road forever so may as well put a sound system in it i can enjoy while i drive the tank.

so the plan for the system is
Pioneer DEH-P8400BH Head Unit
Soundstream 6x9s for the rear
Soundstream 4x6s for the dash
was gonna go pioneer speakers but a friend of mine who is into car audio and used to install systems but now installs remote starts recommended the sound streams.

[ga93sle]

That Pioneer looks like a really nice deal, it's almost tempting, and those speakers appear to be pretty decent, too, just judging by the size of the magnet and the shipping weight lol.

[Tuvan03]

That Pioneer looks like a really nice deal, it's almost tempting, and those speakers appear to be pretty decent, too, just judging by the size of the magnet and the shipping weight lol.

The pioneer retailed originally for $230 and at crutchfield still costs $190 but only $140 on amazon and the speakers, i don't know, just going by recommendation on them. Like i said he used to install car audio and they have good reviews so, what the hell?

[Zeik75]

I have an 88 bonne which has all new audio in it. The things you need to mount the HU are all what you have listed, the antenna adaptor, wiring harness, and dash kit. Sadly I can't say which dash kit is better, I was able to reuse one my dad put in like 10 years ago when i upgraded from cd to ipod connections.

Some hints for the install though. (some might seem obvious btw)
1. Wire the harness and radio together outside of the car cause it is a pain inside.
2. there isn't much space in there for al that extra wire so don't just try and cram it in, you will just end up disconnection something or making the dash kit not go together properly. An easier way to adjust the wires is to go under the dash. If you pull the ashtray out there is open space up to the pocket where the radio sits and you can get your hand up there to shift stuff around.
3. If you plan on using amps in the future you should try to put in the remote lead and rca's while you do this to save time.

That HU should suit you well since it has a nice equalizer and 3 preouts. As for the speakers I can't really say on the quality of soundstreams, but I have been able to find good reasonably priced stuff on this site too. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/. Word to the wise though most big name companies make crap speakers now days since they have to cater to the masses and provide lower priced options which translates to poor materials or build quality. And you pay for the name in some cases.

Overall Everything is really easy to install on this car. just know that to install the 4x6 dash speakers you need to take the dash off, but it's easy its only like 6 or 7 bolts and it just lifts off. I can take a pic to show you where all the bolts are if you want.

Good Luck in your searches!

[Tuvan03]

I have an 88 bonne which has all new audio in it. The things you need to mount the HU are all what you have listed, the antenna adaptor, wiring harness, and dash kit. Sadly I can't say which dash kit is better, I was able to reuse one my dad put in like 10 years ago when i upgraded from cd to ipod connections.

Some hints for the install though. (some might seem obvious btw)
1. Wire the harness and radio together outside of the car cause it is a pain inside.
2. there isn't much space in there for al that extra wire so don't just try and cram it in, you will just end up disconnection something or making the dash kit not go together properly. An easier way to adjust the wires is to go under the dash. If you pull the ashtray out there is open space up to the pocket where the radio sits and you can get your hand up there to shift stuff around.
3. If you plan on using amps in the future you should try to put in the remote lead and rca's while you do this to save time.

That HU should suit you well since it has a nice equalizer and 3 preouts. As for the speakers I can't really say on the quality of soundstreams, but I have been able to find good reasonably priced stuff on this site too. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/. Word to the wise though most big name companies make crap speakers now days since they have to cater to the masses and provide lower priced options which translates to poor materials or build quality. And you pay for the name in some cases.

Overall Everything is really easy to install on this car. just know that to install the 4x6 dash speakers you need to take the dash off, but it's easy its only like 6 or 7 bolts and it just lifts off. I can take a pic to show you where all the bolts are if you want.

Good Luck in your searches!

Thanks zeik, i've had the dash off before to replace lights in the gauge cluster. actually ended up driving around for like a week with the dash cover in the back seat because i was too lazy to put it back on lol. The only issue i have with my bonnie atm is the trip not always working so i can't figure out mpg and also keeps the odo from spinning since the trip isn't but they all have their quirks. Thanks again for the info and confirming that i indeed have the right parts listed. now to order them and wait on the goodies to arrive. Can't wait till i have more than one speaker again heh

[Zeik75]

Happy to help.

P.S. 2 twelves fit perfectly in the trunk btw.

[Bugsi]

I have the Metra 99-4000 in my 97 Bonneville, and it says it's good for `82-`04 GM.
I like the extra CD pocket below the radio.

[Tuvan03]

Quick update, My Bonnie decided that right now is not a good time for a new stereo system. Instead she decided a new rack and pinion(so also an alignment), new water pump, new battery and new tires were more along what she wanted. She may possibly even want new struts also.
So me and my one cruddy little speaker will keep holding on for now, but at least i know the parts needed to install a new radio when everything doesn't break at once.

I love my bonnie but there are days when it feels like it's not worth the trouble owning a car that's almost as old as i am

[Zeik75]

I think pretty much everyone on here can relate, I personally needed all for motor mounts, both cv shafts, a rack and pinion, and new timing chain and everything else on the front cover all in the last 2-3 months. That drained all of this college kids extra money, but the car has never been this nice to drive since I have had it.

[Bugsi]

Quick update, My Bonnie decided that right now is not a good time for a new stereo system. Instead she decided a new rack and pinion(so also an alignment), new water pump, new battery and new tires were more along what she wanted. She may possibly even want new struts also.

I feel your pain. I recently had to replace the steering rack and some other tie rod ends and ball joints on my Bonneville. (Struts were already replaced a few years ago.) -Some things are priorities!