I have a 1999 F-150 Extended cab. I want to replace my head unit since my tape player is failing. I Need some questions answered. I know how to remove the head unit but how difficult is wiring it with a wiring harness? Also does a single din head unit usually just mount right in place then install a dash kit or do u need another mounting device? I'm amazing with home audio and prof. but not car. Also when changing the indoor speakers are they plug and play? or do they also need a harness?

feed back appreciated also if u have any good deals or set ups, let me know, share some links also.

 

to make it easy get a harness you just mach up the wires and plug it in.... you can get a snap in kit for the radio .

 

don't be intimidated by all the wires. it's really easy to do the head unit and the speakers. 3 wires right off the back are you power ground and memory. 8 wires are for your speakers the other ones don't pay attention to. and as for the install just get a wiring harness match the colors that way you don't have to cut your factory wires. for the single din you need a install kit that's very easy to put together no drilling required. the speakers in the doors are pretty easy as well just splice the two wires just make sure you get the right size which if i remember correctly they are 5x7 but double check just in case.

 

I did this in the 2003 s-crew and 2000 xlt, go to best but and they can sell you everything you need.

1. there is a special tool to remove the factory radio.
2. you will need a dash kit.
3. you will "speaker savers" so your new radio wont blow the original or aftermarket speakers.
4. you will need a harness adapter, it works like this--the new radio comes with a harness that plugs into the rear of the radio with loose wires on the other end, the new wire harness adapter you buy will be for the truck side of the wiring, it plugs into the factory wire harness and has loose wires on the other end. the truck side loose wires and radio side loose wires, you solder and heat shrink them together, the wires are matched uo by color so your not guessing which goes where.

 

You will need a set of radio keys or a bent up wire coat hanger.


Your new headunit will come with one harness ending in bare wire leads.
You have two choices here:

1) pay extra and get the universal adapters for both ends (radio and truck)
OR
2) buy the bare lead harness for your truck. The colors match up and both radio and harness come with a color code diagram.

Then just plug it in and go. The factory speakers will hold up quite well. I've done this in 3 seperate cars.

 

to make it easy just go to crutchfield.com order a head unit that fits your truck and they will include everything you need (harnesses, dash kits, master sheets, and wiring diagrams). They pretty much idiot proof the whole process, and even if you cant figure it out, give them a call and they will walk you through it.

 

where is the best place to hook up the ground wire to the chasis on the 2003 for a f150??