http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP14...tab=review#tab I found this today while looking for a new head unit for my car, I really like the red/orange lights it has. (Matches the interior lights). And since I dont have much experience doing this kinda thing, what exactly will I need to install this .. "Modern" head unit into my car, or will it just be plug and play? Help? Advice?

if you are going to buy off crutchfield buy one that cost at least 129.99, now i know this seems stupid, but this will save you money in the long run let me explain and please read this....


if you buy a new( not refurb or open box) that cost 129+ crutchfield will throw in the antenna adapter, mounting kit, wiring harness, installation guide, and free shipping with your purchase.... but wait thats not all, there are also coupons out there that will save you 20 dollars of the purchase price of a stereo that cost 100+ on crutchfield... so in the end if you buy a 129+ stereo on crutch field and use the coupon, you will only pay 109 and get all that free stuff mentioned above...( i have done this for the past 3 stereos ive bought on their site.)

i know you like the one you mentioned because of the lighting, but i would go with this
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDS1...&tp=5684&avf=N
it has usb, sd card slot, aux, 3 pre-amp for expandibility, cd player, and it comes with software that adjust itself to your cars acoustics.


but if you like the light thing, well here is this one

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1302200...&tp=5684&avf=N

I really like the first one, but the problem is well.. I like buttons. I dont think I would be using the control for it much... Due to the fact that I would be.. Well driving. But Idk.

The lights dont matter much, it was just a nice option. What exactly would I need to install these modern head units into my car? What would I need to go out and buyy?

You'll need a mounting kit, a wiring harness, and maybe an antenna adapter. Although I don't think you'll need the adapter. The mounting kit and wiring harness together are about $30 at Wal Mart.

I have the exact same head unit in my camaro and I love, it's very intuitive and sounds great through my rockford fosgate speakers. But instead of buying through crutchfield get it on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/KENWOOD-KDC-MP14...item20aed11354
$30 cheaper + free shipping.

Installation is fairly easy. You'll need a mounting kit, wiring harness, and antenna adapter. As mentioned above you can get all this for about $30 at walmart. To install it you will need to know how to solder but it's not hard at all to learn.
Good luck
Alex

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kenwo...fAudioQ5fVideo

Looks at that guys auctions, Great deals... I bought my deck from him. Come with all the wiring, and plates and everything.

I didn't get that one, I got a really good one that was a bit pricey... I am now wishing I had gotten one that matches my dashlights though. O well, live and learn.

What kind of mounting kit do you think I should look into? Maybe a HUmount? Or does it really matter? Which is the best? I want it to look pretty flush.

there is no need to solder. he can just crimp the wires

What mounting kit would you guys reccomend?

Metra works fine for me....BTW If u'd be interested in an Alpine IDA-X100 my buddy will sell his soon for cheap...

In my opinion hu-mounts are over-rated and over-priced. If you want it completely flush than that is the only kit I've seen. I just have a cheap mounting kit and it sticks out almost an inch. Soldering is the preferred way but crimping works too, you can also do something called a bell-south splice. You need about 2" of wire though and it takes a little practice, you pretty much braid the wires together so they're inter-twined (NOT simply twisting them together, + you use heatshrink instead of electrical tape). I know someone is gonna say that it's totally the wrong way to do it but I did on my moms neon, three years ago and it still works fine. Soldering is WaYYYYYYY better though.

Alrighty than, the wiring and such I'm not too worried about, I'm going to have my grandpa help me with that stuff, he's been putting custom audio stuff into cars for years (thanks to my dad), or hell, I can even ask my dad to help. Im really crappy in understanding stuff when it comes to THIS specific stuff, but what kind of wiring harness will I need? Like.. Can someone send me a link to an example? I have decided on a simple cheap mounting kit, and I know what head unit I want.

If you want, you can come to Chico, and ill help you install everything. I have a soldier Iron. I installed mine myself.

buy a metra kit, you can actuallu get those flush. miles above sosche.

One of these days we should meet up BullyDawg, I've been wanting to see your car lol. My car is a couple months away from paint/body work, I might come then, or maybe sooner. :O But about the radio, I can get it figured out, what kind of mounting kit did you use?

Alright, I will look into metra kits. Thanks.

I leave for the Air Force March 23rd... so before then is good. You should come to the Sac GTG that everyone is planning right now... We can meet up and you can follow me down there.

i got the kenwood mp242..... its better than that model and i only paid 86 for it.... it lights up blue and red..... i was going to get that exact model but this has hd radio, its sirius ready and has more options...

Not a fan of lower end Kenwoods. I call them Kenwouldn'ts because out of 3 sub $300 units all of them crapped out after a year. I've had Pioneer units in almost all of my cehicles and never had a problem with one. I have an Alpine in the TA now and it's ok, but doesn't do MP3 so it will get changed out soon. I had an Alpine in my old Chevy truck, but it didn't seem to have much in the way of bass.