When the original stereo unit died, my old man had some flunkie install a Kraco removable H/U. Of course, now there are a couple of cut wires... the two black connectors shown were disconnected... it's a little hard to describe, so please have a look at the picture I added text to. I just want to drop in a halfway decent head unit, hopefully without too much trouble.
Thanks, Bubba

 

I'd say it depends on what you are wanting to do.

Those white plastic connector bodies are aftermarket. If you are going to an aftermarket radio, you were going to have to do some cutting or converting anyway. This may make it just a little more work, but get a factory diagram, get back to the factory wires, and add your new circuits from there.

If you are wanting to go back to a factory radio, get some donor connectors, and a diagram, and splice it back together.

Sorry I can't help with '83 diagrams.

 

Thanks DynoDave. I'm looking to go with an aftermarket unit, probably in the $200-300 range. I don't even know if most aftermarket units have similar connectors, for example 9 or 12 pin?

 

Radio wiring diagrams can be found on Crutchfield's or Alpine's websites usually. Generically speaking, you'll have 4 pairs of wires that connect to the 4 speakers. They will be paired up, like Green & Green with a Black stripe, White & White with a black stripe, etc. Usual pairs are green, white, gray, and blue or purple. Ground is almost always black, yellow is usually the "constant" or "battery" wire(i.e. it's always hot), and red or pink is the "ignition" or "switched" wire(i.e. it is only hot when the key is on). Blue usually controls a power antenna, if you have one. The 2 wire connector with orange and brown was used on earlier GM vehicles to turn on the radio's lights when your headlights are on. Please double check with a reliable wiring diagram, as the colors I listed are the "usual" ones, but I could be wrong as it has been several years since I messed with older GM radio wiring.

As mentioned previously, that white connector is not OEM, and should be removed. Cut back all wires until you get to the original factory wires, and splice in a new aftermarket wiring harness adapter. It makes the install MUCH easier, and allows for easy radio removal if needed in the future.

 

If you are not running an amp I suggest this model. Sony MEX-XB100BT

 

I have never seen this before, what a cool idea for those not wanting a full system but a simple HU and speaker upgrade. Cool product.

 

I actually can't believe you suggested this one! I have been looking at it, being a high powered unit. In fact, I'll order t in a few days...

 

I'm not gonna say it's the best sounding stereo but. I did have 2 different Pioneer head units to put up against the Sony. The Sony does sound much better pushing my aftermarket speakers than the Pioneers do (without a external amp). With that said, adding a properly sized amp to push good quality speakers is always going to sound better than any so-called high powered head unit by itself. Overall I'm pretty happy with the Sony. It sounds good and I didn't want to try and find a place to hide an external amp in my car after spending countless hours removing pounds of aftermarket wiring added by previous owners of the car.