Aftermarket Head Unit, 2004 LeSabre, possible?

[SilverSleeper]

I'm looking to upgrade the HU in my 2004. I already have a source for the interface for the steering wheel controls. But I've gone to Crutchfield to look at their selection just to see whats out there, and they tell me nothing aftermarket will fit. Nothing, not a single one.
Whats the deal with that? Is it impossible to put in an aftermarket radio without going to a car audio install shop and pay for a custom setup? I've always done my own work, but I've never seen a case where nothing will fit the vehicle.
Has anyone tried this? Anyone know why supposedly nothing will fit?
My factory deck is already crapping out, the lights are mostly out, and it sounds horrible. I want to build up a system bit by bit, and really, the main piece I need is the HU, I have almost all the rest already.
So what gives?
I've had the radio out to install my Sirius receiver, I don't see a huge problem, at least, not something an aftermarket installation kit shouldn't be able to get past...?

 

[saxbuick]

i have done it!
the reason why crutchfield doesn't list anything will fit is b/c if you remove the factory unit, you will lose the chime function. this will not allow your car to make the chime when you leave lights on or the door open. kind of a stupid reason. but that's why, i asked them through their support line.
however, you can find all of the parts you need through sonicelectronix.com. i bought the dash kit, wiring harness, and radio through them.
you could put a single or double din radio in.
there are specific dash kits depending on what kind of din you want to put in.
there are about 3 different wiring harnesses. the cheapest one is the one i got. the other ones are $90, however, they come with a module that makes a chime when it needs too.
if you need anymore info, let me know. also, i can post some pics if you want. i took some pictures during the install that might help.
hope this helps

 

[Ice Blue 06]

Good info fam..i been looking for a harnes for tha better half 2000 for awahile..

Pics & a part # would be great

 

[LARRY70GS]

I know on the Rivieras, the problem is depth more than anything else. You may need to cut the back of the dash for more clearance.

 

[SilverSleeper]

I'm with ice blue, pics would be an immense help to sort things out. I realize the depth is limited, and that the radio is the source of the chime.
The one thing I don't want to do, is hack it beyond recognition. I want to be able to put the stock HU back in if need be.

 

[LARRY70GS]

Here is a thread with pictures of an aftermarket head unit install in a 96-99 Riviera.

http://rivperformance.editboard.com...ouble-din-head-unit-in-96-99-riviera-t125.htm

The 2000 and up LeSabre should be very similar.

 

[SilverSleeper]

Thats a really nice HU, nice install job.
Only problem with the DD and Din .5 HUs is the lack of security features. My LeSabre is a daily, and gets left for quite awhile at times.
I have always had HUs with detachable faceplates. But then, all my cars before this were either DIN or DIN+.5 sizes. A regular single chassis didn't look out of place. But a regular DIN will look really weird in the DD opening. I'd love the Alpine IVA-W203, but I'd hate leaving it alone.

 

[saxbuick]

sorry it's taken me a while to respond. here's what i bought and some pics of the process.
Sonicelectronix.com

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5580_Scosche+GM07B+-+GM07.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17271_Kenwood+eXcelon+KDC-X493.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_1896_Scosche+GM1583B+-+GM1583.html

this is what i bought for the new headunit.

i also have a set of subs and rear speakers in it.

let me know if you have any questions

 

[SilverSleeper]

So you didn't have to hack up the back part of the dash to mount that? How much depth is there? Thats cool you could get that in there without getting a kit that sticks out. It looks nice with a flush fit. 😎

I like that HU too. How do you like it? I'm in the market for one with Sirius capability. I love my sat radio, but hate having the unit suction cupped to the windshield.

 

[saxbuick]

i did have to hack the back of it for the RCA cables. i took a small hack saw and cut out the upper left corner. getting the harness to fit and work was the biggest challenge.
i love the headunit. it's got the capability to have Sirius. i think it's just another box that goes in the back. there is room behind the dash if you place things right.

 

[SilverSleeper]

So you only had to cut a bit out of it? It had enough depth in there to mount the HU, only cutting to run the RCAs?
Did you get a kit to hook up your steering wheel controls? Whatever HU I get is gonna have to be able to use an interface for the wheel controls. I've gotten so used to them by now. Mainly because a lot of the lights in the factory radio are out, so its tough to figure out what buttons I'm pushing anyway...
Are you running an amp for all your speakers, or just for some subs? Did you replace the factory speakers? I'm trying to decide if I want to do the speakers first, then the HU, or HU first.
I really can't stand the sound of the factory system. No matter what I do with the EQ its just boomy and harsh, especially with MP3s. Not sure if that is mainly a function of the factory HU, or if its the speakers. If a good HU will make the factory speakers sound decent, I'll do that part first.

 

[saxbuick]

i first started by replacing the rear deck speakers and put the subs in at the same time. they are powered by a four channel amp. i did that with a lineout converter
however, i can say for a fact that a new HU will make a world of a difference. it'll send a stronger signal to your speakers and make them sound better. the reason i didn't do it first b/c i didn't have the cash. but i'm glad i did.
i haven't put the steering wheel control adapter in b/c the HU came with remote. i know it makes me sound lazy but i love that remote. i know there is a $45 one but i didn't see the point when it it already had the remote. the temp control on the steering wheel still works though.
let me know if you have any other questions. i'm thrilled to see someone else take such an interest in a headunit for a buick :^)

 

[SilverSleeper]

Well, I've been a musician 20+ years, drums mainly, also was into recording arts in college. So I gotta have good tunes in the car. Some factory systems are ok. The one in my Cruiser is pretty good, just lacks bass. But the LeSabre's system has way too many peaks and valleys in the response curve that annoy the crap outta me, no matter what I do with the EQ.
Even the Monsoon system in my sisters 01 Regal isn't very good.
I had a setup in my 87 Regal, including components in custom kick panels, an Alpine HU, 2 amps and 2 12"s in a sealed box and more Dynamat than I can count. But its coming out as that car gets restored bit by bit.
I listen to almost everything at home through my Sony MDR7506 headphones, sometimes through my studio equipment. Makes everything else sound like junk, so my ears are spoiled at home.

 

[saxbuick]

that's awesome. i'm a music major in my second year of college at the moment. i can understand when you say that the stock system lacks in many different areas. my roommate got me into car audio. his system is sick man!
Alpine HU are good too. i prefer Kenwood but that's just me.

 

[Ice Blue 06]

sorry it's taken me a while to respond. here's what i bought and some pics of the process.
Sonicelectronix.com

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5580_Scosche+GM07B+-+GM07.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17271_Kenwood+eXcelon+KDC-X493.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_1896_Scosche+GM1583B+-+GM1583.html

this is what i bought for the new headunit.

i also have a set of subs and rear speakers in it.

let me know if you have any questions

What about tha antenna adapter

Thanks,,,,

 

[katoranger]

I guess I the total opposite. If it picks up a station I'm happy.

The radio quit on Monday in my truck. Now I can here all the exhaust leaks on bad engine noises that it was covering up.

 

[SilverSleeper]

I picked up my antenna adapter at Advance Auto, it comes in a two pack or GM cars, one cable goes large to mini, the other reverses that. Made to adapt aftermarket radios to stock antennas, and aftermarket antennas to stock radios. I had to pick mine up to install the direct FM modulator for my satellite radio, as it only has the standard (larger) plugs.

 

[lefty0109]

so all u had to do was plug the wire harness into this?!?!?

 

[ghurty]

How did you get the AM working. By me it is only static. FM works.


Thanks

 

[Cstoliker]

Just finished my install. Retained all OEM functions. Chime, r.a.p. OnStar & steering wheel controls working with new head unit.

http://www.buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29020