non invasive head unit for 2001 lesabre?

[LeJames]

Hello you beautiful Buick people,

I am in need of assistance with my audio system. I recently bought a very gently used 2001 Buick LeSabre Custom in fantastic condition.

I want to put an aftermarket head unit into the car -- preferably one with Bluetooth -- but I don't want to have to cut the vehicle up AT ALL.

Is this possible, and what kind of options am I looking at? I'm not at all educated when it comes to this car's audio system, although I am confident I can do the installation when the time comes.

I've scrolled through the forums here and elsewhere but have yet to find any useful knowledge. 😕

TL;DR: want new Bluetooth stereo for my 2001 Buick LeSabre Custom to self-install without irreversibly damaging the car. What are my options?

 

[NickaV]

First you will need this harness to hook up the aftermarket head unit.

Second, you will be pretty hard pressed to find a head unit that fits perfectly in place of the stock unit. Most units will need some extra room (due to RCAs or heatsink) which the area does not permit. Though you may have to remove some plastic in the cavity where the unit sits, it is unnoticeable when everything is put back together. I know that it hurts to do that to a nice vehicle but it more than likely will need to be done to some extent.

This is a fairly inexpensive option that includes Bluetooth, it is currently the one that I am using.

 

[LeJames]

Thanks for the info! I am perfectly fine with cutting the plastic if neccesary, i have a few other concerns i hope you dont mine me inquiring about. Does the head unit fit in the dash nice and snug? I have seen many that are just slightly lopsided and or do not fit flush. I think that would drive me absolutely insane. I know it can be a hassle but would you mind sharing some photos? Lastly if i were to purchase said head unit and harness, Would it be alright if i PM'ed you for further details?

 

[NickaV]

Sorry for the dust and dirt, she is due for a good cleaning.
It fits just about perfectly, there is a slight gap on either side of the unit due to the curve of the original trim. It sits far back enough that the face is flush, the only things that stick out are the buttons.
If I had to choose again I wouldn't get this exact head unit, I just happened to get it for free and it replaced my single din unit. The fit isn't as nice as I would like it to be.
Also I made a mistake in my previous post, I have the JVC KW-R910BT, not the JVC KW-R920BTS which I linked. Though it would work just as well.

Please feel free to message me with any other questions you may have, you can pretty much have any pick of double din (or single din) units as long as you install the wiring adapter correctly.

 

[Reddobie0]

Go on Crutchfields website, they have a few models that will work and provide the hardware to do it. I put a Pioneer unit in that I can still use steering wheel controls, has bluetooth, and usb connection. It just does not have a CD player.

 

[G-491926]

Does it have to be a axxess wiring harness? I don't really care about the chime. I just want some tunes.