Expert: Mark Lampi - 8/3/2006

Question
I have an old 1988 chevy long bed extended cab pickup. The stereo in it is factury and very old, it makes poping sounds every time I try to listen to my country music. I'm interested in buying a stereo system, nothing special, just somthing that'll get hte job done. I dont need anything really load. What should i get for a low budget. Also should i try and install it or should i have a professional install it? Is ebay a good place to try to find a stereo or do you recomend a a sound system shop?

Thanks, Travis

Answer
well........
I get alot of stuff on ebay but the stereo itself I wouldnt get on ebay.  the stereo is always the first thing to go, speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, wiring, etc can all be purchased on ebay
If you want to do it yourself I highly sugest getting the stereo at crutchfield.com  go their site and click the "find what fits my car" and go from there.  crutchfield will give EVERYTHING you need to do the install.  even free tools to remove the old one and wiring diagrams etc.
I like Alpine alot.  keep in mind you get what you pay for most of the time.  a cd player in the $150 range may have all the features you want and sound exactly the same as one costing $350 but the $150 one will probably skip on bumps and not last as long as the more expensive one.  Shoot for at least the $220-$280 range for a quality unit.
You do mention in your message "stereo system"  is your goal to do other things like change out the doors speakers or add a subwoofer or anthing like that?  Id be happy to help there as well if you are.
Changing the cd player is incredibly simple.  if you get it from crutchfield you will get a wiring harness for you vehicle.  just match up the wires by their function ground to ground, power to power, speaker to speaker, etc)  I cap the wires with orange wirenuts (avaiable at home depot or lowwes)
Let me know how it goes ok?