about to replace bose stereo, need advice

[ross6200]

I'm about to replace the factory Bose with an aftermarket unit. I've never tried this before, but it seems simple enough to do. I've read that the screws that hold the stereo in the bracket are very tough to remove. So, what have some of you done to remove them successfully?

Any other stereo advice you can impart before I start?

Thanks for any help!

[driverdriver]

Those who have installed an aftermarket stereo have had to use an adaptor available from Crutchfield. I beleieve its the Maxima adaptor that you need.

The only aftermarket systems that fits prefectly into that stereo slot is a Pioneer system. Model number escapes me.

[Big Tone]

You have a TON of options regarding what head unit to use. As far as removing the screws, you'll need an impact driver. If you don't have one already, you can pick one up at your local hardware store for around $10 or $15. Works like a charm. If you try to remove the screws without it, you're almost assured to strip them.Now, on to the fun stuff! Depending on what year J you have, there are two different adapters you'll need to install an aftermarket unit using the Bose speakers.

Here's a link for a 1993 J30 adapter:http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6...4NN02

Here's a link to the 94-97 J30 adapter:http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6...4NN03

They both cost $39.99 through Crutchfield. Others have bought different brands, but this is the only one I've used and it works great.

You need to decide whether you want a single or double din head unit. I originally had a single-din Sony Xplod unit in my car. It sounded great, but I ended up switching to a Jensen double din DVD head unit and love it. I prefer utilizing all the space left from the factory unit instead of having the storage sleeve under the single din.

If you've never done this before, I recommend you make your purchase on http://www.crutchfield.com. Most, if not all units come with free installation kits and instructions, which includes the storage pocket should you decide on a single din unit. The Sony was my first one done on the J and it made all the difference in the world. Only took 40 minutes to do. From time to time they'll offer free shipping on their orders and their prices are competitive.

Even if you don't buy from them, they have a filter that you can use that will only show what will fit in your car. When you do this, don't input the J30 info, because it will tell you no information is available. Use a Nissan Maxima WITH THE BOSE SYSTEM and whatever year J you have. Example: if you have a 1995 Infiniti J30, input 1995 Nissan Maxima WITH BOSE SYSTEM to get the results you need, The sizes are identical. You'll then be able to see most of what's on the market and shop by price or features. Remember, you get a free installation kit and instructions with this.

Most people who go with aftermarket head units say the Alpine units fit best. Kenwood units will stick out (my Sony did a little, too, but the Jensen is pretty good).

Another tip: when you do the installation, don't screw the head unit in until after you have tested to make sure it works, and to calibrate the levels on the adapter. You may have to tinker with the levels or even change a fuse in the back of the head unit (if it has one) and it will only piss you off if you've already put everything back in place before you find out.

Here's a link that give you step-by-step instructions on how to remove the head unit. It used to be free, but they charge a nominal fee now. Someone else may have the instructions somewhere for free.

http://www.carstereoremoval.co...P.htm

Here's another link that may help from http://www.fuzzycats.com:http://www.fuzzycats.com/docs/bose_replacement.pdf

I hope this helps! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

[ross6200]

Thanks for the great advice! I have ordered the proper adaptor from Crutchfield, and I'll be getting the impact driver tomorrow....My head unit is the 2-din from JVC, with the iPod adaptor. I'm pretty sure the stock Bose speakers will do great with this setup. Can't wait to get started! I'll post some pics when all is done.

[Big Tone]

No problem. Installing a double din unit should be easier because you won't have to worry about a storage pocket. All the wires are color coded so that part will be easy, too. have fun and post pics!

[yardyetti]

The screws came out easy for me, I took it out yesterday. If you need parts or pics, e-mail me at [email protected] I used an impact wrench too.
Modified by yardyetti at 8:09 AM 7/26/2006

[Big Tone]

The screws came out easy for me, I took it out yesterday. If you need parts or pics, e-mail me at [email protected]

If they came out easy for you my guess would be that someone else removed them before. And to be clear, the screws that are very tight are the bracket screws that connect the bracket to the radio, not the ones that connect the bracket to the car. I wouldn't risk trying to remove them without an impact driver.

[gr8scott72]

If they came out easy for you my guess would be that someone else removed them before. And to be clear, the screws that are very tight are the bracket screws that connect the bracket to the radio, not the ones that connect the bracket to the car. I wouldn't risk trying to remove them without an impact driver.

I got mine out without an impact driver also. And yes, they were very tight and I didn't strip any of them. I must be superman.

[DominickJ30]

I used a screwdriver.

On the other hand, those stock bose speakers suck once they are not matched with the head unit, and even then they suck too.

Soon enought you will get the urge to get better sounding speakers that actually have highs and lows.

No highs? No lows? Must be Bose...

[gr8scott72]

I used a screwdriver.

On the other hand, those stock bose speakers suck once they are not matched with the head unit, and even then they suck too.

Soon enought you will get the urge to get better sounding speakers that actually have highs and lows.

No highs? No lows? Must be Bose...

I didn't even try. I ran RCA cables to the trunk, mounted an amp to the trunk side of the gas tank-to-trunk divider, and ran new speaker wire to 4 new speakers. Also put my 10" bazooka tube in and the system sounds great and looks like I paid big bucks to install it all.

I also pressure washed the carpet while it was out as it was easier to run all the wire with the carpet out so the inside of the J is all nice and clean now.

(Now I just need to get the engine put back to gether so I can enjoy it)