Your first order of business is to decide on a proper car stereo head unit. This is the main control unit of the entire system and comes in the form of a tuner, compact disc player or cassette player or a combination of two. These days most people go with a compact disc player head unit as they are the most readily available and most people buy compact discs for their musical selection instead of cassette tapes that are somewhat hard to come by these days.
The head unit should be wired in where the existing stereo unit rests. The two may be different sizes so you will most likely need to buy a universal mounting kit. They are available from most large retailers and run under $25. Also, you should pick up a universal wiring harness to make the installation go more smoothly. If you have no knowledge of car wiring systems it is easy to short out the car or the stereo system if you do not know what you are doing. Universal wiring harnesses come with detailed instructions on matching up the wires by automotive type.
Next you will need to determine speakers for your sound system. This can be a tough decision depending on what your basic needs are. There are several speaker systems to choose from and you will need to pay close attention to the head unit you have purchased as it will tell you how many speakers it can handle on its own. Be sure to check the power rating and size of the speakers. You have so much room to work with in your car without taking away from passenger space. However, some prefer to use the trunk space to mount speakers and other accessories.
Along with speakers there is the amplifier. The amplifier is a device that will boost overall power and provide better quality high volume sound to your system. Amplifiers are available in a wide variety of sizes and prices depending on the power you wish to have for your car sound system.
Extras would include MP3 hook up adapters, bass boosters, compact disc changers, and lights. All of these are available from large retailers nationwide. You could spend a little or a lot depending on the brand and quality that you desire.
Keep in mind that the more complicated a car sound system the harder it is to install. Some companies that sell complete systems offer free installation with a purchase. This is a wise choice for someone who knows little about car stereo installation. Not only will all the equipment be installed properly to guard against malfunction but it will also look nice. Part of installing a system is running wires and capping lines that can be difficult for someone unsure of what they are doing.
