New Stereo Installation help

[lcmains1]

I just recently bought a new boat and I think the stereo is from the early 80's! It needs updated. I am planning to replace it with somehting a little more modern. I am not very good with electrical but can do some simple things.

Is this project as easy as pulling the old one and reconnecting the new one and securing it into the dash?

Thanks

 

[earlandamys180]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

Yes it is a simple swap out since you already have a radio there all the wiring has been ran already so there is no need for you to have to run any wires if the old wiring is still in good shape.

 

[pheasanthunter]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

You should have a power wire 12+. a ground wire 12- and probably four speaker wires. Make sure all four speaker wires are wired the same. One of the two wires to each speaker usually has a white stripe on it. Wire it to the same (positive or negative) of your stereo. If they are different the speakers will be out of phase and sound quality will not be as good. I.E. one speaker will be moving out while one is moving in, canceling each other out.

 

[NYBo]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

An early 80s stereo is likely a two-shaft design, in which case you will have to cut the mounting opening to match the new unit, which will most likely be single DIN size. Once you remove to old stereo you'll see what I mean.

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

Only thing I can add is to inspect the orginal wiring (speaker and power), if it's from the 80's, it may need some help

Art

 

[Sixmark]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

Many of the older units also used only a standard 2 wire hookup for the power input, newer ones will have a 3 wire (ground, accessory on 12v, and a constant 12v) the extra wire will be for storing channel presets, etc. You may end up needing to run a new wire for that feature.

As already mentioned, check the wiring, you would be surprised at how many installs I have had to go through because speakers were wired up backwards.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

if your putting that stereo into your 206 rinker personally i would get a good car stereo. your boat is big enough only time it may get wet is if it rains unless you play with water guns? reality is the marine stereos are just as good as your vehicals if it gets wet[eventually they all do] it might dry out and wont have a problem[highly doubtfull depending on how wet it got]. otherwise marine stereos are built for the bashing of waves not sure what kind of water you go threw my cd's dont skip untill i hit 3-4 foot waves in my 23 foot sundowner which personally i dont go out on the lake if its that bad i will go back threw the channel before i beat the hell out of my boat.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: New Stereo Installation help

actually there is a difference in the way a true marine grade radio is made and a car stereo, the PCB is coated to protect against moisture and corrosion.