[depman160]

UPDATE! tHE NEW STEREO IS IN...SOUNDS GREAT! READ COMMENT AT END OF THIS THREAD.

I have a full season under my belt with my 1992 2000Z and sadly, the entire summer was spent without a working stereo.

I messed with the wires under the dash and managed to get sound for about five minutes and that was it.

But anyway, I am looking to replace the original AM/FM/Cassette for one with a CD player.....
however the location of the stereo in the center of my dash seems like a dumb place to have put a stereo in the first place.

I'm quite positive that it was exposure/water that did the stereo in, so I would like to replace the unit with one that is either waterproof or one that I can fit inside on of those enclosures that keeps the water out.

Anyone else done this? How did it work?
Or, did you remove the old unit and install a new one in a different location? If so, what did you do with the big hole in the center of the dash? (you can see in the pic the location of the stereo just above the center of the steering wheel)

Another question....looking at the speakers, they are mounted into the plastic sidewalls of the boat and seem to be held in place by magic, as there are no screws visible around the openings.

Not sure how to replace the speakers without ripping them out and figuring it out as I go.

I want to do the whole stereo system in one shot and am seeking some guidance before I end up with five holes in my boat and no tunes to show for it!!!

Thanks! [ATTACH]

[indykoch]

You're right, that doesn't look like the most ideal location for the stereo. However, the "marine rated" stereos are very robust - they have a potting material over the electrical components and use materials that won't corrode (at least not nearly as fast as standard car stereos). I think you'll be perfectly fine with a marine rated stereo in that location. Not sure where else you'd mount the new one, or what you'd do with the hole left in the dash from the old one.

I'm guessing your speakers have a grill that snaps over the speaker. Try to carefully pry it off. They're most likely top/surface mounted and therefor must have mounting screws accessible. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[depman160]

Thanks. I have a friend who is a pro at installing stereos and speakers, so I am hoping that he will be able to look at the setup and offer me some help in completing the job.

I have no idea where else I would mount the stereo either, just thought maybe someone might have figured out a better solution!

I will keep checking for advice and will be sure to document the replacement task in as great a detail as possible.

[WetWilly]

Hi depman160, many of the marine radios come with remote capability, you could mount it in the passenger side dash or glove compartment and mount the remote somewhere on the driver's side, like over the speaker.

Just a thought,
WetWilly

[depman160]

I am just beginning to start my search for a replacement stereo system, but I will keep that in mind.

Hoping my friend and I can come up with a plan to complete the project first before I start buying stereo and speakers and the necessary wiring.

He mentioned having an MP3 capable CD player that he might sell me.....but no matter what I buy, I want to make sure it can be installed and protected from the elements!

[AirNavy]

There are plenty of options. As previously stated, most newer marine head units are pretty stout (especially when compared to the early 90's era one it will be replacing). You could also add a little more protection by using one of the many stereo covers available:

That would allow you to keep the head unit in the stock location and not have to do much with the wiring. Another option is to use a blank off plate to cover the stock hole and mount the head unit in an enclosure under the dash. Like so:

That option would probably require re-routing and/or lengthening the stock wiring to the new mounting location, but would be about the most protected. I replaced my head unit and all speakers this summer and only spent about $300 for the whole deal plus a couple of hours installing everything. I got a Sony CDX-M50IP ($100ish on closeout as it is an older model, but has a direct iPod connection, which was something I wanted) and three pairs of Polk Audio bd651s ($200ish, one pair in the cabin and two pairs in the interior). I did have to do a little work to get everything to fit since the interior speakers were originally 5.25s, but ended up not cutting any new holes.

[depman160]

I am familiar with those protective covers and am thinking that might be the best way to go. Hopefully this weekend my friend and I will begin to tackle the issue and see what solutions we come up with.
Thanks for the info.

[Jbetschart]

Looking to do the same thing and was wondering are there any special dimensions for the Mariah sterio or will most standard radios work?

[Dredd]

Originally Posted by Jbetschart

Looking to do the same thing and was wondering are there any special dimensions for the Mariah sterio or will most standard radios work?

It's a standard size. However, if your boat is old it might be setup for a stereo with knobs and most newer ones don't have knobs... unless that's the specific style you're after anyway. So some modification is required to make a newer stereo fit and mount securely.

Here you can see the 'knob holes' that I had to cut out of mine.

[Jbetschart]

thanks dredd.
one last one do I need a marine specific radio, it just looks like the selection is a lot smaller if I stick with marine?