[Paul F]

I've done 2 radio updates in my life:

I added a FM converter to my AM radio in my '72 Dodge Dart Swinger back when I was in college.

I replaced my AM (No FM) /8 track out of my '77 Pontiac Grand Prix with a Kraco AM/FM cassette in 1978.

So it's been a while.

[mikeyt]

Even if you have to cut & splice wires it's pretty simple now. All the stereo wires are colour coded and there will be a wiring diagram to say what each are for. And since the Mariah wiring is labeled, it shouldn't take more than an hour or so to complete the swap.

[Paul F]

I take that back........

I did install a stereo system on my 82 Glastron that did not have one.

You heard the carpenter's saying, "Measure twice, cut once"?

I probably measured 40 times over a 5 day period before I cut an opening into the fiberglass panel!

I won't have any problem with the wiring. I've been down that road before.

[180diablo]

Yeah for me, getting wiring hooked up shouldnt be a problem. I can swipe almost any type of wire connector from work. Heat shrink tubing as well.

The problem for me would be understanding what wire does what and where.

Regardless of how simple a radio wiring diagram made up would be, it wouldnt match what it looks like on my boat.

I think Z275st is right though. I would have to "update" the wiring to match what is current.

[Paul F]

OK, fellas, the process has begun. I've pulled the old radio. 4 screws and it's out! It looks like I won't be able to use the old metal black mounting plate unless I enlarge the hole in the metal plate. It's cut for the center of the unit with holes on both sides which attach it to the knob stems with 2 flat nuts.

I now have a fiberglass hole with 4 screw holes from the metal backing plate. How will the new radio attach to the boat? Do I just screw it into the fiberglass?

Maybe if I went ahead and bought the new one, I would figure it out.

[indykoch]

Hey Paul,

Yeah, a new one's instructions would help... It's hard to say without seeing a picture. Chances are, you'll need to modify the hole in the fiberglass to match the rectangular sleeve from the new one.

Try looking on Sony's or Clarion's website for downloadable instructions. Hope it helps, and good luck!

[Z 202]

I'm in the process up upgrading mine. I pulled the panel and used a zip saw to enlarge the rectangular hole for the new head unit. I'm also having an aluminum backing plate made up to stiffen up the plastic panel. There wasn't much left at the sides of the plastic panel after I was done cutting out the hole for the head unit, so the plan is for the backing plate to hopefully carry most of the weight of the rectangular mounting bracket for the new stereo.

I'm also going to use the zip saw to cut some holes for a pair of 6.5" coaxials on either side of the back bench seat.

[Paul F]

Z202,

I mounted rear speakers in the same place shortly after I got my boat.

I didn't trust myself to cut the holes for the speakers, so I removed the panels and took them and the speakers to a local shop and they did a very nice job for very little money.

[Mariah_in_636]

Just changed my stereo out from the original AM/FM/Cass to a new Kenwood CD with Polk Momo speakers and a Blaupunkt amp. Sounds way better than the old radio with 2 5 1/4 inch speakers did. I am going to add to Polk Momo 6x9's and 2 more Polk Momo 6.5" along with 1 10" sub. Should sound great when its done.

As for your wiring I found that mine was pre-wired for the aft speakers although they were never installed at the factory. The wire was under the carpet and tought to get to but better than running new wire on your own.

Did I see that someone said that Mariah also pre-wired the bow in all the boats?

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by Mariah_in_636

Just changed my stereo out from the original AM/FM/Cass to a new Kenwood CD with Polk Momo speakers and a Blaupunkt amp. Sounds way better than the old radio with 2 5 1/4 inch speakers did. I am going to add to Polk Momo 6x9's and 2 more Polk Momo 6.5" along with 1 10" sub. Should sound great when its done.

As for your wiring I found that mine was pre-wired for the aft speakers although they were never installed at the factory. The wire was under the carpet and tought to get to but better than running new wire on your own.

Did I see that someone said that Mariah also pre-wired the bow in all the boats?

Yep. They did.