I am looking at getting a new headunit for my truck, if I don't get one for Christmas.

I have a 97 F150 XLT Supercab with the factory 6 CD changer alongside the rear seat.

My questions are...

Who makes a good install kit?

Do the CD changer systems use an amplifier that I need to bypass?
If so, where is it located?

The unit I'm looking to install is an Alpine CDE103BT.

 

go to crutchfield.com

they have great prices on head units and they throw in the wiring harness and install adapters for FREE.

no theres no amp for the cd changer.

 

Thanks.

My Daughter likely is getting this for me. I don't think she got it from Crutchfields though, even though I gave her the link to it on the Crutchfields web site.
(The box that came from 6th Ave electronics the other day is highly suspect)

I checked the Crutchfields site and the info there led me to believe that there might be a factory amp on my truck.

I have the window sticker from the original owner and it shows the CD changer option, but there is no mention of any "premium" sound system.

I have used the wiring harness adaptor kits before, and they are a godsend.

 

I dont think premium was available on that early of a truck, even though CD changer was. All you need was the plug and play harness.

 

Update.

I did get the Alpine CDE103BT.

There is an amp on the CD changer system, but it is easily bypassed with the standard harness plugs for the unamplified system plugs.

I used a dash kit from Best Buy, but it appeared to be made by Metra.
The metal brace/support track has to be removed to make room for the pocket on the mount kit.

It sounds great and the Blue Tooth is fabulous.

The space behind the HU is kind of tight, so don't be afraid to shorten up the harness a bit.

 

glad to hear you got it all worked out man.