I've looked through the forums and I know I've seen a few threads specifically dealing with this issue, and options. I don't want anything fancy.... just a decent head unit that slides into the existing hole without chopping anything, uses factory wiring as closely as possible, good sound with adequate power output, Bluetooth, and preferably a CD player, although that wouldn't be an absolute.
Any suggestions or pointing me to existing threads is appreciated. Hard to believe I was fishing around on this forum when I bought the truck new 20 yrs ago! Never did do any upgrade. Major problem with factory single CD player is when it's been running a while or when the weather's hot, the unit will not read an inserted CD. If the CD had been inserted and "read" previously, it doesn't matter how hot it is... it can resume playing. It's the "reading" that's the issue. But it would be great to do an upgrade in any case...
Thanks in advance....

 

As far as I know, there is no aftermarket unit made by anybody that is a super-simple drop-in and plug-and-play. But that being said, the dash kits for that generation F150 are easy to find and have been out for a long time. I've installed several of them over the years and they're pretty simple. Then you buy the wiring kit (that may actually come with the dash mount kit as a set) and plug into your factory wire harnesses. This is for what's called a single-DIN type head unit. The dash kit will have a pocket above or below the unit to take up the extra space. If you want a double-DIN unit, I think you might have to do some cutting in the dash for it to fit. Good luck!

 

A belated "thank you," fordman3. I thought I'd be notified when I got a reply, but I don't recall getting an email. I'm officially on the hunt. Obviously, I'm going to have to get reacquainted with the terminology and just see what's out there. As in decades past, I'm gonna' start by reading what Crutchfield has to say. Hope to make a move by end of month.
Thanks again,
B.E. John

 

I'd recommend a double din unit, and a harness from Crutchfield.

Please, do not just start hacking away at the factory wiring...

Just follow the instructions (pretty much following the colored wires), and either solder or crimp the wires.

Personally, I solder everything... see if you can find a friend that likes to solder (and is good at it).