Aftermarket Stereo with Factory Head unit?

[BananaMan]

Has anyone attempted to add a aftermarket stereo, while keeping the stock head unit? I'm hoping to keep the truck looking as stock as possible. I've found a utube video of a guy soldering a 3.5 aux input onto the cd player connection points. I've also found that JL audio manufactures a processor that allows oem intigration (FIX86).
Has anyone attempted something like this? When I took the truck to the local stereo shop, they were more interested in selling me on a, tear out the old stuff and slap in new stuff system.

 

[4rd Toys]

I absolutely hated my OE Radio in my L:

CASSETTE player with the 6-disc changer

To me, it was an embarrassment that Ford QC signed-off that sound system as "acceptable"


All of it came out my L; ran 4-gauge wiring, 4-channel amp, a sub amp, and 10" subs. Had gone thru a Kenwood-Excelon, and Alpine headunits. But I stuck with the Japan-spec/built Fujitsu-Eclipse headunit with 8-volt input and AUX port.
..........................................................................................................................................

If you must, just go with AudioControl LCi products.... I used one of their products in my GT500.

LC6i | AudioControl

Real easy to wire one up but you will need this Metra FM Modulator to be able to run a 3.5mm "AUX" cable to play MP3's thru the factory radio.

Metra Part # 44-FMMOD03 | Aftermarket Antenna | Metra Online

............................................................................................................................................

With today's technology-

It's easier to install any aftermarket headunit [Kenwood, Alpine, JVC or Pioneer] than adding one of these processors &/or modulators....

But that's your decision...

 

[L8APEX]

I had the 6 disk in dash...
Swapped with a Pioneer Avic D3 in 2006, Nav and sat radio. Hid the Sirius and GPS antennas under the plastic wiper cowling. Pioneer has allowed you to change the radio coloring to match the factory for years now, it's a nice touch.
Any Double din will fit, just needs about a quarter inch removed from the top of the opening. It can be glued back in if you wanted to go back to original.

 

[BananaMan]

I absolutely hated my OE Radio in my L:

CASSETTE player with the 6-disc changer

To me, it was an embarrassment that Ford QC signed-off that sound system as "acceptable"


All of it came out my L; ran 4-gauge wiring, 4-channel amp, a sub amp, and 10" subs. Had gone thru a Kenwood-Excelon, and Alpine headunits. But I stuck with the Japan-spec/built Fujitsu-Eclipse headunit with 8-volt input and AUX port.
..........................................................................................................................................

If you must, just go with AudioControl LCi products.... I used one of their products in my GT500.

LC6i | AudioControl

Real easy to wire one up but you will need this Metra FM Modulator to be able to run a 3.5mm "AUX" cable to play MP3's thru the factory radio.

Metra Part # 44-FMMOD03 | Aftermarket Antenna | Metra Online

............................................................................................................................................

With today's technology-

It's easier to install any aftermarket headunit [Kenwood, Alpine, JVC or Pioneer] than adding one of these processors &/or modulators....

But that's your decision...

Thanks for the suggestion, I jumped the gun and ended up purchasing a FM modulator. Now I've decided to go with a aftermarket head unit. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[4rd Toys]

You may wanna return the FM modulator...
Basically all new aftermarket head-units have an AUX port of some type either:
RCA cable connector in the rear
Aux cable connector either in the rear or front or BOTH

Depends on the Brand/Model...