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Topic: Factory in-dash radio change-out (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Factory in-dash radio change-out
Yahoo Message Number: 47934
Holiday greetings, everyone.

I would like to hear from anyone who has gone through a change-out of the in-dash radio receiver that the LD factory installs in their coaches.

Specifically, I would like to replace the Panasonic AM/FM/cassette unit with a Ford factory in-dash radio with an internal 6-disc CD changer.  I see numerous such units for sale on ebay for less than $200.

Does anyone know if LD alters Ford's electrical connections or are the plug-ins left intact?  Are any clips, harnesses, or installation kits required?  Can anyone confirm the Ford factory model number?

My application is a 1998 E-450.

It would not surprise me if this group has hashed over this subject numerous times before.  If so, perhaps references to previous postings or a specific file or database will do the trick.

Thanks, in advance.

Steve '98 26.5' MB
Re: Factory in-dash radio change-out
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47946
We have an 03 E450 and I changed out the Sony with a newer model Sony which had extra inputs for Ipod or Satellite radio. Since it was the same brand it just plugged right in to the existing harness.
I did not see anything that might have been for the original equipment radio other than the hole in the dash.
I would  guess that if you put in a Panasonic with the features you wanted it may just plug in as the Sony did. It may save you some time.

Norm and Jerri Pawson Soon to be heading south to warmer climes.

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I would like to hear from anyone who has gone through a change-out of the in-dash radio receiver > Does anyone know if LD alters
Ford's electrical connections or are

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the plug-ins left intact?  Are any clips, harnesses, or installation
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Factory in-dash radio change-out
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47950
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Does anyone know if LD alters Ford's electrical connections or are the plug-ins left intact?  Are any clips, harnesses, or installation kits required?  Can anyone confirm the Ford factory model number?  >

I just replaced the Panasonic AM/FM/cassette in my 1996. As I am not the original owner I dont know if it was original, but I think it most likely was. It looked like Lazy Daze spliced the Panasonic harness in after cutting the Ford harness out. You will have to replace the Ford harness, available at any stereo store. I replaced it with another after market unit so I do not know about installing a Ford radio. I now have a stereo that plays mp3s that have been burnt onto cd, hours of music fit on one cd. Much more convenient than cd changer.
Tyler Kerr
Re: Factory in-dash radio change-out
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47962
Thanks, Norm & Jerri, for your helpful reply to my inquiry.  Your suggestion for swapping like brands has a lot of merit.
 The reason I have been pursuing the Ford OE unit is because it would fill that big hole in the dash without the extra space-filling cover and because it will hold six CD's at once without an external changer.

-Steve '98 26.5' MB

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I would  guess that if you put in a Panasonic with the features you
 
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Factory in-dash radio change-out
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47966
Thanks, Tyler, for your reply and information.

Again, the only reason I am pursuing the Ford OE unit is fill that chasm in the dash and for the six-disc changer without an external unit.  Your point about MP3's is valid.  I own a lot of commercially produced CD's that my wife and I enjoy listening to an hence, a CD player will suffice for us.

-Steve '98 26.5' MB

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    I just replaced the Panasonic AM/FM/cassette in my 1996. As
I am

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not the original owner I dont know if it was original, but I
think it
 
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most likely was. It looked like Lazy Daze spliced the Panasonic harness in after cutting the Ford harness out. You will have to replace the Ford harness, available at any stereo store. I
replaced it
 
Quote
with another after market unit so I do not know about installing a Ford radio. I now have a stereo that plays mp3s that have been burnt onto cd, hours of music fit on one cd. Much more convenient than cd