Hey guys.

I went to my local shop today to find out what's up for installing an Alpine into my Monte. Basically, it's a big pain in the ass. You need this adaptor to put the factory radi in the trunk and everything to still retain the stuff in the factory radio and it's like almost 200 bucks. Screw that. Basically, it's it cheaper for the Cobalt? My Cobalt is the 2006 Coboalt SS n/a with the factory Pioneer kit. It doesn't have XM or OnStar. Can I get by with just using a basic dash kit and a basic 20 dollar wiring kit? Will everything work as it's supposed to? No extra surprises that'll cost me like 100 bucks? I don't need any of that ****. I just want the radio to work as it's supposed to, and my little info thing to work properly (MPG readings, etc). I can live with it costing me almost 100 for install and all components. Not 200 plus a wiring kit for the steering wheel controls. I could really care less about those. But for the hell of it, how much extra is it? Plus, will all the sub and everything work properly? Can I control the factory sub with the sub controller in the Alpine deck? Or will it just be set at full output?

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to make sure I get this all straight. THANKS!!!

 

you need a cross over i think its 50 to 150

 

its not going to be as cheap as your hoping.

 

So it's probably better to just stay stock?

I remember the good ol' days when it cost me 20 bucks to install a radio in my Honda. lol.

 

I'm not sure about the steering wheel controls, but my '04 Vibe had a factory amp, and all I did was use a wire adapter/harness and mounting adapter to put in a Dual CD player. AAMOF, I jumped off the factory head unit's wiring before hand to install and Alpine amp and sub to the stock in-dash 6 disc changer.

I called Crutchfield to order the CD player and they threw in the wire harness for free. I asked them if that's all I needed and they said yes. Sure as ****, it worked fine.

From what I understand, the stereo in the Monte is more involved in the door chime, headlight warning, etc., and does need some sort of special device to keep it working right. The Cobalt's stereo is not like that. If it's anything at all like the one in my Vibe, you won't have a problem hooking it up like I did.

 

So just get it through Crutchfield? Then they'll give you basically everything needed? I just don't want to have an issue... Ya know?

 

I'd certainly call them to be sure, but from what I found looking for a 2006 Cobalt SS with Pioneer system, it's a plug and play deal.

 

Excellent! I've just always wanted a new Alpine deck. I have one from a few years back in my GP that I got real cheap, but I figured that with that sub and Pioneer speakers that the aftermarket radio will sound great!

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-wDgjZAx...0&I=500CDE9846

This is the deck.

Click on the area where it says "Installation Details". In there, it shows 2 set ups. I really want to just be able to use the 2nd one for 20 bucks. It looks so much better. I'm just worried about the "info center". Anyone do this to their Pioneer system car? I want as much input as I can get! : D

Also, very importantly, where do you find factory paint codes? I want to find the paint code for the Cobalt SS's silver dash trim so I can paint my dash kit to match. I saw someone else do it and it looks great!

Thanks so much guys!

 

The last time I said this, about some people flamed me, but it cost me $120. The part I used it GM13B from Scosche and I got it direct. At the time it was the only part with guaranteed workability with the rest of the car. Yes—there are other harnesses, but this one was the only one with a guarantee when I bought it.

 

Word. It's just crazy how much this **** is now. It used to cost ya 20 bucks to install a radio. lol.

 

you dont need the 100+ kit... just get the 10 buck harness and the kit without that info center and u will be fine

 

So my stock info center will still work just fine using the free-bee harness?

 

I just did my friends cavalier. The car usually cost 300 to get a radio installed in parts and labor. it took us 5 hours and only 80 dallors. Tweeter had a rewire kit that i bought for 50 and he had the antenna adapter already and all he needed was the dash kit. The point is if you do it yourself it will be cheaper and you can do it right.

 

Because your car does not have XM or OnStar it is like doing any other car. just get the right harness to plug in and figure out the pins. good luck.

 

So the 20 dollar harness will work then from how all that sounds? AND the info center will remain operative?

 

I've done 3 Cobalts at work with the pioneer system in them...didn't need to bypass anything or use any expensive relocation kit...i did however have to repin the harness because the speaker lines were on the wrong side..the information center will be fine that is only for the malibus and monte's where the radio is the dic and you have to reset the oil life through the radio

 

Will whatever shop I take it to do that re-pin of the harness? Or will they pretend like they can't so I buy the expensive harness? lol.

 

I also really need the paint code number for the silver on the SS dash. Can I get that at the dealership if noone here knows it?