i been thinking bout upgrading my stereo head unit to a kenwood touch screen with nav, ipod adapter, back up camera etc i been worried bout doing so cuz of all the computers and electronics in the car. i dont want to screw anything up. i went to the audio shop who did all the work in my camaro and navigators they say theres nothing to worry bout as this head unit is plug and play and they dont have to cut any wires. this forums been super helpful with my past questions figured id ask you advice on this also..is it safe any horror storys from improperly installed electronics. these guys are good and they mostly work on show cars they have a few c6 gs, a maserati, hummers and escalades routinely parked outside. any advice would be appreciated thanx

Kenwood makes good headunits. Sound Vision (who swapped out the NAV system in mine) does not sell Kenwood, so I bought a Pioneer AVIC 920. It is a great NAV system and I have IPOD connection, a mini SD Card, rear camera, XM, etc. I also got JL Audio amps, stealth box and speakers. There are a number of connectors needed to keep this looking and operating like a stock unit. The only thing I lost was the HUD display of changing the channels and I don't miss that. GM has integrated alot between the car and the stereos and many stores are reluctant to deal with them because it does take a little more time and money to do it right. But if your stereo store says they can do it and you've looked at their work and like it, then by all means, swap the Bose system out. You won't regret it.

As long as they don't cut any wires, you have no worries. I've been installing car audio professionally for over 18 years, with todays integration harnesses, you won't be disappointed. Just don''t let some hack shop perform your install. :patriot:

there are some components that you will need to purchase in order to make the upgrade seamless. there is a "chime module" required (this operates the doors open chime, etc), if you have Bose and/or onstar there is also a module required, and an antenna adaptor....i'm in the process of swapping out my stock system for the Pioneer AVIC-X920BT..oh, there's also a frame kit required. if you would like, i can post the part numbers. good luck..

Go to my Gallery. There are a couple of photos of my install (AVIC 920 and Stealth Box). They took out the Bose amp and replaced it with an JL Audio amp and JL Audio component speakers.

Here is my Kenwood 5160 installed
8320

Mike

cool thanx for all the replies, doin my taxes tomorrow so once the refund comes in i know where im dumping it

Here is my Kenwood 5160 installed
8320

Mike
thats pretty much the head unit im looking at i forget the exact model number

Dennis at DoubleD supplied everything (head unit, wireing, bezal and brackets) and I had it installed at local shop, as I am up here in Canada.
I have a Kenwood in my 1980 too and really like both units but still learning to use the new one. Bought a Ipod video off ebay to hook up to the head unit and it has 80GB memory, got a good deal as the face plate and battery were not important to me as it stays in the Vette only.
Mike

there's a relay switch that you will need to purchase aswell. I put a pioneer nav system in mine took about 3.5 hours. was pretty easy to do. I did somehow manage to damage one of the remote antennas. i took to the dealership and they fix it for under $50.