I have been diligently reading all the threads on doing this to my 2000 Cab. It seems fairly straightforward, but have one concern. I have never attempted a stereo install, especially not one in my "new" baby. All the instructions tell me to disconnect the negative on the battery, which I totally understand, but my question is:

If i don't complete the install in a day or so, is it safe to reconnect the battery and drive normally with a bunch of stereo wires etc hanging out of the dash? any electrical issues I need to know about? Alarm issues?

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but this is my day to day car, and being new to doing this kind of thing, i just don't want to screw it up. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

It's a really easy install. You shouldn't have to cut any wires, because you'll be doing all the cutting and splicing with the aftermarket harness. The hardest part of the install is cutting the plastic for the double din to fit properly. The wiring should only take a max of an hour if this is your first time. I can usually wire one of these up within 20 minutes. (that's soldering all the wires) Just match the colored wires up from the radio harness to the aftermarket wiring harness and you're good to go. The kit off ebay should include everything in it. Make sure that you also tape off the little tab/wire on the "frame" of the original mounting area, if not, you'll be setting off the car alarm.

 

Oh, and back to your original question….yes, it should be safe because all the wires will still be in a harness. So as long as nothing can poke and short the wires, then it should be okay. BUT, it should only take a day to install…...

 

If you have any exposed wires and want to drive it, fold a bit of tape over them to isolate them, all but 2 or three wires have no power on them, but for peace of mind, tape them off

 

Great! I have the kit for ebay, so it should make things easier. Thank you both for the advice. I really appreciate the help!