should i have new radio installed at my dealer
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CF Beginner
Joined: Sep 2020
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I bought a replacement radio from here: https://replacementradios.com/expres...-21_28_80.html
I purchased the BL7349-n model because my stock stereo didn't have a CD player and we liked the idea of having the 6 disk changer for basically the same cost as the single disk option. It was a direct replacement, the VIN-lock feature is disabled or wiped (or whatever they do, but all I did was plug it into the existing wire harness and it worked). The additional information on the website states that it's a lighter color, won't work with BOSE systems, and the chimes might be louder. It is not jet black, like OE, rather a dark graphite color, but it looks nice and blends in well. Back-lighting matches OE. I don't think there is a BOSE option on these vans, so that's a non-issue. I noticed my chimes (blinker, warning ding, etc.) are actually slightly quieter than with my OE stereo, but that's fine with me.
I'm surprised your issue isn't covered by the warranty, though.
I purchased the BL7349-n model because my stock stereo didn't have a CD player and we liked the idea of having the 6 disk changer for basically the same cost as the single disk option. It was a direct replacement, the VIN-lock feature is disabled or wiped (or whatever they do, but all I did was plug it into the existing wire harness and it worked). The additional information on the website states that it's a lighter color, won't work with BOSE systems, and the chimes might be louder. It is not jet black, like OE, rather a dark graphite color, but it looks nice and blends in well. Back-lighting matches OE. I don't think there is a BOSE option on these vans, so that's a non-issue. I noticed my chimes (blinker, warning ding, etc.) are actually slightly quieter than with my OE stereo, but that's fine with me.
I'm surprised your issue isn't covered by the warranty, though.
my van had 48000 miles on it when i bought it.......no warranty. so - sounds like you're pretty happy with your replacement stereo? how did you like the site you purchased it from? and ---- if you installed it yourself, how long did that take?
thanks!
CF Active Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 121
Likes: 7
From: Alabama
It doesn't have as much functionality aftermarket options could, but we are satisfied with the stereo based on how we use it, the ease of plug-and-play, and its price.
My experience with the website was fine. It's not as pretty as other online stores, but it had a secure payment page and my order shipped in a reasonable time.
I installed it myself, and the biggest challenge was removing the dash trim to access the radio's mounting screws. That was a PITA, not particularly difficult, just frustrating and annoying. I'm not sure who decided that trim should be a single plastic piece that goes across 75% of the dash and around the steering wheel, but that person should be fired from the design team. Once you get that trim out of the way the rest is super simple (2-3 screws, and a few plugs on the back of the radio). You'll want to do a little research on how to get that trim off before you start, but I estimate (with that knowledge) you could do the job in about 30 minutes.
Here's a link to a thread where another member (Teammuir1) removed his dash trim to replace his radio. https://chevroletforum.com/forum/exp...e-85622/page5/
CF Beginner
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: Indianapolis
There are some on evilBay, heck I may replace the one in my 09 for a radio with an aux cable. Though I really want to add a park assist camera on this thing since it doesn't have any windows in the back, and an aftermarket radio with a screen would really be better for that.
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devicemanaher
Express, Savana & G-Series Vans
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Aug 1, 2009 3:19 PM
