Help!


I’ve read though numerous posts and threads and find myself more confused than ever. He is what I’m trying to do:

I have a ’98 SE with a factory radio unit with a single CD changer, no cassette. I am thinking about purchasing an ITouch and I’ve read that you can integrate it to the factory radio, and can continue to use the steering wheel radio controls.

The one unit I read about appeared to suggest that it would only work with a factory CD and cassette player……….again, I only have the single CD player.

Also, based on the foregoing information, if anyone can suggest what I need to purchase to make this work, I’d appreciate it…..part number or website.

Thanks in advance.

My suggestion would be to go with an aftermarket radio. There really isn't a *cheap* way to get the audio into the factory radio unless you fm modulate it, which generally sounds horrible, or use a tape adapter. You can get an aftermarket radio fairly cheap that has an aux input, or even better, can control and charge your iPod. I've got an alpine with a steering wheel control module, so I can use my steering controls, and I just leave my iPod in the center console. It'* always charged and I can control it right on the radio.

as far as i know, the only way you're going to be able to play your ipod with your stereo is through an FM transmitter. I agree with Tom, go buy an aftermarket headunit, they are cheap enuff these days.

Although many audiophiles pooh-pooh them, there are some good quality inline FM transmitters that need to be hardwired in. The only issue is that they usually come in 1/4" antenna and GM used the mini-antenna, so you need to adapter-up to the transmitter box, then adapter-back-down to the radio. I have my van set up like this and it works very well. Maybe the audio quality isn't show-ready, but it'* there and it doesn't hiss or crackle. I got all the stuff from crutchfield.

OTOH there is no OEM radio quite like what'* available in the aftermarket these days. USB MP3, MP3-CD, built-in iPod controls, bluetooth handsfree through the car'* speakers, etc are available in most sub-$300 head units. I have a Pioneer FH-P800BT in my Riv, and a PAC-SWI(PS) to keep the steering wheel controls alive. I love the features and setup.

The wired antenna adapter is something like this from crutchfield:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FMMO...02.html?tp=121