What is the head unit install kit and wiring harness i need to buy to install? Crutchfield'* listed size is "unknown". To keep the steering wheel controls I just need to buy the PAC unit with a remote-capable head unit, right?

I installed an amp by tapping into the factory amp wiring (with the monsoon head unit) but it sounds too crappy for my taste.

A single DIN unit will fit. Arguably, a GM/Chyrsler DIN and 1/2 unit would also fit.

Things to be aware of:

You'll lose OnStar functionality without the factory head unit or an adapter
You'll lose warning chime functionality - key in ignition, low fuel, etc.
You'll lose HUD radio functionality

The warning chime and OnStar functions can be preserved with the right adapter kits.

The primary concern is whether the mounting area is deep enough to contain the unit you're intending to purchse.

Check out DDalder'* thread on how he installed a Delphi TNR 800 unit into his 04 GXP for some tips.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=70694&highlight=tnr[/url]

Thanks for the reply. Pretty wild stuff on DDalder'* thread.

I am looking to install a somewhat basic cd or mp3 player. So is there an aftermarket dash trim piece for mounting a single DIN? There should be a big gap in the trim after installing a single. I wonder how well the GM/Chrysler din & a half would fit behind the trim to give it a stock look.

I'm not sure if i understand what would need to be done to hook up to the fm antenna(*). I don't want to use the Monsoon amp at all but keeping both of the diversity antennas would be nice.

I'm not worried about OnStar, chime functionality, or HUD radio functionality.

Any comments would be helpful

I'd suggest just calling the folks at Crutchfield, and asking them. Last night after reading your post, I got to thinking about replacing my own system in my GXP, and did some Crutchfield surfing - they don't have install trim kits for the 00/05 Bonnies it seems.

Of course, the last time i was on there, I told them to show me everything and quit hiding product because they thought it wouldn't fit.

There are steering wheel control adapters for Sony and Pioneer head units that allow you to use the steering wheel controls to control your head unit. I've used one before on a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (a 95) and they worked great - not as much functionality as the Sony rotary remote, which I used in my 98 Riviera.

But I'll tell you one thing, after reading your post last night and doing some reflecting, I began to rerget having traded off my Sony Mobile ES system (head unit, amps, CD changer, adapter box for four more input devices) with the Rivy.

Are the trim pieces any different than the 2000-2003? I wouldn't think so.

And JVC also has steering wheel control adapters.

Well, ask and ye shall find -

2000 - 05 Bonneville installation kit

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stereo-Install-D...QQcmdZViewItem

Antenna adapter

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stereo-ANTENNA-H...QQcmdZViewItem

Wiring harness adapter

http://cgi.ebay.com/2001-Pontiac-Bon...QQcmdZViewItem

If you were to buy from Crutchfield, they should provide these things to you without charge.

However, last night as I was surfing through and looking at some Crutchfield head units, my Pronto Shopping Messenger told me "it could be cheaper over here - " There are other online stores that sell Crutchfield'* products for about 40% less.

Crutchfield does, however, provide excellent support forever, great installation diagrams, wiring harness adapters, and everything else you could want.

I've bought several replacement car stereos from them and always installed them in GM cars. They're great.

Just so you know, this thread has me thinking about replacing MY GXP'* stereo now. See what you've gone and done?

I'm thinking, though, of the Pioneer DEH-P47DH. Steering wheel controls, CD changer, XM etc. I'd lose some display functionality, but I'd get three outputs for front, rear and subwoofer amps, an iPod controller, etc. Pretty inexpensive, too. I have a bunch of Polk speakers picked up - I had some in my 95 GTP and thought they were awesome.

Anyone ever examine this unit and such?

Oh, if you want to check out the Pioneer DEH-P47DH, click here:

http://www.crutchfield.com/*-HRppwqe...H&i=130DEHP47D

Actually the Pioneer p47 has only 1 set of preamp outputs listed. The Pioneer DEH-P77DH has 3 for sure. But no MP3 for the Pioneer units...

I have hooked up a system with diversity antennas before ('88 Nissan Pulsar). However it forced me to pick one single antenna instead of retaining the diversity/dual antenna feature. Will the antenna kit force me to do that?

Now, I want you to realize that you've put me on a track to spending money and shopping that didn't necessarily need doing!

Here'* something else I found today

http://www.crutchfield.com/*-HRppwqe...0&I=5753SIXTY2

This little baby allows one to retain the factory HU, with the OnStar, chimes, XM etc.. replace the amps and speakers, provide sound balancing and compensate for the factory settings that limit sound reproduction, add a CD changer, and has four channels front, rear, sub and center.....

I think that this is a good choice in my book. Found it for as little as $299 elsewhere, though.

And I don't know about the diversity antenna issue .. I'm just a shopper .. the technical expertise lies in the hands of other, superior members of the forum.

I would spring for a new deck before i get that adaptor box. The factory sound gets distorted when you amplify it again regardless of how much eq you add to it.

I'm going to start this project and hope it doesn't turn into a bigger job than it looks like!