So, I'm getting ready to upgrade the head unit in my Lesabre. Only problem is I have radio controls mounted on my steering wheel that I DON'T want to stop working. Is there any way to put in an aftermarket deck and make them still work? If not, it there any way to rig up something that'll allow the stock deck to run subs(I doubt it on this one, but I thought I'd ask...)?

Any help is appriciated, thanks!

 

should be a device that does this on the market, i know its possible but i'd just wait until the big boys come in here with the specifics


as for rigging up the stock deck to play subs? you're going to PREFERABLY want to run an amp no matter what. I have a friend who has it ghetto-rigged to her stock HU through her rear speaker cables and im going to tell you now it does not sound good at all.

if you really need space and dont want an amp plus subs and dont care much about power at all, get one of those powered subwoofers, infinity sells some damned good ones

 

Pac Swix

 

you can run subs off a stock deck, its called a high low converter... cc, bb and any other car audio shop usually has them.... it would depend what deck you went with, some sell the parts to keep stearing wheel controls, some dont... expect to pay a pretty penny if you do swap the deck and keep your steering wheel controls though.... i would just add the high low converter (20 bucks) and call it a day.

 

Well, I mean I WILL have an amp. Thats not the problem. I have the Alpine 700w amp sitting here next to me. I just need a head unit with RCA outputs to connect to the amp.

That PAC SWIX looks fucking sweet, and for only 50 bucks not bad. I'm figuring that might be the best bet, because it'll allow me to get an aftermarket deck and push the door speakers better as well.

 

Get the swix and get the aftermarket deck...overall you'll obviously have a much better system than simply running a high/low converter off the factory deck. I've personally never see the big deal with the steering wheel controls... I mean, most decks are less than 12 inches away, is it that hard? Kind of like remote controls for your car stereo.

 

Forewarning: There is a delay with the swi-x, and you will probably have to play with mounting spots for the infrared eye, or else it won't work all the time and will have a better response at night than during the day. I highly recommend, if you haven't purchased the radio yet and this is a big issue to you, getting one with a wired remote input, and the corresponsing PAC unit (SWI-PS/SWI-ALP/SWI-ECL) to hardwire. As you can see by those listed PAC model numbers, some Alpines, JVCs, Sonys, Pioneers, and Eclipses have wired remote input, and youll be MUCH more satisfied as compared to the touchiness of the swi-x.

I don't see them being a big issue myself either, but Ive never owned anything but stick, so my right hand is always there. Might be different if I had an auto and wanted to use my left hand for whatever reason.

 

My Gf's grand cherokee has wheel controls, and I never really thought too much about it, but I think they are pretty cool now.

 

I never got the point of a remote for a car radio either. Its less than a foot away from your hand. The SWI(brand) would be better than the SWIX though

 

Well, the main thing is I don't want a steering wheel full of useless controls...that would just suck. So, now I should look for a deck with a WIRED input....sounds pricey...hmm, I'll look around for it.