Where can i go around town (st. Pete), to get a factory reciever harness to mate to the new head unit harness so i don't have to splice into the factory I/P harness?

And if i'm installing a double din aftermarket radio (pioneer) into a double din factory spot, do i need a radio install dash kit?

 

depends on the car

 

most of the time a dual din unit with a dash kit will not fit right, and if you dont use one it looks really bad. There are little plastic wrap arounds you can get to wrap around the dual din to hide the hole it leaves whilst not trying to fit in a dash kit, the dash kit will often times crack and look worse.

i hate to say it, but i use circuit city for harnesses, you can get 2 piece harness adapters for around $17 total that require 0 soldering. if you get the adapter from metra (best buy) it still usually requires soldering to the new headunit harness.

ps i hate circuit city and best buy

 

no one solders harnesses. They are crimped with butt connectors.

 

I soder my harnesses

 

IMO: butt connectors = crap.. any type of wiring that requires a connection between two split pieces should be soldered & tapes. crimping creates an extra jump in the signal and can impact frequency attenuation. Just my opinion.

 

the cripped ends on those adapters inside the plugs are done special right!
for 99.99% of installs a good butt or bell cap with the correct cripper (this is where most problems occur) will work and never give you a problem.

 

the a pretty good stereo shop on 49 st and about 70th ave. think its called safe and sound. the guy over there is pretty good.