Adding auxiliary input to a Delco Radio: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Jan. 2, 2011 4:50 p.m. Nitroracer SuperDork

When I picked up my camaro I got a box with some spare parts in it including the factory radio and I have the itch to mess with it.

I found a post on LS1 Tech about adding an 1/8" / 3.5mm audio jack to the factory radio by tapping into the input for the cd player in the head unit.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-electronics/688297-how-you-can-add-aux-input-...

I don't have a radioshack nearby to pickup the audio jack, but I do have an extension cord sitting in the basement I'll never use again.

I want to cut off the female end of the extension and wire it into the head unit, that should work right?
Jan. 2, 2011 5:00 p.m. daytonaer Reader

I like that radio because it gets louder when you drive faster

I have hacked up headphone wiring harnesses before and it will work, the only problem is the wires are VERY thin in headphones/extensions etc. So you have to be very careful and tie the end off so the joint will not get stressed.

I have no idea about the radio responding to that input, ie do you have to select a cd to play etc? I guess if someone already did it, it should work.
Jan. 2, 2011 5:23 p.m. mbmsg New Reader

i did this with my 96 lexus, trunk mount cd player, tapped the wires with extension cord cut open (YES THOSE WIRES ARE SMALL) worked well. put radio to cd, plugged in ipod. presto
Jan. 2, 2011 5:26 p.m. Chebbie_SB HalfDork

I will consider this for my GMC as it is the same radio & I took it all apart to replace burnt out bulbs. I've read a guide to doing this for the SAAB radio (on saabnet.com - only thru the cassette) but honestly the adapter I have already sounds great....

The difference is the "Switch" interrupts the CD signal when you plug the 1/8" connector in. I don't know if you could use the 3 wire extension....
Jan. 2, 2011 5:38 p.m. RealMiniDriver Dork

IRT Chebbie: What kind of bulbs are in the face? Wife's indentical Camaro's head unit is half out.
Jan. 2, 2011 5:49 p.m. Chebbie_SB HalfDork

In reply to RealMiniDriver:

I was able to get em at radio shack, not sure if I have any left... it was fun de-soldering the old ones & I was torqued that they burnt out (the truck wasn't far beyond the warranty expiring). I did use a de-soldering "snot sucker" red rubber bulb. IIRC, the voltage was less than 12 & indicated on the PCB, I removed 1 and matched it in store.
Jan. 2, 2011 9:54 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

I'd probably drop coin on a premade harness for it.
Jan. 3, 2011 12:11 a.m. Nitroracer SuperDork

Chebbie_SB wrote:

The difference is the "Switch" interrupts the CD signal when you plug the 1/8" connector in. I don't know if you could use the 3 wire extension....

That is what I was wondering. Maybe as long as nothing is plugged into the cable the cd would play and once it is I have mp3 capability?

internetautomart wrote:

I'd probably drop coin on a premade harness for it.

Not available for the 98, silly first year stuff. I'm just trying to get something that looks OEM but can play my more modern tunes. I have an aftermarket HU now but the interface leaves much to be desired.
Jan. 3, 2011 8:33 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=730&CategoryID=45 http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=744&CategoryID=37

I think those 2 combined will work.