Stereo Install - '95 Accord

I'm going to get my girlfriend a stereo for her car for Christmas. She has a '95 Accord with a stock cassette radio and has grumbled that she'd like to at least have a CD player. I've found a deck that I like, with USB input and a built in HD tuner (we have lots of good HD stations in Sac): http://www.crutchfield.com/p_070XHD6425/Dual-XHD6425.html?tp=5684

Does anyone have experience installing a head unit into a similar vintage ('94+) Accord?

I'm only asking, because I'm wondering if it's worth it to spend the extra money to buy from Crutchfield, instead of Amazon. Crutchfield will throw in the wiring harness and a dash kit, that I don't know if the latter is necessary: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120997892/Honda-In-dash-Receiver-Kit.html?tp=3121

Thanks.

I don't think the dash kit will be necessary, but the wiring harness isn't a bad idea, especially if there's a chance she'll ever get rid of the car and want to put the stocker back in it.

Go with Crutchfield, their "mastersheet" instructions aren't always the best but they have great customer service and you get everything you need. I installed a cd player in a 95 accord a few years ago and I used a dash kit, it makes it much easier(at least on the accord). The installation only takes about 30 minutes at the most, the most time consuming part is soldering the wires.

I used this guide for removing the old radio when I did it, much more informative than the Crutchfield instructions: http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Honda/PDF/466037.pdf

edit: I just ordered a cd player from them a few days ago and there is a current code for free shipping: PA145

jdmae92 wrote: I used this guide for removing the old radio when I did it, much more informative than the Crutchfield instructions: http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Honda/PDF/466037.pdf

I saw that guide. It seemed to indicate that I wouldn't need a dash kit.

I've installed stereos before, and never had any difficulty. I've always used the little wiring harnesses, and those have proven invaluable. I just wasn't sure if the full dash kit was actually necessary for a 1 Din radio.

Sounds like you're saying the dash kit is worth the $15 difference to buy from Crutchfield.

I did the wife's '94, the Crutchfield/Metra kit is worth it. The Honda radio is a DIN size like many aftermarkets, but there is a 'lip' around the radio faceplate that fits into a matching recess in the dash and an anti rattle stub sticking out of the back. The Metra kit makes that gap look neat and factory, retains the anti rattle stub and the direct plug wiring is worth its weight in gold just for the time savings.

Get an OE CD player on ebay. You can find them cheap and it's a plug and play affair.

I've got a '92 Integra with what I thought was a "standard, 1 DIN" sized opening. It needed a "Meta-style" kit to keep the new AM/FM CD unit I had installed from rattling around. Strangely, the "el cheapo" CD unit someone had dumped in the radio hole didn't need that kit. I had BB install the unit mostly because I wanted it done right, but it turned out the previous owner had BADLY botched the install of the old unit.

Go Crutchfield, it's worth it.

As a former Crutchfield Retail employee, I can tell you the it is worth getting the kit and harness. Used to sell plenty of that kit to people that bought a h/u online or from a competitor, and they would complain about the fit. Some of my favorite customers were those that bought a $40 cd player from Walmart, and then wanted to put it into a Chevy P/U, they would complain that the kits and harness cost more than the radio!

+1 on the Crutchfield....I have installed one on my daily driver, 1988 Accord, my Son's 99 Grand Prix and by Dad's 2000 Olds....

I shop Crutchfield for their awesome deals on old stock speakers. I've never had to deal with their customer service, though. The master sheets are rather helpful, but as was pointed out, aren't always the best.