Can I keep the stock radio with a new headunit? (and have both work?)

[FLAteam]

I've got a 96 Civic DX hatchback and it only has a factory radio and the "pocket" in front of the cupholders (no tape or cd player). I just ordered a headunit for my car and I really like the look of the factory radio in the center console and I'd like to put the new headunit in the pocket. My questions are:

Can I still have the factory radio hooked up with the headunit in the pocket, with both being operational (sort of like how a factory CD player would work down there)?

If so, could I also use the "tape/cd" button to switch from the stock radio to the headunit and back (also how a factory CD player would work)?

I tried looking for stuff in the DIY sections and searching the forums, but I mostly found "moving your headunit from the center console to the pocket" installs. If you have any websites I could look at or maybe you've got a write-up, that would be helpful too.

Thanks!

 

[cujo613]

Nope running both units is a no

It could cause damage to both units

 

[fliposopher]

people usually keep the stock radio there along with the aftermarket unit at the pocket for its clock.

 

[FLAteam]

ok, in that case, is there a write-up on how to install a headunit into the pocket? would it be the same, just disconnecting everything from the stock radio and instead hooking everything up down below?

 

[Matt.]

imo, you should just wire the stock radio up to a power and use it as a clock.

 

[SpeedFiends]

Yes you can, I used to work Roadshop at Circuit City.

For the 96-98's you needed to have the stock radio hooked up, either by the cup holders or down inside the dash in order to keep keyless entry. You need the Metra 80-1720T to do it. It's a split harness for both radios.

 

[cujo613]

you can leave the stereo there

you can have it light up

as far as using the controls on the main unit

no

and as far as having both units hooked up to speakers

its a very bad idea

 

[FLAteam]

wow...sounds complicated.

I think I just want to install into the pocket. is that just simply relocating everything to the pocket area from the center console?

 

[Evan.]

wow...sounds complicated.

I think I just want to install into the pocket. is that just simply relocating everything to the pocket area from the center console?

Yes, and using said harness above to power both radios.

 

[MajEK]

wow...sounds complicated.

I think I just want to install into the pocket. is that just simply relocating everything to the pocket area from the center console?

From what Speedfiends says its just a matter of installing the new HU you got and buying that harness to plug up into the both. Sounds easy.

 

[FLAteam]

hmm, the harness also seems to make it easier to install? at least that's what circuit city claims...

by the way, I've also read that the cupholder lid is gonna be bashing into the faceplate. My lid is broken (doesn't close), so should I remove the lid altogether? is there a way to fix the lid (is it even worth it)? I've also read that you can put the headunit even farther back so the lid doesn't hit the faceplate, but that seems to require a lot more work...

your thoughts on this?

 

[cujo613]

I had our dvd player down there for years and the lid never smashed into it

it was actually a pretty decent gap between them

 

[MajEK]

hmm, the harness also seems to make it easier to install? at least that's what circuit city claims...

by the way, I've also read that the cupholder lid is gonna be bashing into the faceplate. My lid is broken (doesn't close), so should I remove the lid altogether? is there a way to fix the lid (is it even worth it)? I've also read that you can put the headunit even farther back so the lid doesn't hit the faceplate, but that seems to require a lot more work...

your thoughts on this?

Seriously, take out your radio and have a look around. Most units have a bunch of holes to fit many different cars pushing it back is as easy as moving it back and bolting it up. And as far as the harnesses, the ones that cost like $15 or so, they are PLUG and PLAY. Very very easy if you got the right one. It only gets somewhat more difficult if you have to cut your harness wires(cheapo no harness DIY). A good site that can really help you with almost all of your electrical nightmares is 'the12volt.com'. They got diagrams for your civic and anything else you could want electric.