Any radio experts out there?

[ms350]

Trying to figure out how to put a new Pioneer radio into my 78 Malibu. The old radio was jerry-rigged into this poor radio-delete bu. That was bad enough, but I have quite a wiring mess on my hands. I have been researching online without much luck. I ordered a wiring manual, hoping it will shed some light on what it is SUPPOSED to look like. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to even begin with this? I really hate to have to break down and "take it somewhere to have this done" (the shame!). I want to learn how to do it myself. I pulled the wiring harness out of the 79 parts car to look at but unfortunately it looks different than what I am seeing in the 78, probably because it had a factory installed radio system. Any words of wisdom???

 

[84cutlassjuggalo]

do you have any pictures of the wire mess?

 

[megaladon6]

first, do you have a multimeter?
you will need to test the wires for power, keyed power, ground, keyed ground, and "destination"/speaker.
make sure the power has enough amperage to run the radio and that you won't overload the circuit.

 

[86_olds]

yea u will need a multimeter and a test light to test grounds and power but here is ur diagram that tells u everything color coded so it will be easier

1978-85 Chevrolet Malibu Stereo Wiring
Constant 12V+ Orange
Switched 12V+ Yellow
Ground Black
Illumination Gray
Dimmer Brown
Antenna Trigger Pink
Antenna Right Front
Front Speakers 3 1/2" Dash
Left Front (+) Tan
Left Front (-) Gray
Right Front (+) Light Green
Right Front (-) Dark Green
Rear Speakers 6" x 9" Rear Deck
Left Rear (+) Brown
Left Rear (-) Yellow
Right Rear (+) Dark Blue
Right Rear (-) Light Blue

 

[Phoenyx]

I'm guessing if it's a radio delete car then it had no radio wiring? And everything that's wired up to what you have now will be from the guy who installed it. Personally I would just remove anything that's not factory and redo it.

You need 3 basic wires to power the deck. Ground, I usually use one of the bolts that hold the steering column for that. Power, which can be found on the fuse box in one of the empty spots. And a switched power, also on the fuse box. Use a test light to figure out what ones are open and what ones are switched.

As for speakers, it depends on what's been installed and if you are keeping them or not. If the wiring looks bad, replace that too.

 

[ms350]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Good points and I am thinking maybe I will start at the beginning and not try to use the jumble that is already in there. It might be easier. To be continued.

 

[79loserbluebu]

I'm not sure if radio delete cars had them, but you can use the cigarette lighter circuit (I beleive it's an orange wire) for constant 12V.