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I got my girlfriend an Alpine CDA-9807 for Xmas. Unfortunately, she drives a 2003 Elantra.

Has anyone done an installation on this beast? How easy/hard is it? All I'm doing is putting the HU in, the speakers will be done another time.

Also, when making the wiring harness, do I just match colors? Do I need anything else, like a noise filter or whatever?

 
Rep Power: 328

Follow instructions that come with the HU and the harness. You can search google or something for directions on taking the dash apart.

 
Rep Power: 295

I'd definitely invest in a good dash kit and wiring harness, they will make things go twice as fast and look more professional, you can get them from places like best buy, circuit city, or any place (pretty much) that sells car audio.

 
Rep Power: 306

With the right wire harness(es) you won't have to clip a single wire. . .or worry about correct pinouts.

My installer uses this method:

Deck
v
Deck-specific wire harness with universal plug
v
Car-specific wire harness with universal plug
v
Car's wire harness

Yes, it's a bit of wire, but when all you have to do is plug everything in, it's a piece of cake. Also, makes taking the deck out and putting back to stock a 5 minute job.

 
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Yeah, I'm not all too concerned about the wiring harness....I just remember when I had my HU professionally installed (mistake), there was a box the dude called a "noise filter" in-line with the wiring harness he made.

As far as a dash kit, I don't think it will be needed, as this picture shows. Lemme know if I'm wrong:

 
Rep Power: 329

i doubt you'll have a dash kit too. just make sure there will be plenty of room for the HU in there (depth).

 
Rep Power: 337

yep, thats what we call "iso-mount"

inside the dash, the radio will be held in by four screws, two on each side. once you get the assembly out, itll be a snap to unscrew the radio and install the aftermarket one.