Car Stereos: 02 chevy tahoe center console, overhead mobile video system, chevy tahoe

Question
I have a 02 chevy tahoe that i put an aftermarket stereo in it. So now my tape deck in the console and rear audio and useless. Is there anything aftermarket that can be put in there with little mod. to the console?

Answer
Hi Mike,

I don't know of any after-market components designed to fill that location.  Most of the full-size SUV's aren't equipped with the separate cassette player; in that case the space is just filled with a second pocket.  You should be able to remove the cassette player, and replace your current console panel with another OEM part.  The Tahoe, Yukon and Suburban are so common that it shouldn't be hard to find the part you need at a junkyard, or order it from a dealer.

The rear of the center console is available in a radio control or non-radio control version.  GM interior parts seem to be fairly expensive (I once paid nearly $30 for a 2-inch plastic replacement key switch bezel)and this one is no exception: an online parts dealer lists it at nearly $200.  Some searching at junkyards and used parts sellers might pay off in this case.  You should be able to match it with any 00-02 Tahoe or Yukon (but not the Denali).

If you're thinking of an after-market audio component to fit that location, again, nothing is made that I know of.  The current trend is to use the head unit as a control and display unit for all add-on accessories (like satellite radio or Bluetooth modules) so it's not usually necessary to have another visible control interface.  However, it would be pretty easy to fabricate a plate with a flush-mounted auxiliary input jack, or a switch panel for lighting or amplifier control.  High-end custom audio shops can do some pretty amazing things: I once saw the factory cassette player converted to an iPod dock that played through the after-market head unit.  If you have an in-dash or overhead mobile video system, the rear audio panel might be converted to a game system interface panel, with an AC outlet from a power inverter, and A/V input jacks.  

Hope this helps!

Brian