Audio Systems: installing radio in car with factory amps, factory amps, external amplifier

Question
my 94 buick lesabre i suppose has factory amps. which means the system will have to be rewired or by passed to install a non-factory radio? is this true and whats the simple way to install a radio in this car.

Answer
ONE:  Go to http://installdr.com/Harnesses/GM-Wiring.pdf and you will find a wiring table which will help you on how to remove the old one and install the new one.  In color!  There are other sections of this site that has helpful information. Even though your model is not shown, there are little changes between yours and the Regal listed.

TWO: Go to www.crutchfield.com and put in the data for your car into their equipment selecting process.  If you purchase the head unit from them they will send it with a wiring harness and installation instructions.  If you do not purchase from them you can still purchase the wiring kit.  They have some basic instructions that you can download from their site.  They are masters in knowing what fits and is compatible for most cars.

Another good place to look for wiring harness adapters and other miscellaneous tools is www.installer.com.

Finally, if you are handy and have a vom and the urge to trace out all the wires you can check them out with the vom and label each wire as to which speaker pair goes where, where the 12v lines come in and make up your own wiring and connections.

I suggest you forget about any external amplifier that may or may not be in the car.  From that vintage it would not be a good idea to trust it.  So, buy a head unit with built-in amplifiers OR a head unit and new external amp if you are going for big power and all new speakers.

Cleggsan