Car Stereos: 2001-2007 Caravan AM/FM/CD on a 1996 Caravan?, dodge grand caravan, 2005 dodge grand caravan

Question
Hi Ed,

I'm having problems with the FM reception on my stock 1996 Dodge Caravan stereo (no reception for first 15 minutes or so, then when it gets warmed up the reception is fine) and really like the RDS enabled stock systems in my friend's 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. I was thinking of buying a used 2001-2007 model Caravan radio to replace mine. I know the wiring is different but have found a source for a harness adapter. My question is this: will the new radio physically fit into my van, and will it look obscenely aftermarket? My wife doesn't want the aesthetic of the van ruined so the stereo has to blend in well enough so as not to look gaudy or "added on". So what do you think, are they pretty much interchangeable?

Answer
Hi Michael,

ok thats new. if you really want to change that factory radio i would advise you to get the exact same radio for 2 reasons i dont have "THE BOOK" with me but, some newer factory radios come with a module wich controls your door chimes and your dome and cluster panel lights, so if the radio you'r getting has that module like that i would say there has to be some type of conflict, im not positive if the 2005 model has that module on it, but i will send you a follow up first thing tomorrow, with my resources in hand.
second you could probably fabricate your own mounting bracket to make it look good but the factory holes wont line up if the radio fits the opening, if i was you i would take a measuring tape and go measure that 05 radio and then take measurements on your van. then see from there

im trying to find here a 05 model and a 97 model but i bet the change on the desing would be pretty drastical, i mean we are talking about 8 years of constant development.

follow up:

sorry i havent been able to reply. we have been really busy this past few days.

ok the radios are the same from the 91 models to the 01 models (if i remember correcly) so i would try and find a radio that would fit mine it even takes  the same harness so its just matter of unplugging and plugin in that should make things really easier.

thats just my opinion man i just hope it helps a little bit sry i cant help anymore then this :(