CDA-9857: What else aside from HU & adapter is necessary for installation?

[putty]

I'm looking to buy a 9857 unit and my option is to go with Crutchfield for $350 or other sites like ABT for $280. Both have good reviews, free shipping and no tax but Crutchfield says that it also comes with the wiring and installation gear.

I've never installed a car stereo but I think I'll give it a shot this time since the 9857 is blowing my budget. With all sites saying that this unit fits my car, is the installation kit and wiring that Crutchfield includes necessary in order to do the installation? If so, the ABT price will end up around the same as Crutchfield.

TIA.

[TobyG]

If you get the kit from Crutchfield, it will come with pretty much everything you need. That's why I buy car stuff from them even though there are cheaper places. The only thing it might not include are the hand tools you'll need (crimper and screwdriver are probably the extent of it). They typically include wiring harnesses, dash kits (if necessary), and complete instructions for dash disassembly/installation for your specific vehicle. They'll also provide phone support on the installation for free.

[bobb-mini]

Cruthfield most likely includes a "howto take your radio out" schematic. Very helpful if u don't know, never take apart your dash b4r. The harness they give, it depends whether it comes with an Alpine plug or bare. If bare, it will be up to u to splice the wires with soldering iron or a crimping tool.

Good things to have:

wire stripper
soldering iron + heat shrink tubings.
plastic tie wraps to keep things tidy.
drill for making adjustments.

[putty]

Thanks guys. I originally bought a Pioneer 4800MP with iPod adapter and was going to return it to CC and then buy the Alpine 9857 instead. The CC installation manager convinced me to try the Pioneer 6800MP instead as I could always return that one too if I didn't like it.

I just drove home and I do like it. It's everything one can want from a iPod car install except for one thing... no way to go back from a choice, you need to start over at Playlist or Artist or Album. It's not the fastest but you can scroll the wheel quickly and the menu will catch up. It's fast enough to not be a problem. After 20 minutes I'm happy so far.