1996 GT Audio question for Newbie.

[rob1]

I have had my 96 GT for a little over a month and have done wheels, tires, ehaust and need a stereo system bad. I want to put in an Alpine head unit with type R interior speakers and subs. I keep seeing that my car has a 1" DIN-what does that mean? Can I use any regular head unit or do I need the 1 DIN units Alpine makes only? Also, how hard are the door and rear speakers to change? Do you have to cut and solder wires? As for the head unit, how do you get the old one out the best? I see it has 2 holes on each side but I'm not sure what for. Also, my car has a Ford CD player/changer that I want gone in the lower slot. How do I get rid of it and make it look good without it? I was thinking of putting in a tray. Finally, if I run an amp and subs-optional will 2 12's in a box fin between the wheels? Like I said before I am new to Mustangs and audio and would appreciate some help and or some sites on here or places I could get some help. I have a friend who is okay with stereos but has never done anything with a mustang. Please help me so I can get this car sounding good to.
Thanks
Rob

 

[BBrinks]

Any regular size HU will fit fine, just make sure you get the single DIN size, not the double-DIN or 1.5 DIN. The 4 holes on the front of the head unit are for removal. You can either use a coat hanger, 4 allen wrenches, or there's a tool you can buy that is simply 2 U-shaped pieces of metal. You can get it at BB, CC, or wal-mart. Put them in the 4 slots and push the ends out toward either door. Then pull it straight out. Here's a site with pics that might help: http://www.flemworld.com/Mach460/mach.html
To fit the empty hole, you could just add the stock tray: http://secure.50resto.com/product1.cfm?SID=1&Product_ID=355&Category_ID=1090

As for the door speakers, they're easy to replace, if you use 5x7/6x8's. Here's how to remove the door panels to access the speakers: http://www.carstereohelp.org/stereoremoval/FordMustangFDrPnlR.htm
If you decide to go with a component set, or some 5 1/4's or 6 1/2's, then you'll have to either buy an adapter, or make your own.

2 12's will fit fine between the shock towers. Check out sounddomain.com, just for some ideas.

 

[rob1]

Thanks a lot for your help. I am going with Alpine type R's and Alpine HU. I really just wanted to avoid cutting wires if I could.
Thanks
Rob