Because I like making things difficult...

Because I like making things difficult... (possible solution? - response #8)

*Possible solution? - Response #8*

I know this may be sacrilege, and am risking being tared, feathered, and lynched, but I need a new radio and just can't bring myself to run an aftermarket unit. I really dislike how they look and I don't want to run one in my truck. plain and simple. Strangely enough, I like the stock unit's look. See title.

So my radio has completely stopped working. Every station is static, and for probably 6-7 years now the power button hasn't really turned the radio off (It flips on going over bumps, IF you actually get it to stay off).

So at the very least I decided I needed a new radio. I'm not an audiophile by a long shot and often people sound muffled and I can't pick up certain tones, so super duper quality isn't exactly paramount.

I've decided on what exactly I want, but most of it is in versatility, and very little in quality.

1997 Ranger XLT
Current:
Stock head unit with Cassette
Amp behind the passenger seat (factory)

Want:
Stock looking head unit (no inserts or fascia adapters)
factory CD changer - did they make one that could handle MP3's?
OR port for an MP3 player (if they made one - I could also get their factory adapter)
possibly be able to install some small subs in the future

*** Are there any headunit's out there that fit the bill? If there are one's out there that can do all of that (or most) I'll probably be going with that one. ***

Now, some other things:

1. I have heard newer radio's (one in particular was an '05) and I thought the radio sounded a hell of alot better than my '97. This would be the ideal route for me.

2. Wireing differences between years can be sorted out and is not a problem.

3. Get a aftermarket head unit with a large enough facia to fill the existing hole (last resort)

4. If possible - Get a moderate aftermarket head unit and retrofit a factory fascia onto it. (I know some people who are seriously good with electronics) to maintain the factory look. This would also prevent thieves from messing with it. - This would be pretty slick, but I'm not sure they owe me quite that many favors yet... I might be able to convince them through the challenge aspect to make up for it.

I did a few searches for this and didn't exactly find a similar thread (everyone ended up getting an aftermarket unit).

Again, I need to stay factory looking. Why? Because I want to (see title)

My 03 Edge factory deck has a 6 disc changer built into it. No aux input for MP3 players and the like though. I can't remember if it plays burned MP3 cd's or not though. Sorry. Also, some people say that particular head unit's 6 disc changer likes to break and eat CD's, but mine has been going strong.

Kris

My friends 93 ranger has a Pioneer 6 CD changer wired in with the factory HU... I am not sure if the changer is foctory or if it had a factory CD changer and was swapped out. But It works fine he has a little wired remote in his ashtray that displays the track #, CD #, and changes the disks ect... the volume is still controlled by the HU and he has stock speakers but. its pretty cool.

Look for a factory replacement from the junkyard maybe?

I have a factory unit CD player from my 99 that i would give you for free (nothing wrong with it except it has a problem with ejecting CD's (it ejects them but the motor keeps spinning for about 10 seconds after that) other then that it works fine.

i got a factory cd player that plays mp3 has an aux port and also comes with sirius sattalite radio with 4 months still left on the trial its from an 09 ranger and also have wiring harness let me know we can make a deal

Allright, so there is some things out there. Nothing particularly specific as to what to what make/year look for, but I figured I'd be getting one out of a newer Ranger anyways.

I pretty much only carry burned CD's anyways (on my Saturn), so if they eat them it's not a problem. I can't justify carrying around 100's of dollars worth of CD's that people like to grab.

So it looks like I am just going to have to find any newer headunit and get the MP3 player adapter plug from Ford (unless someone else chimes in).

Mcgugan, where are you from? Nothing personal, but I'm a little hesitant to do any kind of mail/shipping business with someone with only 2 posts. If you're around Michigan lemme know.

I bought a factory unit that was a new take-out from this place. http://www.replacementradios.com/

A little pricey, perhaps, but I am happy with it. I put it in a '95 XLT and it is great. I did make my own harness, but they can make you one too. If nothing else, decent pics and info for what you might want.

Twoj05,

That site is AWESOME! Not only does it list all kinds of factory radio's it also lists the models and years they fit. So I can compare and look around at other vehicles that used the Rangers style and find one I like.

Thanks a ton!

*deleted original post as I had made a discovery afterwards*

Well in keeping yet again with the title of my thread, I have (sort of) found what I'm looking for.

http://replacementradios.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_31_114&products_id=816

Explorer Mountaineer 1998-2001 MACH CD Cassette RDS radio *NEW*

DETAILS:

• Ford part number XL2F-18C868-DA (or similiar interchangeable number)
• Compatible with all MACH F87F-18C868, XL2F-18C868 & YL2F-18C868 part numbers (2 & 4 door)
• Latest revision (Designed to reduce problems the previous versions had)
• Brand new! (Not rebuilt, not a take-out, not a reman, not refurbished.)
• Redesigned display power source to help eliminate frequent 'blank display' problem.
• Has CD changer controls and plug.
• Has RDS (Radio Data System)
• Part of the Mach sound system (subwoofer equipped) ONLY!!
• Standard Ford greenish display.
• Plays standard audio format CDs and CDRs.
• Has the subwoofer plug.
• Compatible with steering wheel controls.
• Auto-reverse cassette mechanism.
• Intelligent illumination feature (Only lights buttons valid in current mode.)
• Perfect condition, in the factory box
• 6 month warranty.

And it has the side clip style mounting.

However, on a quick Google search it seems these systems are touchy. I probably won't have as many speakers as these systems have, and I don't have the 3 amps it supposedly has/needs. But otherwise it seems to do everything I'm looking for and more, and looks somewhat inconspicuous on top of it all. Also still plays regular and burned CD's and cassette's.

Now I don't really need all the features like the steering wheel controls or whatever this intelligent illumination feature is. The RDS would be kinda neat I guess.

The CD changer auxiliary controls are what seems to be required for all the MP3 adapter units out there in order to be manipulated through the radio controls.

QUESTIONS:

Has anyone had experience with the MACH system?

Is it REALLY as finicky and complicated as it sounds? I know eventualy it can be sorted out with the people I know, but if it's going to be down for a month chasing gremlins...

Anyone have any good links, tips or search terms that would help me be able to figure this out? That would be much appreciated.

my mom has it in her Mountaineer and her screen works only after it gets hot.

what I want to know is...

How did this guy mod his radio with an AUX input?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_rdc=1&item=190336161771

The Ford Mach system uses separate amplifiers to power speakers and subwoofer. If you want this style of stereo do not get the Mach version. Get the standard radio in the same style. If you want to add MP3 capability you can go to your local stereo shop and get a FM modulator. This device hooks thru your antenna wire on the stereo and gives you an aux input over a lower band fm station. This part is usally 50 bucks and is real easy to install.