I have a 95 E-150 conversion (See Gallery) It has factory radio and it is not very loud. I was wondering if there was a way to tell besides taking the kick panel off ,to tell whether it has an amplifier or not. Was it an option? When the radio is on and van running it is a little louder than when van is not running, volume at maximum. Normal I would suspect but extremely low when turned all the way up. Want to replace radio and amp, any suggestions? I would rather not cut into the dash plate. I want new speakers also. I would like to hear of replacements in other vans and tell me what you have.

 

Pull the radio out, and see how many wires are in the black connector. If there are 8 then you can use any aftermarket stereo without a problem. If there are 5 then you have the premium sound system. It uses a common ground on and many aftermarket radios don't like this. If that's the case then you'll have to run all new wire to the speakers. It's also possible that the speakers are damaged and not working properly.

 

I saw a post here on the site about the door tag #8 on the code tag telling what type of radio it is. Does this tell whether it is premium or standard radio, or just AM/FM or AM/FM Cassette or AM/FM CD ? If it does, how do I find out the specific codes to find out wich one it is.I know I have a AM/FM Cassette, but am trying to determine amp or no amp without pulling radio or kick panel. Does anyone have the code #'s so that I can determine what it is. Have not pulled radio yet to find out whether it is 4 or 5 wires. I would think it is a standard set up. I know the speakers are the originals. They will definitely be replaced. Any suggestions of good speakers. I know they are 6 x 8's, but 4 ohm or 8 ohm? Can I put amp in kick panel on passenger side like factory, and how hard to wire up? Will I have to add wires to speakers or ground. I can tell from the views that you guys are reading this, so pipe in! Sorry the post is so long, just new to radio installation. Happy Holidays!

 

The only way to know for sure is to pull the radio. If you bought the van used there's no telling what someone else did to it. The fact that you have to turn the volume all the way up tells me that you more than likely have an amp, and it's died.

 

Hello Everyone, Well I still have not pulled the radio. In Wheelchair and will need help. Read up about them and how to do it. Seems like getting into the kick panel for an amp might be easier? I have no problem using the factory radio and just upgrading the speakers and amp. If it is a factory amp, can you replace it with another brand? The speakers are 2 in the front doors, 4"x? 2 in the middle, 1 in side door and 1 behind drivers seat, 6x8's ? And 2 in rear doors, 6x8's ? I know I have to probably pull the radio, but am a procrastinator! Found web page telling me how to make coat hanger radio pullers, its just all the other things like the ***** and screws that deter me. Ideally it will be premium system and I can just replace the speakers and upgrade the amp. The door tag says DSD or DSO/ Tape. Well Happy New Year, let me know the suggestions.

 

ALL of the speakers in the vans are 6x8, front doors included. I don't think you can upgrade the amp without some serious modifications, the speakers are easily done though.