New to me 96 Grand Prix (that rhymes!)

[KegerChris]

Hey, guys. I'm the proud owner of a gorgeous teal blue 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. I bought it from a great-great grandpa that couldn't drive anymore (92 yrs old). He maintained it meticulously and even changed all the fluids out prior to sale! It only has 85k on the odo and it's been garaged it's entire existence. I got it mainly for my wife as a daily driver, but... I'm falling in love with this thing. So comfy and tons more power than I expected!!

A little about me: I'm 32 yrs old - medically retired from the Air Force, where I was a mechanic for 12 years. (broke my back) I've got a 10 yr old boy and a wonderful wife. I'm originally from Northern California, but I now live near Spokane, WA.

So, I mentioned that this thing was meticulously maintained... It's immaculate except for a couple burned out light bulbs - brake light, door light (easy), but the radio light looks a bit frustrating to change out. I did a search and found a link to a youtube vid that shows you how to replace it, so, don't think I'm another guy that pops in and asks questions without using the search function. Whilst looking at all of this information, I realized that it would be much nicer if I could find a replacement stereo that had a CD player or even better, an MP3 CD player. I really want to maintain my steering wheel control function. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[Jtiger360]

Welcome!

[TexasTanker19kilo20]

Welcome to GPF. Thanks for serving, post up some pics and start a members ride thread.

[Matt Palm]

they do make a adapter kit for the steering controls i forget if crutchfield sells them or best buy does. but welcome

[CTKGP09]

welcome to the forums, congrats on the clean car! pics!!

[KegerChris]

they do make a adapter kit for the steering controls i forget if crutchfield sells them or best buy does. but welcome

Cool... after much searching, I found one that "should" work. For 40 bucks, I hope it does!

[KegerChris]

Welcome to GPF. Thanks for serving, post up some pics and start a members ride thread.

I'll definitely take some pictures tomorrow and do that. Also, it was a pleasure to serve this great country. Your thanks is greatly appreciated.

[KegerChris]

Here's a quick pic... it snowed 13 inches over night, so... no new pics for a bit.

96GrandPrix_zpse54ebae3.jpg

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

Welcome I live on the west side of ya in Marysville!! Thanks for your service.

Just replaced my entire sound system you may like these, I also maintained steering wheel control and did a few other things.

Head Unit
Clarion CZ702 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Steering Wheel Control
Axxess ASWC Steering wheel control interface — connects your car's steering wheel audio controls to an aftermarket stereo at Crutchfield.com

And the cool shroud which is completely optional
Grand Prix 1992-2003 - $65.00 : Humount, Quality Mounting Brackets

Here is a pic of my setup.

[KegerChris]

Wife likes Alpine due to the simplicity. I agree, so we went with: Alpine CDE-HD137BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Got this steering wheel control adapter, cause it was one of the ones Crutchfield recommended... just got one cheaper: Pac SWI Jack Steering Wheel Control Interface for JVC Alpine Clarion Kenwood | eBay

Crutchfield provided the whole install kit and wiring adapter free as well as free shipping. I think I got a decent deal at $179 + 39 for the steering wheel controls. I really do like that install kit with the light-up lettering, can't beat free, though.

I'll post install pics in a week or so when the stuff comes in. Thanks a bunch for the advice, guys.


What I've been reading says that there's not really much for upgrading the 3.1. Anyone have anything to say to the contrary?