No Matter How Good Your 1970s Chevy Truck Looks Since You Restored it and Slapped on that Set of Hostile Wheels, the am/ 8-Track Player has Got to Go

Stock stereos in new trucks are a whole lot better than what they offered in the past, but for the very latest features and the best possible sound quality, an aftermarket stereo system is something in which you may wish to invest.

This is especially true if you truck happens to be several years old. Because no matter how good your 1970s Chevy truck looks since you restored it and slapped on that set of Hostile wheels, the am/ 8-track player has got to go, even if you do own a box of 8-track tapes.

It wasn't all that long ago when you could just pull into a car audio shop and pick the system you wanted. You might then choose an amplifier and maybe some speakers. But things have become a little more complicated lately. Modern vehicles are complicated and have more integrated electronic systems, so you need to know what you are doing.

Set Goals

Before you stroll into your neighborhood auto stereo shop, do a little homework and get an idea of what you want or what you need. Many manufacturers will have guides to see what size systems and speakers will fit into your truck. It’s all too disappointing finding a stereo you really like only to discover it is not compatible with your truck.

Once you have determined what types of stereos will fit your truck, decide what you want. You might want some bass-thumping, showy stereo your friends will drool all over or you might be quite satisfied with something that is a little more low-key, yet offers exceptional sound quality.

The again, some of you will only desire the biggest, baddest speakers ever so you can crank your death metal for the public to hear.

Again, this is all up to you.

Fix a Budget

Any seasoned salesperson will try to get you to upgrade to the next level or get the more expensive speakers. Keep in mind, that you will have to pay for your stereo and other components to be installed in your truck, as well as other expenses that are sure to pop up. So keep all of that in mind when you are budgeting for your new stereo.

You have probably heard the old adage that you get what you pay for. This holds true when buying a truck stereo, a cheap stereo will sound cheap and you will be very disappointed. But on the flip side, you can spend $2,000 on a system that sounds as good as one that costs $10,000.

Listen Up

The best advice we can give is to test both the stereo and the speakers you want. So put your ears to work. The acoustics in demo rooms aren't the same as the acoustics in your truck, but it’s a good start.

Everyone hears sound in a different way and evaluating stereos and speakers is very subjective. You will be the one listening to music on your stereo, so go with what sounds good to you, not what the salesperson recommends or thinks is a good fit for you. Don’t be a chump.

When you have made the right choice, the music in your truck will sound as good as ever.