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The Crutchfield Vehicle Research Team

Working hard to make your stereo installation easier

In a nutshell: No one else in the consumer electronics industry does the kind of stuff we do. That’s why no one else knows what we know. Here's a brief look at how Crutchfield's Vehicle Research Team makes your car stereo installation easier.

H

ere at Crutchfield, we've been selling car audio gear for over four decades now. For most of that time, we’ve been taking cars apart to find out what fits.

Way back when, we started by taking our own cars apart. We then started visiting junkyards in search of even more fit information. It was hot, dirty, and occasionally "snakey" work, but it was worth it.

Old school research

In the old days, our field research was often done in an actual field. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

In-depth research

We’ve come a long way since those days. Now, we have a dedicated research facility, access to a wide variety of current models, and a database of over 37,000 vehicles — and counting.

And that database isn’t just a list of makes and models. It’s an incredibly detailed collection of measurements, photos, footnotes, instructions, and the kind of knowledge that comes from doing the same work our customers are going to do later. No one else in the consumer electronics industry does the kind of stuff we do. That’s why no one else knows what we know.

Crutchfield vehicle research team

Step-by-step documentation

The process begins when the car rolls into our garage. There, veteran researchers Ben and Wayne get to work. Each step in the factory stereo removal process, from the dash to the doors to the rear of the vehicle, is documented with incredibly detailed notes and upwards of 400 photos.

Measuring dash opening.

Most car audio sites check the size of the radio and that's about it. These guys check the size of the radio, then they check the shape of the dash, the depth of each vehicle's radio cavity, and any possible obstructions in the cavity that might come into play when you try to install a new receiver. They also test the dash kits and wiring harness adapters that are needed to install your new stereo gear.

When it comes to speakers, they measure the cavities, but they also check several additional measurements, including mounting depth, mounting height, magnet diameter, cutout size, and exactly how they mount in each vehicle. That's why our website will sometimes say, "Nope, sorry, not gonna work." when other sites say, "Yeah, sure, it'll fit!"

Around 150 cars go through the full research process each year, and numerous others roll into the shop when the guys need to take a quick look at a factory system they haven't seen before. For a garage that doesn't do oil changes, it's an incredibly busy place.

Is all of this a little over-the-top? Maybe, but as the old saying goes, "Nothing succeeds like excess." Part of the reason for Crutchfield's success over the years has been our dedication to doing an incredible amount of research on the gear we sell. And yes, it is a bit excessive, we suppose, but it's what we do.

Lots of data, lots of benefits

The raw numbers are entered into our massive vehicle database, along with detailed footnotes that explain any issues that could arise when you try to install certain gear in certain vehicles.

All this info comes into play when you speak to a Crutchfield Advisor or enter your vehicle information into our Outfit My Car page. Instead of wading through a bunch of stuff that doesn't work, you’ll go straight to what fits your car. From there, it’s just a matter of using Crutchfield's shopping tools to choose the installation gear you need to install the new stereo components in your car.

If you have installation questions, you can contact our Tech Support team. These electronics experts can frequently refer to our database and find a photo of the exact area you're working on. When you need help, we know what you’re talking about, and we probably know what you’re looking at.

crutchfield stereo research

Here, Wayne checks out the vehicle's wiring (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Dedicated to the do-it-yourselfer

For most customers, the most tangible benefit of all this work can be seen in our custom vehicle disassembly guides. Created by Tom and Allen, car audio experts and Crutchfield veterans, each guide contains disassembly instructions, photos, wiring information, and even a tool list. They're sent via email with your order confirmation, so you can print out the sections you need, or pull up the info on your laptop or tablet in the garage.

MasterSheet on the seat.

Though the info they contain is priceless, these documents are still included free with car stereo and speaker purchases from Crutchfield. Or you can order one separately for $9.99.

Even with step-by-step instructions in hand, a lot of people are intimidated by the idea of “doing it themselves.” That’s why we created the Crutchfield Research Garage. This ever-growing collection of web articles gives you an honest assessment of what’s involved in replacing the stereo system in your car, truck, or SUV. If the job is easy, we’ll tell you all about it. But if it’s difficult or nearly impossible (rare, but it happens), we’ll tell you that, too. We want you to do it yourself and do it right, but we also want you to know what needs to be done.

An inside look at our vehicle research

In this short video, the vehicle researchers themselves explain what goes into creating our in-depth database and Crutchfield-only instructions. Between the two of them, they represent fifty years of Crutchfield's hands-on expertise!

Find out what fits your car

Thinking about new car stereo for your car? Visit our Outfit My Car page and see what's available.

  • Aaron Artis from Kalamazoo

    Posted on 10/2/2023

    I currently own Audi A6 2011 with bose. I'm reconnecting my tweeters an I need to know this. Right side tweeter has red tan wires. Which one is the positive color an which is the negative color

    Commenter image

    Crutchfield Writing Team from Crutchfield

    on 10/2/2023

    Aaron, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system.
  • Shawn from Central Florida

    Posted on 9/12/2023

    Your fit info for Chevy HHR 2010 1LT w/o Pioneer is partially incorrect. Sony DSX-GS80 DOES fit the Chevy HHR (most likely all years), there's a 1/4" plastic spacer that comes with the media player, if you put it on the cage, then put the cage in the Scosche GM1587B you get a little extra room behind the player for the wiring. It then fits perfectly in place.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 9/12/2023

    Shawn, Good info. We'll factor that in going forward. Thanks!
  • Dave Rick from WONEWOC

    Posted on 2/18/2022

    On one comment someplace someone said a person on other end of Bluetooth call could hear themselves echoing on their phone. What causes this and what can be done to stop this? I just purchased this radio with external mic. Does placement of mic help or not. Looking ahead of time to not have this problem. Sony XAV-AX5000

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 2/21/2022

    Dave, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. If you buy your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system.
  • Helder Vitorino from Fall River

    Posted on 11/2/2021

    I have a 2021cr-v exl i want to keep my stock radio all i need is what wires go to my speakers from the back of the radio

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 11/3/2021

    Helder, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
  • Raymond Dunne from Wheat Ridge

    Posted on 6/19/2021

    Just an FYI for the vehicle specific research team. I have a 2013 Nissan Rogue SV, NO SL badge, and I have the Bose premium sound system that your product finder tool only lists if we click "yes" as an answer to the "Do you see an SL badge here" question. I believe some of the Rogue Select and Special Editions also offered the Bose as an option and possibly even the mysterious "S" and KROM editions as well. I believe the only model that it wasn't an option offered on was the standard base model with no badge other than AWD if it was so equipped. I was looking into options for my SV and noticed that it was all standard equipment so I went back and clicked "yes" to the SL option and there's the Bose, but mine is NOT an SL. Could save some confusion if that option were done differently as many people are simply unaware of these things.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 6/21/2021

    Raymond, You are correct, sir! We've confirmed that info and made the necessary changes to our presentation. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
  • TONY SZALKIEWICZ from portland

    Posted on 6/10/2021

    I HAVE A CLARION CAR RADIO AND I'M LOST AS TO 1. WHAT CAR(S) DOES IT FIT? 2. INSTALLATION MANUAL? THANK YOU

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 6/11/2021

    Tony, That depends on which radio you have. There are a lot of Clarion radios out there, and depending on whether yours is a single-DIN (2" tall) or a double-DIN (4" tall), there are lots of vehicles that could theoretically house it. In most cases, you'll need a dash kit and a wiring harness adapter to make it all work, though. When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which radios fit your car (and possibly vice-versa), plus the correct harness. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
  • Jesse Foster from Winchester

    Posted on 6/1/2020

    I just want you to know that the Rockford Fosgate P16-S fit perfectly in my 2015 Jetta, no fender system, despite your research that says they don't. With the adapter brackets you provided the woofers for right in the door. Yeah the tweeter location has to be modified but that's almost always the case with replacing tweeters. A little hot glue or a backstrap and the tweeters are in. I put in two pairs of the Rockford Fosgate P16-S on my Jetta and I love it! I really am only writing this so other Jetta owners will have another option to choose from.

  • Josh Cowan from Gray

    Posted on 11/13/2019

    I have a jl audio 1000 and want to know what size and brand best fits the power it pushes out? I was thinking jl audio w7 12s but they are like 1000 a piece what about solo baric kicker 12s or 15s please let me know I am fixing to put them in a Escalade 15' so the box and speakers that hits hard and sounds good!

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 11/14/2019

    Josh, We can help with that. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
  • ebrahim from orlando

    Posted on 8/31/2019

    I have a 2017 Toyota Corolla SE and would like to know the speaker depth with the window down on the driver or passenger side door in the 6.5 speaker hole. Thank you

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 9/3/2019

    Ebrahim, The cavity depth is roughly 1-3/4". When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you can see all the speakers that fit your car. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
  • earl laurent from METAIRIE

    Posted on 6/1/2019

    i have a rockville rw10ca powered subwoofer an need to know if i have to buy a wire harness for the stock stereo it a 2006 toyota tundra without the jbl

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 6/3/2019

    Earl, We're not intimately familiar with that particular powered sub, but we're pretty sure you'll need an amp wiring kit for your installation. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.

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