Aftermarket radio install while keeping stock radio

[Dino]

So I just bought a JVC KD-HDR50 cd player for the Charger and will be using the Metro under dash kit to install it...under the dash.  Didn't see that one coming did you.  

I only briefly looked as to where to install it.  My first thought was right above the console but I may not be able to reach the floor heater rockers.  I could possibly mount it right under the ignition switch which would make it a bit more within reach but since the radio comes wiht a remote it may not be all that important.  Anyway I'll find a good spot.

I have not installed a radio in a long time so I want to ask you good folks to see if I'm planning this right or not.

I first disconnect the battery, find the spot I want to install, connect the black lead to the dash frame, red wire to the cigarette lighter wire but not sure what to do with the yellow wire.  I don't think I have any room in the fuse box left.....

Also, I am keeping my original am radio and dash speaker right where they are.  I  like the look and on occasion I like to turn it on for the nostalgic feel.  The new radio will be on for the majority of the time though.  I have some crappy 6x9 8 ohm speakers on the rear shelf someone installed who knows how long ago.  They will do for now, I hope.  I'll get a nice new set later and get some smaller speakers to mount under the dash.  For now I just need some music!

I do not plan on running both radios at the same time, but if I do accidentally turn on both I don't want to see smoke so what do I need to be aware of to avoid a catastrophe?

Last question:  The original antenna is hooked up to the am, I'm not changing that, but I don't want to add a second unless it's invisible.  I think my best bet is a window mount antenna but if someone can sugggest something better I'm all ears.

Edit:

The radio also has a wire that controls the panel lighting.  It's supposed to go to the light switch.  I assume there's two wires on the footswitch, does it matter which one I tap in to?

[Dino]

Can anyone shed some light on the wiring?

The metro tray did not work out, it's way to big.  I used two small angle brackets to mount the radio under the dash, right under the ignition switch.

I have the speaker wire in place, all I need to do is hook up the red, black and yellow wires and the wire that needs to go to the light switch but I'd like to hear from the experts here first on how to proceed.

I bouhgt two new 4 ohm 6x9's for the rear and I also got two 5 1/4 speakers I am hoping to mount under the dash.  I'm not sure if it'll work but if it does it should give me some decent sound.

[doctor4766]

Im pretty sure the yellow wire needs to be constant power to keep the pre sets in the steroe's memory.

[Dino]

Im pretty sure the yellow wire needs to be constant power to keep the pre sets in the steroe's memory.

You are correct.  I looked up the installation instructions and it shows tha the yellow wire indeed needs to have constant power.  Red is accessory. 

I assume I can hook the yellow wire to the cigarette lighter wire?  What do I do with the red?  Is that the one that gets power when you turn the ignition on?

[doctor4766]

The cigarette lighter should be switched off accessories so no don't hook it off there.
Use a test light to establish constant power somewhere for the yellow.

And yes to the Q about the red wire.

[b5blue]

I found this to be the best resource available...    www.bcae1.com   Take some time and check it out.   

[Dino]

Thank you gentlemen.  Great website there, bookamerked it for future ref.

I found the constant power and accessory at the fuse box so the radio works as it should.  I only installed the rear speakers and they work fine but the sound will no doubt drastically improve if I can find a spot for the front 5 1/4" speakers.  I can actually push them up under the dash easily so they would point down.  I think that would work fine soundwise but have no clue how I would attach the speakers.  Kickpanels won't work as the magnets are too thick, doorpanels would but I don't know if I want to go that route yet.

The one thing I couldn't figure out was where to hook up the wire that dims the radio light during night driving.  Then again I was installing this on a very sunny day so maybe I just couldn't see the subtle differences.

By the way, chrome console trim will blind you in a pinch.   

[Back N Black]

I installed my front speakers in the front air vents. thread link below.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,77097.0.html

[Dino]

I installed my front speakers in the front air vents. thread link below.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,77097.0.html

That is really cool!  Problem is I don't have that box on the passenger side, I just have a plastic cover under the glove box that covers up a hose.  Am I missing a part?