Definitely go aftermarket - you can get a very good setup for the cost of the OEM one.

 

The largest issue you'll run into is establishing an antenna for the radio, if you chose to do so.

 

I have 2 practically new OEM S2K complete antenna harness cables. I'll post some pics if needed.

 

Forget the antenna, unless you want to listen to the Radio or XM/Sirius. I say forget about it and get a deck with an iPod hook up and you are set I got the JVC KD-AVX77 w/ the built in bluetooth, now I either listne to my iPod or stream music throught the bluetooth with Pandora on my Blackberry Curve or Palm Pre.

 

^That to. I don't listen to radio nor do I have XM (although my HU is satellite ready). Satellite has its own antenna anyway.

 

looking at a manual for an Alpine IDA-x305,

you need

Constant 12 volts
Switched 12 volts
Ground
Illumination

you'd also need the connections for the speakers.
Left & right "+" and "-"

you should be able to grab constant and ignition from the fuse box, ground from any metal bolt, illumination from the gauge cluster. running speaker with through the rubber boots has been documented on the website.

i would get a radio that has an ipod connection, and forget about running an antenna

it shouldnt be that hard, just a lot of work

if you want the dash controls, thats a different story

 

As for the antenna, if you don't want to drill holes in your body, but need radio (some of us still like talk radio, even *gasp* AM!) There are some hidden antennas you can get. Here is one from a quick google search. I have no idea what it's quality is. http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Antenna-Motor...d/dp/B001QYSXAS

Put something like that under the convertible top tray or dash, and it shoudl be good enough for casual use.

 

As ungucpho said, you can get most of the functionality by going to the fusebox, as there isn't many wires you really "need." I'd grab the switched +12v from the fusebox, run a new wire to the battery w/ inline fuse for the power/constant +12v, and I'd bet there's a +12v switched illumination in the fusebox as well. Of course, you will need to run speaker wire, and mount tweeters (if you want components), but that isn't too bad/difficult. Much easier (and cheaper) than replacing the interior wiring harness imo.

 

Sounds like everyone is on the same page just go aftermarket

 

Ok I have a CR with the no radio or AC model.. Just go to a sound shop get an after market radio and speakers.. the head unit, satillete radio (since I didn't want them to drill in the body for a FM/AM antenna, speakers, and amp and all the wiring cost me $950 thats all alpine too. Then you as far as the door assembly goes, there are two screws that hold the door in, the spring and everything else are allready installed you just need :12 77256-S2A-003 LATCH part to make the door be push to open .. this part is missing and without it the door stays open.. hope this helps