2003 262 radio upgrade
-
BoatSonMcgee
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2003 262 radio upgrade
Hey all! New to the forum! My dad recently purchased a 2003 Cobalt 262 and I've been trying to do research on what stereo he has so I can get him a new one with bluetooth ect. for Christmas. I haven't been able to find much more than I think it's a Sony, but I don't have dimensions as I haven't been down to see the boat yet. Would love your guys' help if possible on a recommended upgrade radio! Thanks in advance!
- AsLan7
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Re: 2003 262 radio upgrade
.
Hey BSM. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!
Great boat your dad has. We owned a 2002 262 at one time.
The original 262 models came with a Sony Xplod head unit. Those did not have Bluetooth connectivity back in 2003.
The Sony MEXM100BT is a good basic upgrade if you desire to just add Bluetooth functionality. Here it is on Amazon. It's basically plug and play with the old Sony. If you (or your dad) desire one with CD player ability with a little less functionality (but still Bluetooth connection) then the Sony MEX-M72BT will also work.
Here is a thread with pics on the Sony discussion.
.
If you want to go higher end the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN head unit is nice due to it's dedicated Subwoofer volume controls plus zone volume control if needed. Sub volume is a very convenient feature when playing music that contains various amounts of bass that needs adjusted at the Sub. The face is a little bigger though (still a single DIN) so make sure it fits in the glove box where your dad's unit is mounted. We actually installed this unit and RF remotes in our '05 263 and couldn't be happier.
Here is another thread with that RF discussion.
Others have used Fusion, JL Audio and Roswell which are also high end products.
Hopes this helps a little. Folks on the forum will chime in shortly. Any pics of this 262?
Again, welcome aboard mate!
.
Hey BSM. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!
Great boat your dad has. We owned a 2002 262 at one time.
The original 262 models came with a Sony Xplod head unit. Those did not have Bluetooth connectivity back in 2003.
The Sony MEXM100BT is a good basic upgrade if you desire to just add Bluetooth functionality. Here it is on Amazon. It's basically plug and play with the old Sony. If you (or your dad) desire one with CD player ability with a little less functionality (but still Bluetooth connection) then the Sony MEX-M72BT will also work.
Here is a thread with pics on the Sony discussion.
.
If you want to go higher end the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN head unit is nice due to it's dedicated Subwoofer volume controls plus zone volume control if needed. Sub volume is a very convenient feature when playing music that contains various amounts of bass that needs adjusted at the Sub. The face is a little bigger though (still a single DIN) so make sure it fits in the glove box where your dad's unit is mounted. We actually installed this unit and RF remotes in our '05 263 and couldn't be happier.
Here is another thread with that RF discussion.
Others have used Fusion, JL Audio and Roswell which are also high end products.
Hopes this helps a little. Folks on the forum will chime in shortly. Any pics of this 262?
Again, welcome aboard mate!
.
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2002 Cobalt 262
&
2005 Cobalt 263
496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
will fly for food
(CChat moderator)
&
2005 Cobalt 263
496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
will fly for food
(CChat moderator)
-
BoatSonMcgee
- Ensign

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Re: 2003 262 radio upgrade
You are a lifesaver AsLan! Thanks so much for the quick reply! I'm going to get my dad to sign up for the forum so that he can hang with all of you!!
- AsLan7
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Re: 2003 262 radio upgrade
.BoatSonMcgee wrote: Wed Dec 16, 2020 12:05 pm You are a lifesaver AsLan! Thanks so much for the quick reply! I'm going to get my dad to sign up for the forum so that he can hang with all of you!!
You’re welcome BSM....and thank you. It’s a team effort with great folks on the forum. All have different specialties and gifts with wisdom to pass on. I’m sure you and your dad are the same. We welcome both of you. Have him join!
Now how ‘bout that 262 pic.
.
2002 Cobalt 262
&
2005 Cobalt 263
496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
will fly for food
(CChat moderator)
&
2005 Cobalt 263
496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
will fly for food
(CChat moderator)
- Big Block Power
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Re: 2003 262 radio upgrade
What's your head unit budget?
I would agree go Sony and go with plug and play. Some of the old Sony had the large connector on the back where the new ones are small. But that's a easy conversion. A7 would know the match up though as he had both.
I didn't realize the 100BT didn't have a CD player though
I would agree go Sony and go with plug and play. Some of the old Sony had the large connector on the back where the new ones are small. But that's a easy conversion. A7 would know the match up though as he had both.
I didn't realize the 100BT didn't have a CD player though
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
- AsLan7
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Re: 2003 262 radio upgrade
.Big Block Power wrote: Wed Dec 16, 2020 8:51 pm What's your head unit budget?
I would agree go Sony and go with plug and play. Some of the old Sony had the large connector on the back where the new ones are small. But that's a easy conversion. A7 would know the match up though as he had both.
I didn't realize the 100BT didn't have a CD player though![]()
Ah, good catch BBP. CD player ability with both Sony head units! (for old school types.
.
2002 Cobalt 262
&
2005 Cobalt 263
496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
will fly for food
(CChat moderator)
&
2005 Cobalt 263
496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
will fly for food
(CChat moderator)
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: 2003 262 radio upgrade
I like the crisp sound from a CD. LolAsLan7 wrote: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:10 pm.Big Block Power wrote: Wed Dec 16, 2020 8:51 pm What's your head unit budget?
I would agree go Sony and go with plug and play. Some of the old Sony had the large connector on the back where the new ones are small. But that's a easy conversion. A7 would know the match up though as he had both.
I didn't realize the 100BT didn't have a CD player though![]()
Ah, good catch BBP. CD player ability with both Sony head units! (for old school types.)
.
Old school yes.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
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