Ford Van Install....Help Please

Hello All,

I'm hoping someone could give me some advice.  I recently installed a new Panasonic (model CQ-DP103U) HU in my '87 Ford Econoline 250 van.  I didn't use a harness because the van doesn't have one.  So I wired the radio in the van by bridging the Switched 12v and the constant 12v wires and running a wire to those from the positive on the battery. So basically the key does not need to be in the ignition for the radio to turn on.   I would like to retro fit my van with a replacement OEM harness so I can wire the radio in properly.  My question is: what would be the best way for to go about tapping into the fuse box and wiring it properly so that the radio turns off when I turn my van off?  Also is there an advantage to using thicker speaker wire ( for example 14 gauge) to get better low end sound?  I'm not using an amp or a sub or anything.

All suggestions are welcome

I'd say no getting thicker speaker wire since you're not installing some crazy system, so the wire you have is probably good enough for the lower power your head unit puts out.  But if your wiring is getting old (housing cut, wiring oxidizing), then I'd say change it.

I think you can grab the switched 12v from anything else in your car that can only turn on when your ignition is on, air, power windows, etc.  Just look in a manual or the back of your fuse box cover and find the right fuse.  I know car stores, like pep boys, has this splitter type fuse thing they sell so you can easily splice into one of your fuse box lines.