Planning out stereo, wish I were a ricer and knew this stuff. Okay not really!

[BC69]

Okay, I really dont know anything about stereos, I know the basic components I will need, but other than that, I just want a decent CD player, and dont need a whole lot of other stuff.
My hope is to get a nice system in my 69' without having to cut up any panels or anything. I have the Covan Dash which has a blank spot to put the head unit in, I can get an amp under the dash, a seat, or the trunk, wherever need be. And then how many speakers can you get in, four?
I have been looking around and there is a crazy amount of options, and for crazy amounts of money. I just want a decent CD player head unit, decent speakers, and I don't need subs or any of the other stuff. Just something for long cruises to shows an such.
What have you guys used in your cars? What companies do you recommend? What is the proper amount of equipment I am going to need?
This is gonna be stereo 101 for me, I wish I had friends who drove hondas!

BTW: I am at work, playing online talking about the stereo they are slowly paying for. This is one nice campus job!

Thanks
Tim