Replacing the OEM radio/CD unit

[mel72349]

Has anyone replaced their OEM (non-monsoon) radio/CD with an after-market unit?

Crutchfield has an adapter install kit for regular DIN units.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Qcea3yt...t.html?tp=3121

With the curved dash face, I'm a little skeptical about how it will look. Has anyone tried this? I'd appreciate any pics or suggestions.

[Tesla]

fits fine

[Lnzbug]

You can kinda see mine here. Not the best adapter but it works.

[macdave]

The American International VW-K1008 is the best one.

http://www.dpcauto.com/products/636

[OldSkoolVWLover]

Originally Posted by macdave

The American International VW-K1008 is the best one.

http://www.dpcauto.com/products/636

I can't tell from the pics, but this looks to be similar to the one we bought for the NB. The crutchfield kit wasn't proper so it is floating around my garage.

The ebay kit we got... flows with the dash and was easily smoothed into the dash.

[ChuckDubDub]

OldSkoolVWLover, Do you mind tossing off a link to an eBay auction that looks like the kit that worked well for you?

I see a bunch here for example.

Thanks!

Chuck

[OldSkoolVWLover]

I think this one is the same kit we used.... instead of having the sides that pop out to match the deck is runs smooth with the face of the dash.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VW-Volkswagen-Ne...3%3A1|294%3A50


We then plastic welded and filled the line and wraped the dash in suede..... so it looks factory, well kinda.

[ChuckDubDub]

So I've got the Crutchfield kit, which goes the full width of the DIN opening and fits into the "ear flaps" I guess you'd call them, on the side. My problem is that the unit as a whole won't "retain" in the dash but slides in and out. I'm not sure if that is a function of the adapter kit for the dash or the metal rectangle cage jacket thingy that goes around the radio.

[OldSkoolVWLover]

the tabs in the metal cage need to be folded outward (into the dash) with a small screw driver. This is what actually holds the deck in place, then the deck clicks into the cage. The deck should have come with "keys" to release it from the cage.

[Candyman]

The only draw back of the adapter is that even though they are black they are not the gel black and you can definetely tell the difference. Only way to make it look like it was made that way is to repaint you whole center console. It takes time but turns out great.

[OldSkoolVWLover]

Originally Posted by Candyman

The only draw back of the adapter is that even though they are black they are not the gel black and you can definetely tell the difference. Only way to make it look like it was made that way is to repaint you whole center console. It takes time but turns out great.

WERD! It really is the only proper way to go if you want to replace the stock deck.... we stuck with the stock deck for a LONG time until I gave in a decided to mod the whole damn dash, wife got some looks driving around with her whole car blown apart and the factory deck just sitting in that huge hole where the console should be. LOL