Aftermarket Stereo

[a_happier_me]

Firstly, I get so tired of listening to the radio, and my 2000 beetle doesn't have a cd changer. I have used an iPod in my previous cars almost exclusively.

Secondly, Ireland is very strict about cell phone usage while driving. Car-kits such as Parrot are allowed as long as you do not have the phone in your hand. There is a hefty fine, and points on your licence.

SOLUTION:

Alpine: CDE-102, with the KCE-433iV iPod connection.

This unit has a built in Parrot Bluetooth, iPod connection from the BACK of the unit, which means no visible cables out the front (I had my iPod connection run to the glove box, and keep it connected at all times), It has a 3.5mil jack and USB port in the front of the machine. Every thing is operated from the controls of the headunit. I do not have a CD Changer unit in my car, so by-passing that was not an issue. If you're going to change the headunit, you will also need a VW Beetle Facia Adaptor (part number varies with supplier)

The really cool part of all of this...the color sceme of the radio is blue and red...the exact same as the illumination of my dash!!

This may be of no interest to anyone but me...but just thought I'd share!

[warren]

sounds very nice...do you have any pics?

[a_happier_me]

Hi Warren, Here's a couple of pics after dark to show the illumination of the radio and also the dash to show the colors. I will get some pictures tomorrow during the daylight to show the actual headunit. They may not show very well in the dark in pictures...but it really is cool!!

[a_happier_me]

Pictures of the actual headunit...installed.

[_goREDgo_]

very nice i'm not sure if my kenwood has the outputs in the back but if it did, i'd totally run it through the glove box as well! its so much cleaner and aesthetically pleasing. my ugly white ipod cord is so annoying...