My radio sucks!

[punchbug-pa]

My '02 White Automatic 2.0 has the stock radio (non monsoon) in it that includes the cassette tape player. I don't know if I have a bad antenna connection, but even the close radio signals sound like they are 500 miles away - fuzzy and intermittent.

On top of that, my front drivers side door speaker doesn't play. I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'd rather pay someone to put a half decent radio in it. I'm not looking for a system that will rattle my brains with the obnoxious woofers. I just like to have decent music.

I looked on Crutchfield for radio systems and they say they include faceplates so that it will look 'normal'. Heck, even their instructions seem pretty straight forward.

So my questions:

1. Is there anyone in York, PA on this board that would like some extra money to install sound in my bug?

2. Has anyone dealt with Crutchfield for audio for their bug?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

PB-PA

[dnyed]

Lots of people have used Crutchfield. I recommend that you just go to Car Toys, Best Buy or something, shop and get some ideas.

Good luck to you!

[Zendrumdude]

Hey,

I had the exact same situation (although it was my passenger speak that was out). When the stereo install guys opened the door panel, the speaker magnet fell out onto the install bay floor! Seriously, these stock speakers are very poor paper cones.

If you're looking for ideas, I went with a Kenwood Excelon head, 4 Alpine S series 6 1/2 speakers, and left the factory windshield tweeters in. For about $500 installed, it sounds very very good, with really great iPod control options too. I later added a JL Audio 210 sub enclosure with a 600w Rockford Fosgate amp, which makes it a SMOKIN' system for the cash. Maybe overkill, but I love it.

Jer

[boogety boogety]

If you can remove the radio... and it's absurdly easy, if you have the radio removal tool or make your own... you can replace the radio yourself. Most stereo stores stock the adapter panel for our cars: Just get that and choose your radio, and the adapter plug if needed (our OEMs are ISO plugs), and half-an-hour later, your radio woes are over. The only unique thing about our NB radios is the faceplate.

We do have a powered antenna: If for whatever reason that becomes unhooked or unresponsive, then you'll have reception issues. Remove your radio first if you want to avoid buying a new one, and replace the powered antenna adapter first. That's a $15 buy instead of a $$$ new-radio buy. You'll be able to tell where it is: Follow the antenna plug out of the back of the radio to the gadget that has a blue or grey wire leading to a power lead. That's what you replace.

Search here for "powered antenna" and you'll probably find lots of info if that's something you consider first...