Aftermarket HU

[Franklin!]

Hey everyone, 1st post!

Just as a clarification i am a proud Mini Cooper S fan-boy

but my best friend got a 2003 bug, which i am pretty sure is the base model.
She wants to get a new stereo from stock. I have installed 4 systems before (97' and 98' corolla, 05' neon, and focus) most are just straightforward match the wires, solder, and your set.
So besides dash adapter for a single DIN, wire harness adapter, and antenna adapter is there anything else i need to know?

i have done littleresearch so far because i know how helpful some forums car be!

i know there are a lot more speakers+tweeter, do they have crossovers, or is the speaker wiring a little wacky?

Also where is a wire diagram for the car, and is there a how-to for removing the dash to get to the goodies of the stereo?

I am fairly skilled, but far from an expert.

[pm22071985]

Originally Posted by Franklin!

Hey everyone, 1st post!

Just as a clarification i am a proud Mini Cooper S fan-boy

I just added a cooper s to the stable. they are sweet !!

Originally Posted by Franklin!

most are just straight forward match the wires, solder, and your set.
So besides dash adapter for a single DIN, wire harness adapter, and antenna adapter is there anything else i need to know?

If you by the mounting kit from crutchfield or really any reputable store it includes the wiring harness adapter, antenna adapter, and gauge face surrond plates. They usually also include the radio removal tools (atleast my sets from crutchfield did).

If your using the wiring harness adapter you will not need to soder or strip anything.

You do not need to remove any parts of the dash to install the stereo.

Its nothing special compared to the previus cars you have installed a radio on.

good luck

[simonsi]

If the aftermarket HU is deeper than stock you may need to "adjust" the plastic bracket at the rear of the stereo aperture, I pushed out the two plastic rivet-type-connecters holding the plastic bit to the upper metal bit and then snapped the plastic bit off - works fine.

[Franklin!]

Thanks for the quick replies, sounds good.

@pm22071985:

I dont think there is any adapter that goes directly from VW to alpine thats where butt-connects or soldering comes in.. i have never seen that before.