Mk3 radio upgrade

[frogman]

Hi,
My standard Mk3 radio cassette has just died and am looking to fit a later model VW cd /mp3/head unit, as I like to keep it VW/original looking.
Is there anything that will fit a Mk3? (ie single din, plug & play)
cheers.

[VOLKSMAN]

You can use the mk4 radio Which is pretty much a cd player, you can't play mp3's but is a nice factory vw look. But if you want current technology Bluetooth, iPod Jack, and an all rounder mp3 player there are various systems out there but nothing that looks factory. It all depends on how much you want to spend. And don't forget digital radio as most new systems will need to be compatible.

If someone knows of an aftermaket system with all the fancies please feel free to mention some systems as Im in the need for one too.

[bboyskidz]

And don't forget digital radio as most new systems will need to be compatible.

considering there are only 2 or 3 digital stations nation wide (even then they are only available in the major cities) DAB+ is not really a neccessity. None of the headunit manufacturers have even considered starting production on DAB+ enabled products yet.

Go to a car audio place and just get a headunit that does what you want. Nothing looks factory anymore and unless you have a $1000+ headunit the likelihood of someone trying to steal it is getting less and less. it is too much of a hassle to worry about buying all of the connections for a stolen unit.

[rayray086]

Hi Rick. I remember Oli had fitted a headunit from a Transporter into his Mk3 before. It was single DIN and all that but had more of a modern look with red backing lights (to suit the Transporter dash I'm guessing). It was cool, but IMO didn't really suit the Mk3 - the only thing that made it look OEM was the VW logo.

It might be a better idea looking at aftermarket headunits. There are quite a few out there now that maintain an OEM-look, though it's hard trying to find one that use green backing lights. When I was out to buy a new headunit, I also had to have OEM-looks as well as I just hated the silver/chrome lining on some headunits. I went to Clarion and have now got a second unit which is also a Clarion. I've been happy with both and my second unit had a function to change the backing lights, so it has an OEM touch to it.

Just my 2c

[The_Hawk]

I installed this Pioneer:







As close to OEM look as I could find in the off the shelf alternatives. There is a new similar unit available now for about $300 or so (off the top of my head) which I keep thinking about upgraing to since it has full iPhone support

[frogman]

Thank you for the replies, and looks like the Pioneer type might the way to go.
Rick.

[Golf Loon]

Alpine stuff is a close match too and has white or green back lights.

[noom]

I have a cassette adaptor stuck in mine!

Is the pioneer one just plug and play?

How does one get the OEM one out? Do you have to stick something in the 4 holes at the corners?

[Tomahawk]

i ordered some keys off Ebay to fit the two slots to remove my OEM one and sought out a new JVC head unit. after waiting a month for the keys to arrive, then finding out they arent the right ones im just going to bite the bullet and take it to an auto elects.

i installed an aftermarket headunit (also JVC) in my old Ford Laser about a year ago, but im not sure what im dealing with exactly with the Mk3 so i'd rather leave it to someone who has more of an idea what they are doing haha.

[schoona]

Alpine stuff is a close match too and has white or green back lights.

And it's bloody good gear too!

[VOLKSMAN]

I installed this Pioneer:





As close to OEM look as I could find in the off the shelf alternatives. There is a new similar unit available now for about $300 or so (off the top of my head) which I keep thinking about upgraing to since it has full iPhone support

closest looking one so far, what is model number for that one?