Date:         Thu, 4 Jan 2001 01:58:09 -0500
Reply-To:     "Karl F. Bloss" <bloss@ENTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Karl F. Bloss" <bloss@ENTER.NET>
Subject:      Aiwa CD stereo option
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

While looking through the stereos at BestBuy in Pittsburgh, I used their in-
store computer to help me pick a single-CD in-dash receiver.  The alleged
maximum depth for a Vanagon is 6-1/4".

The sales guy helped me pick out the Aiwa CDC-X207 based on my requirements.
Its depth is 6-1/8" and it had the power range I wanted (45W X 4 channels).
Cost was about $150.

Installation was a breeze.  The stereo comes with a bezel that fits perfectly
into the factory slot and you just bend some tabs into place to get it to stay
there.  Removing the ashtray gives you easy access.  After that, you just slide
the unit in.  It could be fastened, but since it rests fairly securely at the
rear, I didn't bother.

The PO had put in an aftermarket cassette unit already, so I just used the
connectors he had put in, cut the old receiver ends off and soldered them to
the ones included with the Aiwa.  From there, it was plug and chug.

One caution that is already found in the archives regarding stereos:  The
Vanagon rear speakers use a common ground.  This is not acceptable for most
modern stereos.  You will need to run a separate ground wire; I plan to run all
new wires anyway and put an extra set in for a possible future amp lead.

Surprisingly, the factory front speakers don't sound too bad when you feed them
a decent amount of power.  However, the rear speakers have to go...  :-)

-Karl


Karl & Kristina Bloss - Trexlertown, PA
'87 Westy Weekender "Bev" - 201K Miles
'85 Westy Camper "Fred" - 44K Miles
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw - vanagon@makarov.com
PA/NJ/DE/MD area VW bus "group" http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/pavanagon