Date:         Wed, 24 Jan 2001 17:40:47 -0600
Reply-To:     TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Anthony Smola <TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM>
Subject:      cd changer installation
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Tip of the day

It is possible to install a six disc changer under the srivers seat.  There
is approx 3 inches of height available.  Check it out by flipping up the
flap behind and under the drivers seat and notice the gap under the seat and
the ledge. this is near the area where the spare battery would go. Look
carefully.....there is your secret stash or your new found place where you
can mount a cd changer.....6 disc only  I'm sure.

In order to do this right you will need to lremove the drivers seat and
rotating mechanism.  Next, lay out the dimensions of the cd changer with 1/8
inch of added dimension. This will allow easy installation and allow the
carpet to fold around the new opening.  Get a dremmel with a cutting disc to
cut a nice rectangle that represents the dimensions of the changer ( plus
1/8").
Be careful not to cut too low and go below the shelf that the cd changer is
suppossed to sit upon. It is better to cut too high and work down to the
shelf than to cut too low and ruin the job....Be careful

*******Before you start you must be able to figure out how to deal with the
captains chairs release rod.  This must be modified so that it drops in from
above into the slot and not from below under spring tension ( like original)
.  This is a must in order to give you the necessary clearance for the
changer.  You will need a vice a pair of vicegrips an engineering type mind
to manipulate and rebend the rod so that it will work.  I'll work on sending
some photos of my install.  It looks good and I can access the magazine
while driving.

When fitting the carpet, slit it like you would a little box of cereal. That
way the extra flap will have something to cling to when you use the 3M spray
adnhesive.  Lleave a couple of inches to flip around the rectangle you just
created to provide a nice folded lip of carpeting.

The wiring for this changer will follow the wires that are curerntly leading
to this area under the seat.  You will need to
create a new hole and save the grommet. Tape the cables down like the
originals in order not to interfere with the gas pedal area. That's
it......It takes some time but it's worth it.   You can always have a shop
install it this way for you.   Buy your changer on pricewatch.com or
pricescan.com for the best prices for your changer.

"All Rights Reserved"

Malibu Tony