Date:         Tue, 14 Aug 2001 23:00:48 -0700
Reply-To:     Bruce Grove <bruce@BRUCEGROVE.CO.UK>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bruce Grove <bruce@BRUCEGROVE.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: new radio installation
Comments: To: marty <ricin@MEDIAONE.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Marty wrote:
> Hi, I just bought a new radio for my 85 GL. The present aftermarket radio
is
> not mounted at all (it just kind of sits in the opening, no face plate) or

The standard VW Heidleberg unit also just sits in the opening.  You need a
couple of pulling tools (or dexterity with a small screwdriver) to pull it
out.

> connected correctly (when I turn off the ignition the radio stays on until
I
> turn it off). I'm wondering if anyone with radio installation knowledge in

...and the standard wiring for the VW doesn't wire the radio through the
ignition, it's always live....

> the detroit, michigan area would be kind enough to help me install it
> (beer/soda, pizza/salad included), or if any of the all-knowing list
beings
> would send me some basic instructions. I'm planning on putting it
underneath
> the passenger seat once I get an opening cut. I know how to connect/run
> wires and I'll also be replacing the door speakers. What I'm wondering is
> where should the radio power be properly connected to under the dash?
>

It sounds like it already is properly connected, but you want to wire it
like
other vehicles with ignition off.  For this the easiest way is to identify
something
in the fusebox that is only on when the ignition is on (e.g. headlights) and
piggy back a relay off the wire.  You can then run the original power cable
to the radio in one side of the relay and the other side of the relay goes
into
the stereo.

Bad ascii art of relay follows -
                                                             /
          Original radio power   ---------o/      o---------- Radio +ve in

         Wire taken off headlight ------ ^^^^^^^--------- Ground

If you've never done this before find someone who knows a little bit about
auto sparks to give you a hand.  I'[m in Califonia so not quite local enough
;-)

Bruce