Date:         Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:50:09 -0500
Reply-To:     Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski <kupcinski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski <kupcinski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Need Recommendation: Audio System for 85 Vanagon
In-Reply-To:  <503A33BF.5080504@knology.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I recently installed an Alpine CDE-133BT, and I am quite happy with it. As others have mentioned, get the bracket out of the way, and most radios will fit. That being said, the clearance between the radio and the dash ventilation system might be a bit tight.

I originally wanted to put a Blaupunkt system in for the simple reason that I think they are some of the best looking radios on the market. Unfortunately, they are a) pricey and b) hard to find Stateside, so I decided to go with the Alpine. And the Alpine looks at home in the Vanagon dash, especially once you take a bit of fine steel wool and eliminate the smug chrome trim from the faceplate.

Plus (more importantly) the Alpine sounds good and works really well with my i-braininabox, which is where all my music resides nowadays. Coupled with a low-profile powered sub and it's downright symphonic, even at highway speeds.

Oh, and regardless, I also recommend Crutchfield. Very helpful sales folk who know their products or can get you answers if they don't.

-Jarrett