VW Audio

9 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 25 Aug 2007, 11:28 pm

#608484

I have a Caravelle which was previously owned by the much maligned Breatheren, so what you might say other than it does not have a radio/cd player.

I want to put a cd/sterio/music machine in it, however, the local VW dealer tells me to go to Strathfield Car Radio. The problem is that the twin 16 plug adaptors that are in the audio recess are not compatible with aftermarket units and therefore require wiring by someone more capable than me.

The question: Does anyone know where I can locate either
a. a good vw wrecker with a decent OEM VW CD player or,
b. a manufucturer of aftermarket adaptors to the VW audio harness. (I understand VW, Audi and Merc are the same).

I look forward to your response...

BASHOdi Wolfsburg Wizard

441 posts · joined Nov 2006 · 26 Aug 2007, 7:46 am

#608493

Try AERPRO they do head unit adapter harnesssssssses aaarrggghhhhh --connector thingos.

schardenfreud Learner Dubber

9 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 28 Aug 2007, 4:04 pm

#608945

Thanks BASHOdi,
I stupidly believed the gentlemen at the audio shop when they told me they would have to hard wire into the existing harness (for a small fee of course). I have checked AERPRO and find that they have harnesses for Golf and Beetle Early Models in the years I am looking for. If anyone wants to put an aftermarket Sterio in their VW try the link below to see if they have something to make the installation a little easier. I will keep you informed if I am successful.
Cheers

http://www.aerpro.com.au/vrg.php

Revz
VW Caravelle TDi, Pug 306, 406 HDI, GSXR1100
'Virtue never tested is no virtue at all' - B Bragg

57oval Officially Full-On Dubber

305 posts · joined Oct 2006 · 28 Aug 2007, 6:38 pm

#608980

Just check the acc and 12v permanant wires might be swap around on the aftermarket harness. I can also wire it in for you in u have problems.

schardenfreud Learner Dubber

9 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 30 Aug 2007, 11:04 pm

#609453

I just received an email from Aerpro (TDJ Australia Pty Ltd stating that the APP8 series plugs will fit my vehicle. I will place another post if I encounter any problems when I get around to installing a new music machine

Revz
VW Caravelle TDi, Pug 306, 406 HDI, GSXR1100
'Virtue never tested is no virtue at all' - B Bragg

schardenfreud Learner Dubber

9 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 10 Sep 2007, 5:45 pm

#611272

I had an interesting conversation with a fellow from the Denlo Group in Granville (NSW) recently.
- Apparently EUROVOX is the stndard fit audio system for my vehicle.
- Unfortunately EUROVOX has gone out of business.
- The original replacement was listed at around the $1700 mark and can now only be found at wreckers for considerably less, yet considerably more than one would want to pay for a second hand unit, ease of installation notwithstanding. Consequently it is looking more and more like a new Sony/Kenwood/Pioneer with Aerpro connectors.

Revz
VW Caravelle TDi, Pug 306, 406 HDI, GSXR1100
'Virtue never tested is no virtue at all' - B Bragg

Rota_Motor

Former member · 10 Sep 2007, 10:24 pm

#611350

I'm a mechanic in a used car yard, and due to the (lack of) care and sympathy the local indigenous community show to their vehicles, we often have to fit new head units to the used cars.

I always seem to get the job, and up until recently, I was installing the head units by finding a wiring diagram (it got to the point where I have colours and locations for toyota plugs written on a piece of paper in my toolbox), finding the correct wires and matching them up to the loom supplied with the head unit then splicing them into the loom (leaving the factory connectors intact if ever anyone wanted to go back to a standard system)

the other day I was fitting a radio to a hilux, and had to find a short right angle aerial adapter - another story, while at the car audio shop, I grabbed an aerpro kit, plugged it in, and it worked perfectly straight away, less money to buy the loom than it was for my labour to splice into the original wiring.

basically I wouldnt hesitate to use one again because I had no problems at all, the plugs fitted properly, and the wiring was correct (although I did check to be sure)

phantomeureka Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2007 · 22 Sep 2007, 6:18 pm

#613298

How much do they cost?? i need one for my headunit

Rota_Motor

Former member · 23 Sep 2007, 7:34 pm

#613429

the price up here for a toyota adapter loom was $12 from memory.

I have definitely converted our workshop over to buying these plug in looms, costs less than my labour to hardwire it in.

schardenfreud Learner Dubber

9 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 24 Sep 2007, 12:06 am

#613472

I finally bit the bullet and had a Sony system installed in the Caravelle. The install cost was $50. I crunched some numbers and figured that since it would cost me $20 for the Aerpro AP8 series connector and another $10 for the aerial connector I would be better off paying someone else what turned out to be be only $20 more than it would have cost me to do it myself. Sorry for such an anti-climax, however, I now have sound for my kidz to listen to nursery rhymes (good investment eh).

Revz
VW Caravelle TDi, Pug 306, 406 HDI, GSXR1100
'Virtue never tested is no virtue at all' - B Bragg

phantomeureka Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2007 · 24 Sep 2007, 7:43 pm

#613587

Would the harness fit onto a 1968 type 1? On the aerpro website there is 70's & up but no 68 🙁

schardenfreud Learner Dubber

9 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 24 Sep 2007, 10:31 pm

#613619

Contact Aerpro (number on their website) and email them with your question. The Caravelle was not on their website yet they were able to set me straight. Good luck.

Revz
VW Caravelle TDi, Pug 306, 406 HDI, GSXR1100
'Virtue never tested is no virtue at all' - B Bragg

Rota_Motor

Former member · 30 Sep 2007, 11:51 am

#614319

phantomeureka wrote:Would the harness fit onto a 1968 type 1? On the aerpro website there is 70's & up but no 68 🙁

what are the chances that a 1968 type 1 left the factory with a radio? let alone a radio with a memory backup wire??

easiest way to fit a radio to something that olds would just be to use the loom that comes with the head unit, and then find a power, ignition power, and make an earth.
well, considering the age of the vehicle, and the probable condition of the wiring, I'd run a new wire from the battery for the constant power, and a terminal direct to earth, along with probing the wiring for an ignition feed to switch the unit on and off with the key.