Basic stereo install?

slowsixtyduece · Post by **slowsixtyduece** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 5:27 pm

Tuckrbrook- if youre dash has been uncut, maybe you shouldnt hack it up. possibly put it in the glove box (you will probably have to cut the box) or hang it under the glove box. Whatever you like is what it comes down to. but if you put it in the dash, keep it clean and straight!! Or have a professional do it... good luck

tuckrbrook · Post by **tuckrbrook** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 11:07 pm

I just bought a 70 Beetle that has a stock AM radio. The speakers are gone and I'd like to replace the radio with a basic CD player (but probably with a removeable faceplate). Not looking for a loud system, just an adequate one. Will most any player fit in the dash hole? Would any speakers work for the front? I'm hoping that a short trip to Circuit City will take care of it. The generator is fairly new and I'm not anticipating converting it, if I don't really have to.
I hope these questions don't sound too dumb, but I'd like to keep the car as original as possible, but still be able to enjoy my favorite tunes.

CPRcubed · Post by **CPRcubed** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 11:28 pm

There are no dumb questions! Assuming the dash has not already been hacked previously, a current CD player will not fit without some modification to fit the "housing". I did this not too long ago and it's not hard, only time consuming using a paper template of the correct opening size, rotary files and hand files. That's if you want a "clean" opening. You can use other methods (cut and bend) if you don't mind a somewhat sloppier install (probably the way Circuit City will install). The stock generator will handle the system you describe. You can put the speakers in the bottom rear of the door panels (if the driver's side has the pocket), or bottom front with no pocket. You can also put them in kickpanels that go in the footwell up front (this is what I'll probably do. You should be able to run up to a 6.5" round for either. Cheers!

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1970 Bug (stock & rusted for now), 1994 F350 CC DRW PSD, 1971 Airstream. Life is good in Bear Valley Springs!

Post by **Marc** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 11:31 pm

I haven't found any in-dash CD player that would fit in the hole without opening it up a bit.

Check this out: http://www.vwinnovations.com/bug.html#bug_underdash

tuckrbrook · Post by **tuckrbrook** » Thu Sep 12, 2002 8:11 am

Thanks for the replies. I noticed in a VW catalog that they do make a CD player designed to fit in the original Beetle space, but it's a hefty sum. I will not hack the space to make room. I'll just have to adapt to talk radio until I can afford something better.