I use a tape adapter for my mp3 player but the tape part of the radio has broken. (I think a motor went out) I don't really want to use an FM adapter as the tuner display went out.

I was able to take the whole thing out and it unplugs nicely (no cutting wires) but I haven't found an equivalent model around town. I'm looking at about $150 installed for the cheapest deck with an aux-in at best-buy. I kind of doubt it would be easy for me to install on my own.

I guess I'm looking for some model/form factor of am/fm radio/tape deck that would plug in like the current one? I could do some wire cutting if it's really necessary..I do have a soldering iron too if it comes down to it, I'm just not so handy with it.

Maybe there's a parts supplier that has them online? The only one i found was listed for $200(!!)

 

Nothing will just plug in unless a Volvo radio of the same approximate vintage... You'll have to cut into those wires to get another radio hooked up... Not hard, just snip, snip, splice, splice, but it'll help if you have at least a test light...

 

Don't cut up the wires in your car.Go to Crutchfield.com,they have install kits for every car made.If you buy your stereo from them,they will send the install kit for free.


Dan

 

If you're worried about cutting wires, go with the wiring adapter mentioned above me. It basically is the female end for the volvo radio and the male end for the new deck. Personally, I think that's an unnecessary cost for a simple task. All you have to do is find instructions on what each colour wire is for on the old harness, cut it, strip the plastic off a 1/4"-1/2" match it to the same function of wire on the new stereo's wiring harness (e.g. left speaker negative may be black with a blue stripe on the new one and just black on the old) do the same. Then you buy these little plastic and metal sleeves where you put an end from each in it. Then you squish it flat. That's it. And the wires will seem overwhelming at first but it's really quite basic. There will be two for each speaker (positive and negative) and maybe 2 or 3 for other odds and ends.Oh, and the antenna cable is a big black plug. Easy breezy, but a bit tedious. All you need is a good wire stripper, a pack of those sleeves (under $5), google to find the diagram for what each wire is for and if you want, ask the place you buy your parts from about a wire stripper with a crimper. It's not necessary but it helps wwith properly flattening the sleeves.