I have a 94 Volvo 850. It just has the stock am/fm cassette with cd changer controls but no cd player. I really want a new stereo for the car with a cd player, but I want to be able to do it myself. I looked into OEM cd players for the car, but at $200+ on ebay, that's a no go. I've seen some good ones on craigslist, but they aren't large enough to fill the entire area that my current one takes up. What can of mounting equipment and such do I need to install a normal, "modern" cd player in my car?

 

1. You can buy a Single Din Headunit.

2. To fill in the extra place you buy a metra pocket.

 

I have an after market Alpine deck in mine right now and love it. You can find an after market radio for very cheap. You will need a "pocket" I think its called, which is about $20. And you will also need a wiring harness for volvo. That will also cost about $20. All I did to install it was plug the wires up and shove it in there. I have heard that if you put the pocket on the top the radio will fit better. I have my radio on top and its been fine ever since I installed it.Hope this helps

 

So is the difference between a single DIN and a double DIN the size of the radio unit? I'm going to show my total lack of knowledge here and ask, What does DIN stand for anyway?

 

Don't know what DIN stands for, but a double-din is the size of the hole in your dash. A single DIN is 1/2 the size of the double, or the "standard" now. You CAN buy double DIN aftermarket radios if you want, but they are more than $200... Check crutchfield.com, put in your make, model & year and it will show you all your options.

 

Thanks.

 

If you just want it to be done right, get all the right parts, and get amazing (I've heard) customer support, use crutchfield. You will pay a little, little more, but it's worth it for the support.

I just bought from Crtuchfield, after entering my 850 (95) in there, the lowest end pioneer unit that does mp3 cds.

I added the pocket (Honda/Nissan), and the wiring harness, and total shipped was $130. Easy install, radio in the top and pocket (with thicket face) on the bottom, snapped in perfectly. Though installing the DIN in the top, expand the tabs before inserting it... you'll know what I mean when you do it (the cage). Though my cage came pre-attached to the radio (by accident), just had to slide it off. Install the cage, then the radio. =)

Can provide pics if needed (of finished install). The unit looked 'bad' on the outside, meaning ugly, but in the car, it looks right at home! =)

 

Youhave to understand that if you use Crutchfield, it will only show you the single DIN units. They won't supply the kit to install the unit if you get the DOUBLE DIN. Been there had that done to me. Hope it helps.

 

So I ended up going to Crutchfield. Just put in my year, make and model and it gave me a bunch of single din options. Right now free shipping and free install kit (harness, pocket, wiring). I thought I could do it cheaper, and I probably could, but this just seemed way easier and their customer support is great.