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Old Radio/CD/Tape Combo

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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axlaxl
Posts: 34
Joined: 11 April 2011
Year and Model: S70 Base, 1998
Location: Brooklyn, NY

Old Radio/CD/Tape Combo

Post by axlaxl »

98 S70 with the gigantic combo CD/Tape/Radio which I am assuming was factory installed. I am a bit tired of listening to FM and quite honestly I have not owned a CD (let alone a tape) for about 4 years. Using my iPod through the tape adapter is awful.

I want to get a new unit but since the one installed is twice the size of a normal radio I'm not sure what my options are once the factory behemoth is pulled out.

1 - Is there some sort of tray or something that goes in the other half of the slot?

2 - How hard is it to pull this monstrosity out and install a new radio and "tray".

3 - What is the tray called other than "tray" and where would I get one?

4 - Any suggestions on inexpensive speakers. It has 8 speakers from what I can tell. 2 x dash, 2 x front doors, 2 x read doors, 2 x rear seats.

5 - Any suggestions on a low end radio that will be easy to install (ie no need to splice and match wires)?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

ojdorson
Posts: 322
Joined: 14 June 2010
Year and Model: 850R, 1996
Location: Chicago, IL
Been thanked: 3 times

Post by ojdorson »

If you're sure you want to just get a single din radio, read this link - http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/74 ... n-850-new/

Otherwise, look at double-din units. http://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/Car-Re ... Double@DIN

I highly recommend something with built-in Bluetooth calling, a usb port for your iPod, and I really like the Kenwood Excelon units for quality features.

zhenya
Posts: 588
Joined: 15 February 2008
Year and Model: 97 855 T5,98 V70 AWD
Location: Ithaca, NY

Post by zhenya »

Another option is to install a proper iPod adapter to the cd changer inputs. These work great - and while it may cost as much as a new radio, you retain the stock look (meaning it won't attract thieves) and simplicity (most aftermarket systems are ridiculously hard to use).

corradoandt5v70
Posts: 9
Joined: 3 May 2011
Year and Model: T5 v70 2001
Location: new hampshire

Post by corradoandt5v70 »

Try the SCOSCHE transmitter found in the automotive dept at wal-mart. It has no distortion like all the digital fm transmitters, It works great and is far cheaper than a new radio at only 15 dollars.

jblackburn
MVS Moderator
Posts: 14043
Joined: 8 June 2008
Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5
Location: Alexandria, VA
Has thanked: 9 times
Been thanked: 19 times

Post by jblackburn »

Whatever you do, PLEASE BUY A HARNESS and don't cut and splice things. It makes it a huge mess for owners to figure out afterwards.

The tape player/iPhone method works just fine for me :mrgreen:

I've always liked Alpines if you want to go aftermarket, though.
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500CDA105/ ... and|Alpine

The cubby is called a "dash pocket"
crutchfield.jpg
crutchfield.jpg (428.84 KiB) Viewed 814 times
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

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