'96 850 Radio Questions

Messerschmitt101 · Post by **Messerschmitt101** » 04 Nov 2017, 15:43

Alright.
I own a '96 850.
I am wishing to change out the original (but not original) radio for one that has bluetooth and MP3 connectivity.

This is the radio I am eying: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-in-da ... Id=5723439

What kind of mounting kit do I need for this to work? Can I make my own?
What other recommendations do you have?

Post by **scot850** » 04 Nov 2017, 15:46

Check on Crutchfield's website. They have a lot of stuff on there, but being the age of the car, they may not have anything available.

Neil.

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 04 Nov 2017, 15:58

Definitely check out Crutchfield. I have done lots of cars with them and they give you everything. Correct fitting components, adapters so you don't have to cut original harness, instructions, kits when necessary, free lifetime help etc. Once on a 240 I was getting a buzzing from a RCA to line out part and when I called they sent a higher quality part for free which fixed the issue. On my kid's car we could not get the head unit to work. We checked the fuse then called them, guy said did you check the other fuse? "what other fuse?" They had more info then listed on fuse box!!

Messerschmitt101 · Post by **Messerschmitt101** » 04 Nov 2017, 16:10

I am pretty sure mine is a doulbe din if that helps out at all.

I do see that option in Crutchfield, I am looking there as I type this.

Messerschmitt101 · Post by **Messerschmitt101** » 04 Nov 2017, 16:13

Also, would you recommend ordering from Crutchfield? Or going to somewhere else?
I had never heard of them till today and am slightly weary (probably for no reason though)...

Post by **Roger_850T** » 04 Nov 2017, 18:48

I have used Crutchfield for years, and have always been very happy with them. I tend to not buy speakers from them, but through no fault of theirs - I want to listen to the speakers first. I've bought multiple radios from them, and will very likely buy my next radio from them also.

For your 850, the one that comes out will be a double-DIN unit. You can replace it with either another double-DIN unit, or you can also put in a single-DIN unit, then do something else with the other space. Some people get an adapter and fit some gauges there, others just get a little "pocket" or storage compartment or CD holder or something. There's a variety out there, you can choose your preference.

Your 850 won't need much of a mounting kit. Crutchfield will probably give you a wiring harness, that has wires to connect to the factory wiring on one end, and bare wires on the other. You will need to connect that "car wiring harness" with the "radio wiring harness" which comes with whatever radio you buy. That means connecting the battery to the battery, the speakers to the speakers, etc. If you are comfortable doing this, then you should have no problems.

Roger

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 04 Nov 2017, 21:38

+1 on using Crutchfield. They also have a useful support department if you have any questions before, during or after the sale.

Post by **scot850** » 05 Nov 2017, 11:50

Agreed on using Crutchfield. Always found them very helpful.

Neil.

Post by **dyn blin** » 06 Nov 2017, 20:58

Another vote for Crutchfield. Whether buying the unit and/or buying the needed equipement for installation.

As others have stated, service is top notch and they have a depth of knowledge on their support team to assist when needed. They also stock the supporting equipment you'll need, or can direct you where to get it.

However, bear in mind the P80 is close to, but not quite, double DIN. You'll likely need to file down the rails that supported the P80 head unit, and do some trim work on the new bezel to make it look correctly finished. Be sure to order the applicable Metra harness to make wiring streamlined.

I did a "good enough" job on my daughter's 850, but for my own 850, I didn't want to repeat the exercise and purchased a Bluetooth & USB unit from GROM. One nice thing about their kits is that most support firmware upgrades & the wiring is plug and play. Although not inexpensive, by the time you end up buying a head unit, wiring, bracket and installation time, it's a cheaper all-in cost.

I got to keep my killer retro cassett collection too!

tjkoyen · Post by **tjkoyen** » 07 Nov 2017, 10:06

I grabbed a Pioneer MVH-AV290BT double-din for my 850 and really like it. I bought on Amazon but Crutchfield has everything you need and are super helpful at getting you the right adapters/harnesses etc.

For a single-din setup you shouldn't need to modify anything but you'll probably want the little pocket/tray to fill the rest of the hole when you remove the double-din sized standard radio.