Thinking about buying the other half a CD player for her car for her birthday. Only problem is that we will be away on holiday in France, so I would like to fit it while we're away (so she gets it on her birthday)- does anybody know how difficult it is to fit one of these things?

I haven't got a clue, and don't want to leave her with a busted radio for the trip home and no birthday present!

Does your car already have a radio/cassette?
If so it should be fairly straightforward. You will need the tools to remove the existng unit. These are basically u-shaped pieces of wire bout 5 inches long available from a car accessories shop (£2ish) You will also require the wiring adaptor for the CD unit which is specific to the model of the car, this connects the existing wiring to the CD unit. Once the existing unit is removed, connect the new units wiring with the adaptor. The new unit should then just slot into the hole left by the existing unit. The new unit may come with its own cradle that slots into the existing hole.
If i can do it then anyone can!!
good luck.

Rudeboy's got it in one.

If you tell us the make of your car, whether it has the factory fitted stereo in and what make of stereo you're buying, can can determine exactly what connector you need.

Cheers for that - I might give it a go!

Now for the bad news, its a 1997 Daihatsu Charade: is it possible to get a wiring adaptor for these? A spare mirror cost me a fortune because they are so unusual!

TRW

worst case re:wiring is that you chop off the manufacturers adapator and wire in a universal one with some electricians blocks.
Only difficult bit might be identifying which wire is which.

Originally posted by TheRedWizard
Cheers for that - I might give it a go!

Now for the bad news, its a 1997 Daihatsu Charade: is it possible to get a wiring adaptor for these? A spare mirror cost me a fortune because they are so unusual!

TRW

According to my searching, you may need a PC2-17-4 adaptor:

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/acatalog/Product_Daihatsu_196.html

Halfords sell them:

http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=17280&type=0&cat=48

IMO: If you are needing to ask, get it fitted by somebody else.

If you do decide to fit yourself heres a few things to think about...

Removal tools: These may differ depending on the model of stereo to be removed.

Fascia plate: If the stereo to be removed is not of the standard size a Fascia plate may need to be fitted.

Wiring: Some of the wiring blocks look the same but aren't. I know the vauxhall blocks will fit straight into most replacement stereos but 2 of the wires need swapping round. This can be done by either an adaptor or a cut and swap. I beleive other makes have similar irregularities.

Our local car parts shop will fit them for about £20 (depending on what needs doing) if you buy the stereo from them. its cheper than a new wiring loom????


Suggestion: Have the Stereo fitted before you go as an early present then give her a selection of CDs to play on it on the day itself.....