Hi Folks.

Thinking of replacing the original Skoda-branded radio-cassette in my Felicia with something more modern so I can play CDs and plug in an MP3 player and USB sticks.

Looks like it needs standard keys to remove the unit.

Can anyone tell me what the connectors on the back of the unit are (what standard, if any?) and maybe a photo of same as well? I don't have any keys at the moment so may need to get some although I think many new stereos come with a set.

Would I need an adaptor to convert to a modern unit? What about the aerial connection?

Thanks for your help.

P.

I don t think you need any 'keys' to take out the radio (I didn't). You can easily touch the back of the radio (and look how the radio is connected as well), if you give it a push from behind, it will probably come out without any problem. Don t know whether you need an adapter.

I kept the old radio and used a cassette to mp3 converter. So MP3 is now possible (CD's and USB not off course)

I don t think you need any 'keys' to take out the radio (I didn't). You can easily touch the back of the radio (and look how the radio is connected as well), if you give it a push from behind, it will probably come out without any problem. Don t know whether you need an adapter.

I kept the old radio and used a cassette to mp3 converter. So MP3 is now possible (CD's and USB not off course)

Interesting - thanks Boney - I will give it a push. The radio has the usual extractor key holes in the fascia, that's what made me think it would need them to get it out.

P.

i recently replaced the original stereo and found that it pushed out so far but needed the keys for the full removal. Regarding the plugs....the arial and main plug simply fitted straight into the new head unit....no adaptors needed. I fiitec a Blaupunkt....not sure if othef makes will fit in the same way.

Good luck...

Thanks Chris. Been out and done it - bit of a faff to get the old unit out, even with a set of keys, as the clips had been bent by someone trying the same thing previously, I guess, but then the whole plastic carrier that takes the cage is only held in with two screws underneath - nice security!).

The helpful guys at Wilco North Walsham came to the rescue and soon I was equipped with a shiny new Kenwood unit with CD, USB and MP3 socket - looks and sounds good. And as you say the plugs were directly compatible so it went in easily.

The hardest part was getting the cigar lighter socket back in - spent ages fiddling with it until I realised it slots in, then it went in fine! Didn't really need to come out, just caught it with the plastic carrier when removing the old unit and out it popped - I think it's been out once or twice before by the look of it.

Anyone want an orginal Grundig Skoda unit I have one - but I am sure no-one does, unless someone's got a huge cassette collection and a severe case of nostalgia!

Incidentally, my stereo power connection is permanently on - anyone know how to alter the wiring so that it comes on when you turn on the ignition, with a permanent live to preserve settings? Just have to remember to turn the unit off when exiting the car otherwise - sounds impossible, but it can happen, especially if you're in a hurry!

P.

Hi ya, when I bought the pick up I replaced the original unit with a Sony Xplode, all relatively straightforward. Later I replaced the door speakers with some 2nd hand Xplode's. I've just upgraded again but to be fair on a budget. In the past week I've swapped the speakers over to 5" Bass Face and today popped a new Pioneer head unit in, mainly because the old Sony unit just wouldn't accept/load another CD when I'd popped the loaded one out! My arrangement is just a multi connector block and a separate aerial input. Fired up ok but despite auto & manual tuning still can't pick anything up on the radio. Strikes me as odd when the old Sony worked fine?

Mine has always been a direct connectivity and not interlinked to the ignition and yes I've drained the battery previously by leaving the unit on. Therefore a little more head scratching I think. Pleased to hear yours worked out