I've been pondering replacing the standard head unit (Symphony) on my fabia, and wandered down to Halfrauds today, found the one I wanted, a Kenwood KDC-W7031 as it's down to

Its a piece of **** to fit.

You need to use the kenwood release tool to remove the oem head unit. The cage will fit as I and many other have fitted aftermarket head units. But you do need to buy a suround from autoleads or your skoda dealer. This is to fill in the gap left by the 1Din head unit.

Have you tried www.mcs-direct.co.uk for prices?

Thanks for replying,

Halfrauds said that when they tried to fit the cage, they couldn't secure it because of the plastic, hence the unit could be pulled out.

I'll have to get the tools to remove my skoda one, and see what the problem is.

They are cowboys mate, trust me from personal expereince and having a mate working there, the stories I heard

edit: I suppose thats a bit unfair I am sure not all stores are bad

I have just fitted a JVC Dab head unit and aerial, it was much easier than I expected, I just removed the vent above the stereo and that was enough to ensure the wiring was not trapped as I shoved the new one in which fits tight as you like and no rattles! Sound quality is sooo much better.

I've just been to a different Halfrauds and the guy there seemed a bit more clued up.

He said that 2004 was the changeover year and they went to the new style head units, saying that it was the same unit as the passat etc.

They didn't have a removal key for it, but he said if I could get the stereo out then re-fitting a new one should be easy enough, depending on if it's an ISO connector or not.

The next problem is how do I get the original out, are the keys available from the dealer etc, as I will need them back at halfords etc.

I'm not sure if the skoda keys are universal, the slot is 6mm high by about 1mm wide if that's any help.

I've seen the skoda key's for about

Can you ask your dealer to remove the head unit for you? Also would you need the keys to put another stereo in. I thought you didnt need them once the head unit was removed, but am only assuming and could be wrong

:eek: DONT GO TO HALFORDS!!! :eek:

Its the equivalent of Buying a Jag and getting it serviced at a FIAT garage

Go to a kosher ICE Shop and get it fitted by a professional who knows what hes doing !!

Looks like a saturday morning job then, anyone know a reputable one in Leeds?

Sometimes main dealers aren't as good as people think, it took my local dealer at least 3 times to get a replacement rear bumper that wasn't damaged!, along with not cancelling my service indicator and not fitting the cruise control properly :thumbdwn:

Can you ask your dealer to remove the head unit for you? Also would you need the keys to put another stereo in. I thought you didnt need them once the head unit was removed, but am only assuming and could be wrong

Only need them to remove it NOT to refit

I know the keys are not needed for re-fitting, but I didn't want to have the unit loose until I had time to get to halfrauds etc, so I'd need the keys to remove the stereo for halfrauds.

Thinking more about what people have said, I'll give halfrauds a miss, and try to find a good specialist nearby.

I've got about

If you can get the old radio out (got my HU keys from Halfords for about

Thanks everyone for the advise, I'll steer clear from Halfrauds. I was only really looking at Halfrauds because they have a reasonable range, and offer free fitting which would save me messing about.

I'll find a specialist who know's what they're doing.

Either that, or I'll fit it myself! :bonk:

Another online shop is Car Audio Direct. Saved me

I've just been to a different Halfrauds and the guy there seemed a bit more clued up.

He said that 2004 was the changeover year and they went to the new style head units' date=' saying that it was the same unit as the passat etc.

They didn't have a removal key for it, but he said if I could get the stereo out then re-fitting a new one should be easy enough, depending on if it's an ISO connector or not.

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Changover year :confused:

same unit as the passat :confused:

removal tool :confused: Its a kenwood one.

Really dont go to halfords.

I followed someones idea (someone on here) to remove my origional H/U - junior hacksaw blade snapped in half then rubbed onto a stone to blunt it - lovely fit

The connector is an ISO block so the Kenwood plugs straight in (you may have to swap the permanent and switched leads over - you'll know if you do as when the unit is turned off you'll loose the preset stations)

Go to the local Skoda dealer to get the adapter piece as when an aftermarket stereo is fitted there will be a small gap above 9the standard unit is bigger than an aftermarket one), this costs