It's taken me a while but it's been worthwhile in the end. After all of this:

Help! - Head Unit replacement and Fuse Box SB 9?

, this,

Which cable to connect 'Dimmer Lead' to fuse box/light illumination

, this,

Where can I get a screw?

, and this,

Removing the centre console to retro-fit an audio cable

I've completed the installation of my new head unit, an Alpine iDA-X001 and a Nokia CR-39 mobile phone holder.

I decided not to feed the USB cable into the jumbo box but settled with a simple modification to the ashtray which now houses the USB/iPod plug. I had concerns over where to get a light switched 12V source but it turned out that the little light inside the ashtray could be used so I fed a (green) wire from that into the back of the head unit and it works a treat.

The AZO 600 003 conversation package comes with a black fascia frame which didn't match the rest of the vRS trim so I managed to get it sprayed silver and I think it looks excellent. It's slightly shinier than the original but not too 'bling'

Many thanks to all of you (especially VrStu) who have offered suggestions and advice on my numerous (and often silly) posts.

Here are some pictures of the completed installation. What do you think of it?

Looks very nice mate, good job! Sweet Alpine heat unit, in the words of Borat 'I like'! hehe.

Excellent job there mate

Out of curiosity, do you know if the CD changer is still usable or is it not possible with after market head units?

Excellent job there mate

Out of curiosity, do you know if the CD changer is still usable or is it not possible with after market head units?

No it's not unfortunately.

No it's not unfortunately.

This is true. I cannot use the Skoda CD changer with other head units but to be honest, it's not a big loss as I don't play CDs in my car any more.

Is it worth me keeping the Skoda Stream original car stereo? When I sell the car I may want to refit it. What is the resale value for the original unit?

Neat job; I've just fitted my Alpine unit but have only got the black fascia surround for now - it looks a bit drab. Waiting for my dealer to give me one that is painted.

I've done a simple mod for an AUX-in mp3 lead by just putting a hole in the back of the storage tray of the double DIN fitting and pulling the cable through from there. Mp3 player sits in the tray.

No; my OE CD changer doesn't work either; but with 120 mp3 tracks on one CD I'm not fussed!

congrats - finished article looks great - you must be chuffed to now have it in & sorted. I have a (slightly less wizzo..) Alpine head unit I am looking to fit into my vRS in exactly the same way, but the issue with finding a single din facia plate and facia surround that fills the gap fully/looks the business (ie is silver) is holding me back too. can I ask:

1) where did you get the facia surround which fills the gap (the one you sprayed silver and have fitted to the car)?

2) is the actual plastic unit you have fitted into the dash to hold the Alpine head unit the one that came with the

congrats - finished article looks great - you must be chuffed to now have it in & sorted. I have a (slightly less wizzo..) Alpine head unit I am looking to fit into my vRS in exactly the same way, but the issue with finding a single din facia plate and facia surround that fills the gap fully/looks the business (ie is silver) is holding me back too. can I ask:

1) where did you get the facia surround which fills the gap (the one you sprayed silver and have fitted to the car)?

Part of the Skoda kit - AZO 600 003. There are different kits depending on whether you have standard aircon controls or dual climate, which have the appropriate fascia surround.

2) is the actual plastic unit you have fitted into the dash to hold the Alpine head unit the one that came with the

That's right 'bahnstormer vrs'!

vRSFred > The AZO 600 003 contains everything you need and if you check the threads I listed at the top of my post, the first one lists my original thread which describes the conversion package and its '002' climate control derivative. I have photographs of the full kit (which I've since had to remove due to limited space) should you wish to see it.

Regarding,

3) did you spray the dash surround plate silver yourself? what type of paint/colour exactly did you use?

I spoke to my local dealer about the problem of the kit only coming with a black fascia surround frame. They have a nearby paint shop company that they use to retouch and spray things for them. I gave them the black fascia frame and they sprayed it for me within a few days.

I don't know the exact colour they used but it's close enough to the matt silver finish on the rest of the vRS trim. They sprayed it with two coats of paint and then lacquered it to prevent it from peeling. It didn't cost me a penny! Ask your local dealer if they can do the same for you.

I don't know the exact colour they used but it's close enough to the matt silver finish on the rest of the vRS trim. They sprayed it with two coats of paint and then lacquered it to prevent it from peeling. It didn't cost me a penny! Ask your local dealer if they can do the same for you.

You did well, I paid my dealer

great, thanks for the replies guys - very helpful. I will be off to my local dealer this weekend to see what they can do.

vRSFred

:bump: on this

How you finding the headunit? Tempted by one, I'll be honest. It might be the one to pull me away from the convenience of OEM, with the promise of fast and easy iPod control. The BT phone module seems good too, if a little pricey (