Hello all,

I have just recently passed my driving test and I have bought a 1999 Octavia GLXI.

Unfortunately, the head unit is a crummy old tape deck. I would like to replace this with a CD/Mp3 player head unit.

Being my first car I am a bit cautious as to how I would go about replacing the head unit. I have researched on this forum and I believe I need some sort of wiring harness?

I am quite technically savvy (at least with computer hardware) but I would like to attempt my own installation rather than pay for it to be installed.

Would anybody be kind enough to give me a heads up on the adapters and such that I will require?

Thanks in advance!

Should just be a case of unplugging the factory unit and replace with a nice new one. I did have a multi plug left over, but this controls the muliti changer (VRS). Which i am not using. (got a cd head unit with a usb port to plug in my mp3 player)

If you do find you need an adaptor (will probably need one for the aerial any way) just get yourself down to somewhere like Halfrauds and they sould be able to help.

James

You'll need a set of keys to remove the old head, and may need an adapter harness. Any competent car audio specialist, or maybe even Halfrauds, should be able to help with exactly what you need once you've selected a head unit (and might lend you the keys to get the old head out).

Also check inside the LH rear wing; a GLXi may already have a 6-disc stacker fitted. Certainly my Elegance (same place in range, but post-facelift) has radio cassette head and a stacker as standard.

i have a GLX, i assume that you have the same radio, Grundig MS201. to get it out you need a wire coat hanger.

Cut it into two lengths and make U shapes. If you look top left and top left bottom left bottom right. there are holes. You need to stick your bent coat hanger into the holes in to pairs.

You need to push it a fair way in there are some clips that need to be released to allow the headunit to come out

pull the coathangers sideways (out horizontally) and then back the radio will come out.

At the back of the headunit are a couple of wires, one is the aerial and other (which is a pair) is the power/speakers.

There is also a metal cage that comes out, that gets replaced with a new one for the new head unit.

Fitting a new headunit isn't hard and doesn't need any adaptors, just sway the red and yellow wires over. The Alpine headunit i fitted yesterday came with the red and yellow wires with a connector in the middle which made swapping easy.

On my 1999 slx tdi a Sony unit fitted straight in using the original plugs/wiring. Admittedly this is a simple single slot CD/tuner unit. Sony's used to be original fit for Golfs so mine moved effortlessly from Golf to Octavia

Thank-you all for your help and prompt response.

Nice to find a friendly and useful forum.

I'll let you know how I get on!

Update!

Stereo fitted. Swapped the red/yellow wires around. All good.

However the aerial connection for the head unit (JVC KD-G431) requires a male (?) aerial connection.

Does anyone know what specific adapter I will need? Here's a photo of the cable in question.