Community Forums

Dolphinglenn · 10-09-2014, 10:05 AM

Anypone have any advice on replacing the original in-dash radio? Also, the original is not supported from behind which makes it vulnerable to rough road bouncing. Thoughts on this?

Firebug5 · 10-09-2014, 10:11 AM

I am tagging along with you, hope you do not mind. When attempting to do the same I found several of the clips that attach the radio unit to the dash were broken. Not sure where to find replacements. Are you just upgrading? Now we just wait for the experts.

96 Wideglide · 10-09-2014, 10:19 AM

When I replaced mine, there was a steel support strap going to a screw on the back of the unit. Mabe this was installed by a previous owner

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This was on a 2000 Dolphin F53.

sirpurrcival · 10-09-2014, 10:49 AM

I just replaced mine about 2 months ago.

The previous one was unsupported as well so I took this to suggest that supporting wasn't really required although I might still go back in and support it.

As far as general advice.
Tag the speaker leads so as to make it easier to identify which speaker you are dealing with a the time of connect. Touching a 9 volt battery to any lead will give you a brief static sound identifying what goes where.

Be prepared to make your own connections. The installed plug will not be the same as in the new unit.

If you are thinking about your CD player, I decided to scrap it. I put in a new head unit that has a USB port and MP3 capability. I now carry reams of music on one memory stick. No need for the CD's.

If money is not crucial. Consider getting a Bluetooth enabled Head Unit. You should be able to stream music directly from your bluetooth phone or IPAD as well as answer phone calls hands free.

This was an issue with the original wiring setup. When you turn off your cabin power, it used to completely wipe out all the station memories. That was because they fed the memory lead to power connected to the cabin. I instead ran that lead to the same feed for the cigarette lighter. Now if I turn off cabin power, I don't have to reset all my radio stations when I turn it back on again.

Theberrys · 10-09-2014, 06:24 PM

I replaced the one in my 1999 Tradewinds with a Sony 660BT. I added the metal strap that came with the radio for support at the back. The TomTom GPS is mounted on the side of the center console. The rear camera is now on the radio and I removed the old B&W monitor and built a drawer and a shelve for that hole.
I did have to enlarge the dash hole but a Mulit-Tool made short work of that.
Here are some pictures. https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=AE67F...057%213500&v=3

Clark Savage Jr · 10-11-2014, 05:52 PM

Talk to the good folks at Crutchfield Electronics

Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, LED TV

I've bought three radios from them now, one for the MH, one for my 'Vette and one for my truck. They will supply a plug adaptor kit and a dash mask to fit your opening. They will gladly talk to you on your cell phone as you are installing the new radio to make sure it's right. They are experts in helping you select the radio to purchase. Their prices are great, too.

I have no connection with them except being a happy repeat customer.

Dolphinglenn · 10-11-2014, 06:44 PM

Lots of help...Thank you.

Dolphinglenn · 10-11-2014, 06:54 PM

You did a super job...i appreciate the ideas.

Firebug5 · 10-11-2014, 07:03 PM

Thanks for letting me tag along on your thread, Dolphinglenn! I love this National RV forum, the folks here provide great info, usually with a ton of pictures, too. I have had lengthy telephone conversations with several of the members, too. I hope I can help some of you folks someday, too. Nice.

Bruce