When Crutchfield's sales reps say only one will fit what they really mean is
that only one falls within their category of "easy fit".

What I did was pull out the old radio and measured the space available...
very carefully. The problem with fit is depth from dash surface to the back
of the hole... which is the back part of the dash... plastic, curved... so
measure the distance from both the top and bottom of the hole in the dash.

Then call Crutchfield again and ask for the EXACT measurements of the units.
(use the catalogue measurements to get you into the ballpark by eliminating
the ones that are obviously too deep and focusing on the ones that come
close). If the guy can't give you the exact measurements it means either he
is new and doesn't know how to access that information or he only wants the
easy sales... in either case call back and try another sales rep until you
get one that is more helpful.  Remember to allow room for the connector
plug.

I think some of the local auto stereo shops use face plates that act like
spacers to move give more depth but apparently Crutchfield does not dirty
their hands with that.. they only want to sell easy fits.

Through the above process I did get one that fit even though it was not
listed as a fit by Crutchfield.. but my model is discontinued.... It seems I
remember that generally the Blaupunkts fit better than other brands and may
have been the only ones with CDs that were shallow enough to fit.

Good Luck
Bill
90 Westy Syncro
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Baird <pactor@NCINTERNET.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, February 13, 2000 1:47 PM
Subject: WTB a new radio.....

>for my '85 Westy.  Just checked with Crutchfield's and they say they
>have only one that will fit.....a $99.00 special with few features.
>Surely, there must be other units that will fit.  I prefer an AM/FM CD
>or Cassette.  BTW, I checked the archives.....nada.
>
>Any suggestions would be appreciated...
>
>Phil in Bakersfield
>