David, Thanks for the heads up!!

Not so fine as a Sony, it's is a Sanyo ECD-T1443, CD/CD-R/RW/MP3 unit.
Has a fold-down, detachable front panel, Digital-AM/FM Stereo, 4
Channel-160 Watt Receiver, ISO mounting and removable trim ring,
Multi-colored vacuum flourescent display, and credit card type remote
control.

I hope it serves well. It's been a long time since I have had a car
radio. I'm going to enjoy this.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

David Marshall wrote:

>Almost sounds like the Sony MP-40 that I have - plays MP3s of the CD or the
>changers (if it is compatible with MP3), regular CDs, your standard radio
>stuff, removable flip down to insert the CD face plate and my favourite
>feature - a remote control so that I can be in bed and control the tunes.
>
>The installation of a radio in a Vanagon is straight forward - some people
>say there is a fitment problem, but I have never had an issue installing a
>Sony into any of my vehicles.  Wiring is straight forward except for one
>thing.  The original radio never had a 15 circuit (12V in the key on
>position) only a 30 circuit (12V constant).  Some radios don't like this as
>they will drain the battery as they don't really shut off until the key is
>removed from the ignition.  The Sony that I have has an "OFF" mode and an
>"OFF OFF" mode - push the off button and the radio turns off with the face
>plate still lit (great for seeing in an unlit westie by the way!) - if you
>hold the off button for 3 seconds the radio turns completely off.
>
>Anyhow - enjoy the tunes!
>
>David Marshall
>
>Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
>4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
>Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3
>
>http://www.fastforward.ca    mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
>Phone: (250) 992 7775        FAX: (250) 992 1160
>
>- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
>- Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
>- European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
>
>
>Due to the large volume of email  we  receive,  PLEASE  include  previous
>emails when responding.  This will allow us to read the complete dialogue
>in one message and will result in quicker and more  accurate  responses.
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
>Of John Rodgers
>Sent: June 15, 2003 8:34 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Father's Day - New Radio/MP3 - front panel removable
>
>
>Kids gave me a new toy for Fathers Day. I'm tickled as there has never
>been a working radio in my van. The existing one has no knobs, and I
>have wondered if someone tried to steal it before I bought the van.
>
>Anyhoo - A radio shop is going to install it as part of the gift package.
>
>I was wondering if there is  anything special  to watch out for during
>the installation. General cautions that need to be observed - like don't
>cut the dash, wiring conflicts, etc.  Things to do to avoid later
>conflicts with other work, etc, etc, etc.
>
>Any comments and recommends would be appreciated!!
>
>Thanks,
>
>John Rodgers
>88 GL Driver
>
>
>