Thanks Loren. I appreciate your post on this.

It reminded me that my last Sony unit from Crutchfield for my
Vanagon technically did not fit the Vanagon according to Crutchfield's
specs.

In those days though, they listed the dimensions of all the units they sold
on their website and I measured and "thought" I could fit the unit which I
could.

I was just perusing Crutchfield this week and thinking "nothing fits the
Vanagon"?

But I'll give them a call with the model of my old Sony unit (CDX-4160) and
find the dimensions and what will fit. I too want to upgrade to a unit that
will
easily play tunes from my iPod.

I've used Crutchfield for years on all my cars and I recommend them too.
Even if they're a few bucks more than some other place they have a
well-informed
staff and the direct hook up/ adapter kit for all the cars I ever had.

Incidentally the link in your email to the Pioneer didn't work for me, but
maybe the problem is on my end. The link me to a page that said,
"No products match."

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 2:33 PM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:

>  RE: New Head Unit
> A couple of people have asked off list which Pioneer unit I ordered.  It's
> the first one, at the top of this page:
> <
>
> http://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/Car-Receivers.html?tp=5684#&nvpair=FFBrand|Pioneer
> >
> Two things to add.  First, I may exchange the one I ordered for one that is
> about $20 more but has a USB input on the from for my MP3 player.  What I
> have now is Aux input only and that doesn't keep the MP3 player charged
> like
> the USB connection would.
> Second, and I can't emphasize this enough, the best way to get the biggest
> improvement in the sound system in your Vanagon is to replace/upgrade the
> speakers!!  Newer head units that play CDs or will take input from an MP3
> player (or smart phone, etc.) are a convenience but the speakers are the
> key
> to better sound.
>