Dash Kit

First let's start with the radio dash kit. A radio dash kit will hold your aftermarket radio in place and cover the large opening left by the factory radio.

We sell 2 of them. The American International VW-K1017 and the Volkswagen 1K0 857 850 3X1

Volkswagen 1K0 857 850 3X1

This is the OEM factory radio dash kit offered by Volkswagen. It has a nicer fit and finish than the American International kit. But it is also much more expensive and does not work with the larger double din aftermarket radios.

American International VW-K1017

This is the best radio dash kit if you are installing an aftermarket double din radio or are looking for a cheaper version than the factory kit mentioned above. It can also be used to install 2 single din radios.

Antenna Adapter

The Metra 40-EU55 is the antenna adapter needed for your installation. It will convert the SMB connector behind you radio into the aftermarket standard on most aftermarket radios. (Blaupunkts are the only ones that come to mind that are different). It will also power the antenna amplifier in your car.

Radio Wiring Harness

The amplifier in your car will connect to your aftermarket radio just like a car with no amplifier. The amplifier takes "speaker level inputs" you will not need any special adapters or need to rewire the car.

We offer 2 radio harnesses. The Metra 70-9003 and the PAC C2R-VW

The Metra 70-9003 is the simple harness. It will give you all speaker wires, Constant +12V and Ground. Ignition and Illumination are handled by a computer system called Can-Bus therefore these wires are not present behind the radio. We get ignition from the fuse box and illumination from the the light switch. Or you can use the harness below.

The PAC C2R-VW is the same as the harness above but it has module attached the reads the Can-Bus and supplies the ignition and illumination wires. In addition if you are installing a navigation radio this interface will also supply Reverse signal, Park light signal, Vehicle speed signal and Parking brake outputs. Honestly the only reason to purchase the metra harness above is to save money.

Steering Wheel Control Adapters

If your car has steering wheel controls you can control your aftermarket radio from your steering wheel controls. Since your car has that pesky Can-Bus you will need 2 adapters.

The PAC Pacific Accessory Corporation SWI-CAN will translate Can-Bus signal from your steering wheel into a regular signal that the aftermarket radio steering wheel control interface adapter will understand.

Part 2. Now you have to choose the correct steering wheel control interface adapter from the list below.

PAC Pacific Accessory Corporation SWI-ECL2 - For Eclipse Radios

PAC Pacific Accessory Corporation SWI-JACK For JVC Alpine Clarion and KEnwood Radios

PAC Pacific Accessory Corporation SWI-PS For Pioneer and Sony Radios

Let us know if there is anything else we can add to this how to. Thanks for reading. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us. Christian. PS we are looking for write ups if anyone has them.