Planning to change the stereo head unit as I`m fed up of the tinny standard stereo. Anyone know if there is a facia adaptor available for a MY03 Impreza to finish the job off ?

P.S. any tips for the job itself ( including fitting an autochanger ) most appreciated.

 

Hi.

From personal experience, this is my offering:

Fit a standard DIN unit in the top half and a Forester pocket in the bottom. The pockets come either open or with a spring loaded hinged lid. I have the one with the lid on and using the thin CD cases can get 5 CDRs with MP3s on in there. Loads of tunes :-)

There are several guides around, but it's dead easy really.

1. Open the cup holder and remove the 2 black screws
2. Slide the cup holder unit out (it comes out at an angle - to the left)
3. pull on the top of the facia around the radio and heater controls so it comes out just enough to get a finger or a screwdriver wrapped in a cloth behind it. Ease it out both sides but no more than a finger width as you don't want to break it!
4. Either disconnect the air sense tube or hang the facia down, wrapped in a cloth/towel (it marks easily!)
5. The radio is in a cage. There are 6 black screws holding it in, remove them and slide the cage out.
6. Disconnect the power/speaker connectors and the antenna plug.
7. Put an ad in ebay to flog the radio or rig it up with some old home speakers in your garage/shed on a suitable 12v PSU, i.e. an old CB radio one :-)
8. Fit your new head unit in the cage. Chop the Forester pocket about a bit so it fits (you'll see what I mean) and screw everything together.
9. Fit the autochanger lead to the head unit !!!
10. Depending on where you're going to fit the autochanger, run a FUSED power lead and the autochanger data lead down the passenger side of the car under the trim. It all comes off fairly easily so there's no exuse for just stuffing it under the trim.... Do it properly and ensure you fuse at the correct rating and wrap the power lead to other cables every 6" max. Do not use tie-wraps etc as vibration can eventually chafe the leads; use electrical tape.
11. Fitting the autochanger is a case of prsonal preference. It can go in the glove compartment (some are small enough), under the passenger seat (be careful not to damage or foul any of the pyrotechnics gear under there) or in the boot. Wherever you put it, make sure when drilling holes there's nothing behind the panel you're butchering and that you have set the changer 'tilt' settings correctly.

You should seriously consider replacing the standard door speakers, especially the fronts, too. They are SOOOO bad it's untrue. When you take them out you'll find out one of the reasons how Subaru are able to make such a quick car for the price they do!!

It's a little more involved due to the very shallow mounting depth, but is easy if you know how to cut MDF (or buy a spacer) and can turn a screwdriver!!

Good luck!!!

Steve.

 

Also check the FAQ in the ICE section.

 

Thanks for your help. I`ve just picked up the ISO connector and will get on to Subaru about the pocket

 

just got the forrester pocket with the spring loaded flap from cheam autos tel no. 02083942263 - the part no is 66128SA000
hope this helps

rog

 

an old ford centre console/dash pocket fits perfect too