us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

[ianwinter]

Apologies if this has been asked, but, I can't seem to find a good answer.

I've got a 57 plate 451 ForTwo Passion with a standard Radio 9 head unit. Have seen some decently priced Radio 10's on eBay from the states but know there are some issues with the radio frequencies. I've read a bunch of stuff but can't get a definitive answer. Can anyone here enlighten me?

There's also a Radio 9 mp3 about so the primary goal is mp3 disc ability and then replace the speakers, but, keen to find out about the head unit.

Thanks (& hello!)
Ian

[problemchild1976]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

hello and welcome.....

radio 9 (mp3) for sale for £100 if you fancy this one...

http://www.forfour.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=960.msg8039#msg8039

(not mine)

or why not go the whole double DIN with something cheap and cheerful like these... from £150 (DVD) or £200 (GPS) with a 2yr warranty??

http://www.xtrons.co.uk/2-DIN-car-dvd.Html

they were also doing free reversing cameras as well - may need a code. EDIT: need to go through their ebay motors store.

JJ

[ianwinter]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Thanks for that. Double DIN could be a nice option, do look nice.

Trying not spend too much and keep it stock (although I can keep the stock hu) so think a Radio 9 MKII (unless I can be sure on the 10) is going to be the way forward.

[problemchild1976]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

how cheap are the USA ones???

factor in delivery and import duty then DHL cost...

i bought an iphone case from usa on ebay, costs £9....paid £12 in duty and fees!!

JJ

[ianwinter]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Head unit + delivery is around $250 so about £160. Guess with fees, 20% + whatever going to be around £210.

On that logic a R9MP3 or double din unit is cheaper - the 6 disc thing is nice, but, guess that is really the only benefit.

[problemchild1976]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

i would think the guy with the R9 may move a bit on the price if you ask..... he has had it sitting around for a while and was going to fit it to his forfour but bought a touchscreen double din instead

no harm in asking

JJ

[lil.smartie]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

The std fitment stereo's in the Ford Mustangs work fine in the UK, we haven't had to alter them at all! Not sure on the Smarts ones but I think with FM the difference is one uses even numbered decimal 'steps' and the other uses odd numbered so not too dramatic, Japan ones use a different frequency band and don't work in the UK.

Kate

[ianwinter]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Thanks Kate. It's a risk unless I can find someone that's done it for certain, chap on eBay says it does but not sure. Kane over at evilution says no, inclined to trust him more.

JJ, might do that. (Edit: I've registered on the forum, just need to be approved then I'll ping him a message.)

[problemchild1976]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Approved - crazyG works weird work patterns so you may not get an RSVP straight away!

JJ

[ianwinter]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Sorted. Went and picked it up just now. Thanks!

[problemchild1976]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

No worries - glad to have helped

I understand he also sorted you out with a smartmods aux lead too??

JJ

[ianwinter]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Yeah, a female one. Will hopefully get it fitted this weekend. Now need to decide on what I do with speakers. I had a look at Kane's guide and I think I could do it, but, not sure if I want the hassle.

Dealer speaker upgrade would be good 'cause it's official and done by them but high price and not as good - but - not sure where I'd fit tweeters if I got a component set and a coax set would sound better but not as good. I'm not looking for audiophile quality - just a bit better.

Local place in Reading (John Kleis) quoted ~ 300-350 for parts and fitting of a coax set but that was over the phone without having them seen the car.

[problemchild1976]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Get components....

Mids in doors, tweeters on A-pillar or in corner (just stick them or they normally come with a mount and crossovers under dash) and a small powered sub behind the drivers seat.

It's all very easy. Sub will be hardest and make sure it can take a speaker input rather than RCA cables (don't think the radio9 has them)

JJ

[Evilution]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

US radio 10 almost certainly won't pick up important radio stations although you can bodge it with a frequency shifter box.
The US also doesn't have traffic announcements or RDS. In essence it is a dumbed down version of the Euro one. (hence why there are so many sold on and so few Euro ones for sale).

[madDan]

Re: us head unit in the uk (what works, what doesn't)?

Thought the US ones only had AM Country and Bible stations...............................