play MP3s in a Vanagon? (without wireless tech.)

[epowell]

[elizer]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CRBA9D8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this. Works fine.

[epowell]

[Merian]

[epowell]

[kamzcab86]

My 2000 Jetta came with a cassette deck in the dash. I initially used an FM transmitter, but it was a royal PITA in and around large cities. Here in Phoenix and a radius of about 100 miles out, it's damn near impossible to get a clean, unused FM channel. I switched to a cassette adapter, which performed far, far better. As for audio quality, the Jetta had a high-quality sound system, which sounded pretty dang good to my non-audiophile ears.

My Vanagon and Cabriolet have modern head units that play digital tunes via USB, aux, or SD card. The Jetta was traded in for a new GTI, which VW finally got modern with.

If you wish to install a new head unit into your van, it most likely won't be a direct plug-and-play; you'll need a wiring harness adapter, which Sonic Electronix and other audio-specific retailers include with your purchase (Amazon and such might be a different story).
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[Jake de Villiers]

[epowell]

Well at $5 I might as well first try the cassette thingy... I am surprise that it seems like everyone here is either using the cassette thing or the FM thing.
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www.edwardpowell.com

[Jon_slider]

Your best option is to replace the stereo.

Crutchfield has a list of 1982 Vanagon compatible options, for example:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cpg/Digital-Media-Receivers.html

If you dont replace the stereo, these are other options:

In my 85 Westy with the Stock stereo, my cassette to Aux input adapter was not that good, I did not like hearing the Tape spin. That may say more about the quality of my stock radio, than the quality of the cassette.

I tried a wireless FM transmitter, but the sound quality would change when I drove in and out of different areas.

In my Jetta and Subaru, whose radios I did not want to swap out, I have had the most success, with Tranzit Link. Though I dont have it in a vanagon, I believe it would also work, but cant guarantee it.
http://isimple.com/catalog/install/IS7705

Tranzit is still an FM transmitter, but it is wired in directly to the back of the stereo AND it cuts off the FM antenna (switchable), and it plugs directly into my iPhone, thereby also keeping it charged without a need for an extra wire to the cigarette lighter.

If you dont use an iPhone, Tranzit also makes a version called Tranzit USB, that lets you plug in from a 3.5mm jack, or USB
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS32-Universal-Integration-Smartphones/dp/B004613FCE
_________________
My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco

[hopkin]

Here's what I did in my Beetle. I've been using it since May and I love it :

[silversync]

Many head units (older ones) have the controls built in for a 6 or 10 CD changer in the trunk. The head unit has a cable connection that goes to the CD changer. In my case, Kenwood, there is a cable available for purchase about $20.00 that connects to the CD changer function on the head unit and the other end is a plug for the audio port in your favorite phone or iPod, etc. This of course has much cleaner sound than the cassette adapter or the FM transmitter adapter.

The audio jack however has less cleaner sound than bluetooth or a USB drive. But I have a cable in the glove compartment (hidden) or it can lay out on the floor for access. Good thing about this is that any device can connect, guest's phone for example.

Otherwise I agree with other writers, install a new head unit, $100 would do the job.
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Roland: '89 Syncro, '02 911 C4S, '10 Audi A4 Avant

[tjet]

Here's another option...

https://rediscoveradio.com

I have their "AM" version in my old Chevy pickup, part# RediRad AM/N. It still has the factory tube type radio.

[Stephenmarklay]