Stereo Install Help

euromade · Samba Member Joined: September 14, 2007 Posts: 22

Hi,
I've installed a number of stereos in cars that were made in the 90 and newer. Now I have a 77 Super Beetle Convt.
What do I need to know, and more importantly where to tap in for the constant and switched power.
Thanks!!!
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1971 Super Beetle Convertible

Wolfgangdieter · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 4:14 pm Post subject:

Real easy on VW - fuse block is only 2 feet from radio. Use a cheap Volt Ohm Meter (VOM).
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CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

Froski · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 5:26 pm Post subject:

does anyone know offhand what size speaker fits in the dash
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69 standard

Cusser · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 5:37 pm Post subject:

euromade · Samba Member Joined: September 14, 2007 Posts: 22

Forgot to mention, I've purchased those kick panel speaker shells from jbugs.com....so I will be installing a "stereo". Just looking for some guidance as far as tapping into the power source.
Thanks!

Cusser · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 9:49 pm Post subject:

Kick panels are best choice, those weren't invented when I did my underdash 71 Super speakers.

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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

hellthorne · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 10:50 am Post subject: Re: Stereo Install Help

mondshine · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 11:47 am Post subject:

This is how the radio is wired in my '71 Super.
A standard Bosch type relay switches the power.
Once the ignition is switched on, the radio will continue to operate with the ignition switched off until the key is removed.
The door buzzer works as originally intended.
The separable connection illustrated can be found at the driver's side "A pillar", near the trunk hinge.

On the latest models, you may find that; instead of ground, you measure +12V at the gray/black wire coming from terminal SU of the ignition switch (after the ignition has been switched on, then off) with the key in. If so, wire it like this:

Good luck, Mondshine

Joel · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 1:26 pm Post subject:

It's strange how on some the SU terminal on the ignition is negative, yet on all of mine they have been postive and can run straight to the radio without the need for a relay
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Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
1974 Germanlook 1303 2.5 Suba-Beetle

mondshine · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 1:35 pm Post subject:

You're right Joel, sorry I left that out.
A relay might not be necessary, depending on the current draw of the radio, but I think it's better to protect the key contact in the ignition switch against switching a high current.
Best regards, Mondshine

Joel · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 1:43 pm Post subject:

The majority of headunits these days use the "memory" or constant power wire as the main power supply for the unit and just use the switched "ACC" wire as a trigger to turn it on so there's no real load there on the ignition switch of the vehicle.

Re. the SU terminal, I was just puzzled, maybe its an overseas thing as I've had this discussion before but mine the SU terminal which I think may only be marked S is 12 positive when the keys pushed in, not a negative one to the door switch like most US bugs seem to have.

All that happends on mine is the base of the key barrel pushes down on terminal 30 to create a circuit whenever the key is in.
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Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
1974 Germanlook 1303 2.5 Suba-Beetle

mondshine · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 3:04 pm Post subject:

I believe the system chanced to SU being +12V when the seat belt warning light was added.
I've never actually dissected an ignition switch to see how the SU contact is actually made.
Using the SU contact is the best way to listen to the radio with the key off.
You're probably right about modern head units, I'm using a Retrosound, but wiring through the relay would be a good idea for a period Blaupunkt, Becker, etc.
Anyway, hopefully the OP will get it sorted.

euromade · Samba Member Joined: September 14, 2007 Posts: 22

I'm about to install the speaker kick panel "shells".
On the driver's side of the vehicle and I found this "vent pipe" that goes from the "front trunk" and then it curves up and under the dash....
Is this a stock setup as it is in the way of the speaker kick panels only one the driver's side?

This is a 77 Super Convertible.
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1971 Super Beetle Convertible

Joel · Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:09 pm Post subject:

Nope not stock, its the ducting from dealer fitted A/C
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Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
1974 Germanlook 1303 2.5 Suba-Beetle

euromade · Samba Member Joined: September 14, 2007 Posts: 22

lupin..the..3rd · Samba Member Joined: December 28, 2009 Posts: 1800


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