Here to say thanks for this video after all these years. Was having a hard time getting to my amplifier today, and this saved my ass. Much appreciated.
Recently replaced the stock radio in my 1989 244 with a Pioneer head unit, completely removed the old amp (it had loose connections anyways) and had to cut the wires leading into the radio as there was no plug on the OE radio. It's worlds better now even with the junky speakers the car came with.
Great video - thanks! I installed new stereo in my daughter's '92 Volvo wagon using exact same Metra kits. Factory amp was in same location so had to remove the center console as you described. As for the switch removal, I was able to disconnect them, move the switch and wires to the open area just below the array and reconnect them so I didn't have to label or remember what went where. I did have to modify the plastic bezel in order to get it to fit in the existing opening. Just a note: I have used the Metra kits on other installations, and your right that their instructions are lacking, but with a bit of intuitive thinking, you can usually figure it out. All in all, this was a great help!
I refurbished my 81 original stereo. Still works perfectly.. I installed a cassette adapter with audio cable to a cigarette lighter Bluetooth dongle. Now I Play all my Pandora through the stereo.. Keep it original...
I really enjoy watching your Volvo vids. Keep it up! I am in the process of working on a couple myself. I have a 92 245 that I have named "DA BRICK". It is currently being driven by my gf and she didn't like it at first but she loves it now. I also have a 78 242 GT that I bought as a parts car for my dads 80 242 GT.
Made yourself way more work than necessary, you can access the amp from the panels down the sides of the centre console without even disturbing the front
it sure looks sweet. I might be getting an 88 240 wagon with the M47 5-speed in it this friday. if I do you'll definitely be seeing more of me in your comments
The "Rem" terminal is for cars that have factory steering wheel or column remote controls for the stereo. You can get a connector pack that goes between the original car wiring and the stereo head unit so the stereo will work with the original remote controls. The connector pack you need will depend on what make and sometimes what model your stereo head unit is...
Thanks for the video. The previous owner of my 89 245DL installed a similar head unit into the lower cubby as the upper area is filled with gauges. I need new speakers as well. (BUZZZ)
David,. im about to install a Alpine CDE-172bt in my 1993 Volvo wagon, Would you be so kind as to let me know what harness you are using and the LEDs light bulbs? thanks
So to get set up you need your new radio unit the metro kit and the 10-1120 amplifier bypass wiring kit? I've never done this before so I'm just making sure I have all the right ingredients.
Hi , I had a Volvo 244 gl. And I am having a problem. Is the speedometer gauge there had a poor light. I hope to install a led stripes on it. But I could not install properly. Can you made a video on how to mod led stripes on old Volvo gauge?
David Bello You could probably get a few bucks if you sell the original speakers when you replace, I have a -87 Volvo 740 with the factory high end stereo system and that goes for around 200 dollars here in Sweden.
Yes, the antenna power was easy to remove, but you didn't show how to remove the hard plastic connector with the speaker wires., from the unit, when I want to pull the radio out. It feels like I am going to break it.
Hey I love your videos. They've helped me lots actually. I'm upgrading the stereo on my 89 wagon. I just wanna know what these brown and yellow wires I unplugged from the original tapedeck are? On the original stereo they are labeled DIM and RHED. I can't find this info anywhere..... all your stereo vids are great but are all on a newer version than mine is. Lemme know if you know. Thanks ❤️✌️✨Katie
Did you have much luck upgrading the stereo? I'm trying to change out mine in my 89 Wagon but am having trouble figuring things out. What wiring harness did you use/steps did you take in replacing it? I followed instructions with a harness I got from eBay but think I must have the wrong one as it didn't work at all after trying to install it.
Huh I thought the amp was behind the glove box. I'm 99% sure I saw mine there when I changed the wiper motor. Regardless, when I do get around to putting the new stereo in I'm going to build a custom box for a 10in sub in the passenger side storage cubby in the trunk, opposite of the spare tire. Not sure about speakers yet, I don't want to mess with the door panels but there's not many other locations.
I have a 1983 Volvo 240, and I recently put a new stereo in it. However, when I removed the center console and unplugged all of the wiring I didn't take good enough pictures and I don't know how to put the right wiring back on the ac thermostat. Does anyone have a picture of an early 80's 240 center console ac thermostat wiring so I can plug it back in correctly?
I have a 87' 240GL... Does it have a factory amp? I didn't see a plug for one behind the back of the head unit itself and I don't want to take the whole dash apart to find out
how many wires are coming out of the head unit? if there is an amp the radio will only have a few wires and all the help speaker wires will be coming out of the amp
+David Bello I'm going to check again tomorrow at some point but I do remember seeing a ground wire physically screwed on to the back on the head unit, the antenna and a harness with maybe 8-10 wires on it but I am going to double check again tomorrow because I'm unsure
+David Bello because It's different from yours, theirs the antenna wire, a harness with multi colored wires and then then a plug with a cap on it that's not plugged in to something but it looks as if it could be. Then theirs a actually ground wire screwed on to the back its odd
Essentially, it saves the trouble of cutting and splicing at the amp output connector. If you want to run the wires yourself, then you don't need to. Otherwise it is plug and play, where you don't need to cut any OEM connectors
Dude no way that's way too much work find the location of each speaker wire where you can splice it and run wire up to the stero, if you're good enough you can solder and put heat shrink too have a proper clean job Just a few trim pieces and 50 ft of speaker wire and you're golden So much easier and opening up that center console is just unnecessary trouble
David Bello I figured you did since you both live in the same city, and are both Volvo enthusiasts. I met him on his helper tour about a year ago. very nice guy.
Here to say thanks for this video after all these years. Was having a hard time getting to my amplifier today, and this saved my ass. Much appreciated.
Great video! My only suggestion would be to disconnect your battery whenever messing with wiring!
God bless you man, I have an '86 Volvo 240 DL wagon and I finally have some time off to replace the factory stereo with the new one I got 2 years ago!
Sekai happy to help!
Recently replaced the stock radio in my 1989 244 with a Pioneer head unit, completely removed the old amp (it had loose connections anyways) and had to cut the wires leading into the radio as there was no plug on the OE radio. It's worlds better now even with the junky speakers the car came with.
Great video - thanks! I installed new stereo in my daughter's '92 Volvo wagon using exact same Metra kits. Factory amp was in same location so had to remove the center console as you described. As for the switch removal, I was able to disconnect them, move the switch and wires to the open area just below the array and reconnect them so I didn't have to label or remember what went where. I did have to modify the plastic bezel in order to get it to fit in the existing opening. Just a note: I have used the Metra kits on other installations, and your right that their instructions are lacking, but with a bit of intuitive thinking, you can usually figure it out. All in all, this was a great help!
thanks Woody, I'm glad you got it!
I refurbished my 81 original stereo.
Still works perfectly.. I installed a cassette adapter with audio cable to a cigarette lighter Bluetooth dongle. Now I Play all my Pandora through the stereo.. Keep it original...
Id like to keep mine original, i just don't know how to refurbish it
No thanks I need that distracting touchscreen
The weird shaped plastic piece is for 740 and 940 radios :)
thanks!
I really enjoy watching your Volvo vids. Keep it up! I am in the process of working on a couple myself. I have a 92 245 that I have named "DA BRICK". It is currently being driven by my gf and she didn't like it at first but she loves it now. I also have a 78 242 GT that I bought as a parts car for my dads 80 242 GT.
Thanks for watching! My girlfriend likes my 240 more as time goes on and I fix it up
New Mexico Music 89.1 heck yeah
Made yourself way more work than necessary, you can access the amp from the panels down the sides of the centre console without even disturbing the front
You can also just delete the wires to the amp by unplugging it further back and just plugging the modern adapter into that
it sure looks sweet. I might be getting an 88 240 wagon with the M47 5-speed in it this friday. if I do you'll definitely be seeing more of me in your comments
I'm looking forward to it. 88 is great for wiring. and the M47 is infinitely better than the AW70.
The "Rem" terminal is for cars that have factory steering wheel or column remote controls for the stereo. You can get a connector pack that goes between the original car wiring and the stereo head unit so the stereo will work with the original remote controls. The connector pack you need will depend on what make and sometimes what model your stereo head unit is...
Thanks for the video.
The previous owner of my 89 245DL installed a similar head unit into the lower cubby as the upper area is filled with gauges. I need new speakers as well. (BUZZZ)
6.5 inch fit pretty well. check out some conversions on turbobricks
Thanks for making this video!
Wow! Annother great idea, thanks.
David,. im about to install a Alpine CDE-172bt in my 1993 Volvo wagon, Would you be so kind as to let me know what harness you are using and the LEDs light bulbs? thanks
Hey man, are you still active on this account. I have a couple questions
Yeah he's still active
So to get set up you need your new radio unit the metro kit and the 10-1120 amplifier bypass wiring kit? I've never done this before so I'm just making sure I have all the right ingredients.
Your LEDS look so nice!
Nice tutorial!
REM (remote) is usually a blue/white wire that signals an external amplifier or cd changer to turn on.
Where did you get the plugs for the aftermarket radio and amplifier the Volvo
Hi , I had a Volvo 244 gl. And I am having a problem. Is the speedometer gauge there had a poor light. I hope to install a led stripes on it. But I could not install properly. Can you made a video on how to mod led stripes on old Volvo gauge?
That first song that played sounded very Scandinavian :3
Also was that the stock speakers? They sounded very good exept for the rattling!
it was traditional Mexican music haha. I removed the buzzing speaker and the rest are still good for being original!
David Bello You could probably get a few bucks if you sell the original speakers when you replace, I have a -87 Volvo 740 with the factory high end stereo system and that goes for around 200 dollars here in Sweden.
***** I converted it since he probably doesn't know Swedish kronor.
I know it well enough. I shop on tradera.
Yes, the antenna power was easy to remove, but you didn't show how to remove the hard plastic connector with the speaker wires., from the unit, when I want to pull the radio out. It feels like I am going to break it.
I like stock radios so I can use old cassettes in them ❤️
Thanks for the video. Quick question, where can one buy the cool led lights that replace the bulb ones for the center console lights?
Sorry I just saw in the other comments where to buy. Thanks.
Hey I love your videos. They've helped me lots actually. I'm upgrading the stereo on my 89 wagon. I just wanna know what these brown and yellow wires I unplugged from the original tapedeck are? On the original stereo they are labeled DIM and RHED. I can't find this info anywhere..... all your stereo vids are great but are all on a newer version than mine is. Lemme know if you know. Thanks ❤️✌️✨Katie
Did you have much luck upgrading the stereo? I'm trying to change out mine in my 89 Wagon but am having trouble figuring things out. What wiring harness did you use/steps did you take in replacing it? I followed instructions with a harness I got from eBay but think I must have the wrong one as it didn't work at all after trying to install it.
The radio looks nice on the top, unless you had the gauges in it, on the bottom, it is a real pain to get through, plus extra cable work.
Nice job ! Where can I purchase speaker harness ? Thx
If you haven't replaced the blower motor, now would be a good time to do it, since you already will have half the center console disconnected.
Huh I thought the amp was behind the glove box. I'm 99% sure I saw mine there when I changed the wiper motor. Regardless, when I do get around to putting the new stereo in I'm going to build a custom box for a 10in sub in the passenger side storage cubby in the trunk, opposite of the spare tire. Not sure about speakers yet, I don't want to mess with the door panels but there's not many other locations.
that is the location on 240 models older than 1990, iirc
is it possible to put a newer looking 940/60 shift knob on the 240? if so, it'll look much sleeker lol
not sure
I'll look into it
I have a 1983 Volvo 240, and I recently put a new stereo in it. However, when I removed the center console and unplugged all of the wiring I didn't take good enough pictures and I don't know how to put the right wiring back on the ac thermostat. Does anyone have a picture of an early 80's 240 center console ac thermostat wiring so I can plug it back in correctly?
I have a 87' 240GL... Does it have a factory amp? I didn't see a plug for one behind the back of the head unit itself and I don't want to take the whole dash apart to find out
how many wires are coming out of the head unit? if there is an amp the radio will only have a few wires and all the help speaker wires will be coming out of the amp
+David Bello I'm going to check again tomorrow at some point but I do remember seeing a ground wire physically screwed on to the back on the head unit, the antenna and a harness with maybe 8-10 wires on it but I am going to double check again tomorrow because I'm unsure
+David Bello I took a picture of it and I would like to show you
+David Bello because It's different from yours, theirs the antenna wire, a harness with multi colored wires and then then a plug with a cap on it that's not plugged in to something but it looks as if it could be. Then theirs a actually ground wire screwed on to the back its odd
is it possible to do this without touching the amp and just using the factory one and the factory amp plug with an adapter of some sort?
anything is possible. but you'll save time by doing this over researching alternatives and pouring over wiring diagrams. I did the hard work for you
haha ok ill take your word for it
well that is great
Also can you use any radio or should I only look for radios with certain specs?
Amelia Nitsch any single-din sized radio will work for you.
Do you need the amp bypass kit?
Essentially, it saves the trouble of cutting and splicing at the amp output connector. If you want to run the wires yourself, then you don't need to. Otherwise it is plug and play, where you don't need to cut any OEM connectors
What is the red switch in the lower gauge pod?
May I ask where you got those LED bulbs?
Ebay
+David Bello Do you also have LED in your Amazon?
SkateForLifeNED not yet. Just the tail lights
Great video, I enjoy your restoration projects, but in my humble opinion, I’d go with a Bluetooth speaker instead.
Thanks for sharing!
Stupid
Will this apply for my 92 745 turbo?
Which aftermarket amp did you use?
Rockford Fosgate 400 watt 2 channel
Would you mind linking the site where you got all of this?
+MrGagox Ebay.com haha I always shop around for the cheapest prices.
Okay thanks for answering! Looking forward to the next video man :)
Dude no way that's way too much work
find the location of each speaker wire where you can splice it and run wire up to the stero, if you're good enough you can solder and put heat shrink too have a proper clean job
Just a few trim pieces and 50 ft of speaker wire and you're golden
So much easier and opening up that center console is just unnecessary trouble
David, do you know Robert Spinner (aka. RobertDIY)?
yes he is a good friend of mine.
David Bello
I figured you did since you both live in the same city, and are both Volvo enthusiasts. I met him on his helper tour about a year ago. very nice guy.
Something tells me It's NOT quite as easy to take the dash apart as you show. Because a rural washboarded road would do the same thing.
Can you link the wire adapter and the kit?
Did you ever find the kit
Help! Radio will not come out after removing two screws! 88 Volvo dl
I’ve “heard” that there is sometimes a screw holding the radio from the back as well. You access it by removing the glove compartment.
what do you mean by great for wiring?
all 240s had crumbling wiring until 1988 got good quality wire sheaths, and that is the last year of LH2.2, which is easier to work on.
did you replace the gear selection light with an led?
I did. I love it.
Can i have a Pioneer DEG-3990BT in a Volvo 240?
LillaMaria sure!
David Bello Thanks!
Looks complicated af just to change the radio :(
Oldie Mexican songs