Help with ICE for my Coop

I have read Bockers FAQ with standard Coupe ICE. But have some other queries.

My head unit ( Bless It ) has decided to retire and die ( Clarion ARX7370R with the 12 stack CD changer ). Aware comments from Bockers that the CD changer will not be compatible with anything else, so all no doubt for spares or the recycling centre.

Basis the connections that feed into the current Clarion ARX7370R, what are my options with a decent Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, that I will able to remove the Clarion and fit an alternative brand with minimal fuss. My front door speakers have been recently replaced with a recommendation on this forum, so a any advice on a new head unit..?

The Coupe uses a standard ISO connection for head units so you have a huge choice. There is a possibility you may need an ISO connector harness to go between the Coupe's ISO connector and modern headunits ISO connector, and these are readily available online and at places like Halfords.

You need to work out what you want from your head unit eg mp3, CD, DAB, bluetooth, umber outputs for amps etc.

Since CD's are a little outdated you can buy 'mech less' head unit which are much shallower as the do away with the CD player.

Any head unit you fit will give a good improvement in sound quality vs the OE item, they've come along way since the 90's!

Gunzi

Thanks for the response. Is this because of different brands having a different connector block. What brands use the same connectors as Clarion if you know..

Hey Scouse-

you might be best converting the loom to standard spec- there will only be two wires in it that need changed.

Do you ever make it over to the mainland..?

Yes, everyday Mon - Fri for work in the West End of Glasgow, though not in the Coop.

Hi Scouse,

I really don't know, it could also be that the Coupe ISO is from the 90's and since then the standard has changed? Either way there are ways round this either via an adaptor for a few quid or if you know what you are doing rewiring.

Personally I chose Alpine head units, but anything will be much better than your recently deceased Clarion

if you were to make it across to an 'event' that we might all be attending- I'll rewire it for you

I think that DIN ISO wiring has always been the same- are you anticipating a problem in advance..?

I could make you an ISO test receptacle- which you could fit momentarily in place of the headunit, to establish wiring orientation..?

Would that be any use..?

Get a DAB unit + aerial while you're at it

That offer would be great on a ISO test receptacle.

At weekend will be taking out the clarion stereo to have good look see and see what I have got lurking in between looking at houses on the mainland.

DAB where I am does not exist. Only FM works. Even my commuter hack has DAB, but does not pick anything up till get to Linwood / Paisley.

DAB must be good where you are....

Tbh in the town it's fine except for a few squelchy blackspots but if travelling down the country it's not always consistent.

I just bought a Pioneer MVH-X580DAB from Halfords. £107 + £50 to fit. We are installing a DAB aerial splitter to use the existing built in FM aerial.

It sounds amazing! I can stream music from my iPhone, make hands free calls, with a full display. It's another world compared to my Clarion unit which recently shuffled off. You can plug in a memory stick full of MP3 tracks too.

In this instance I can highly recommend the Halfords install dude; he did a great job and was careful with the Coupe!

Have bought a Pioneer DEH-2800UI. So should fulfil my needs.

So what is the secret in removing the old Clarion unit, and how to remove the unit from the cage, i do not have removal keys and / or know what they look like and where to place them...

you have to take the centre dash out.

Seriously....Does this Clarion not slide out of a cage..?

Yes it does slide out with keys like these

Thanks DaveG. Do you know where you locate them in the cage / head unit..?

They fit down each side between the side of the unit and the cage, as you would expect, but there is a small "tongue" each side of the unit and it can be hard to get the "key" on the right side of it. I can try to take some pictures if it might help?

Have you tried just pulling the head unit out? They've often been in/out so many times that the securing clips are bent and no longer engaging properly.

IIRC the release tools slide into slots on the front of the head unit itself, if you pop off the front panel the slots are at the very left and right of the exposed part.

Yes given it a good tug. Doubt it has ever been removed.

Have removed the front display and the plastic surround leaving the head unit. There are no slots as such, just the tabs from the surround that clicks into or maybe the slits are duel purpose from where the head display slots into...

I was assuming that ARX7370R was the same as fitted to my Plus, which I have just removed with help from those keys, but this is a different model. Actually you can remove the centre console together with the cage and head unit, but in my experience it's very difficult to put it all back together like this.

In this first pic you can just see the "tongues" up against the side edges of the removable display, this next pic shows them more clearly with the display removed

The key needs to be inserted between the "tongue" and the cage, but TBH if you don't have the tools, it will be easier to remove the centre console + cage + head unit as one, and then you will be able to see how to remove it without needing keys.

Mine is the same model as your pics. Those tongues as you call them hold in the plastic surround that clips off, maybe these tongues do both jobs..

I will email you some pictures, can't be ar$ed with uploading them to Photof***it

Ordered a pair for £1.79, delivered next day and fitted like a treat. Old stereo is out. Thanks again Dave for the link.

Replaced the Clarion unit for a Pioneer unit ( DEH-2600UI ) with most of the modern day trimmings. Sound is like night and day compared to the old Clarion.

There is nothing worse than the stadard fit Clarions, they sound terrible.