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[Phil Payne]

> (who is as we speak making attempt number *5* to install a working radio,

I've recently been fitting radios by chopping everything out and then fitting ISO standard
female connectors (the latest ones) direct to the loom.  If I have to mess with the aerial
cable (seats out, etc.) then I always fit a CD changer cable into the boot.

That then means the customer has complete freedom of choice over what to fit in the future
without having to have the work done again.

Halfords do a range of adapt-down harnesses, so fitting an older radio like the Blaupunkt
Toronto used in the ur-quattro over here is just a matter of buying the right harness.
Halfords also do the ISO connectors, pre-populated with most signals.  If I've got the carpet
up, I'll also connect the SatNav reversing light switch and GALA signals - I've found a cheap
source of the inserts that push into the empty slots in the connectors.

Halfords get a lot of undeserved flak in the UK, although their tools are now pretty
reasonable.  But I was completely blown away when I dscovered that all of the wires populating
(I think) their ISO connectors and all the harnesses are not only the right colour - they also
have the wire's function PRINTED along it.

--
  Phil Payne
  http://www.isham-research.com/quattro
  +44 7785 302 803