Replacing a car stereo in a Focus

Posted by: Wazza69 on 31 July 2009

Hi,

I must admit that I know very little about cars or car audio. I have just purchased a 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Climate. Not the most exciting car but good for running around in. However, the OEM stereo sounds terrible and has no input for my iphone.

Does anyone know if this can be changed out? It all seems to be very inbuilt and curved to match the dash rather than the normal rectangle box. Any ideas of what can replace it which would drop in?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Wayne
Posted on: 31 July 2009 by Absolute
Yes, you can. At least, you seem to be able to. You need a facia adapter such as this:

http://www.easy-caraudio.co.uk...-adapter-513293.html

Ive done a few head-unit installs with 'double din' facia adapters and if you fit them and the head-unit cage properly there should be no problem. I dont think ive ever seen the inside of a 2005 focus so i couldn't tell you if the above adapter will work, but it is meant to be for that model.

You can get convertor wiring looms from several online places if you need one.

Any other advice just ask. Smile
Posted on: 31 July 2009 by Richard Dane
a little while back I too was fed up with the awful sound quality from the stereo in my Audi A2. I replaced the stock head unit with a Nakamichi one and the improvement was nothing short of miraculous. I also got an adaptor that allows ipod/iphone connection and charging. This goes into the AUX-in RCAs on the back of the Nak and sounds pretty good when replaying Apple lossless against the Nak's CD player.

OK, it's no Naim for Bentley, but listening to music is once more enjoyable, and I have to say, I'm impressed so far.
Posted on: 01 August 2009 by Wazza69
Brilliant, thanks guys. I'll look at the adaptor.

Waz
Posted on: 01 August 2009 by DenisA
Waz,

If you have a mobile phone with Bluetooth, I thoroughly recommend a CD player with the BT feature. With my inexpensive unit, I just push the volume knob (and adjust) to answer a call handsfree. I would not recommend making a call in a moving car of course and when the call finishes, resumption of your Steely Dan CD is automatic Big Grin