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Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996

posted by  someone claiming to be Mark from MA on  Wed Apr 11 03:19 CST 2001 [RELATED]

The brickboard has been the best source I've found on the Web for anecdotal info on putting in an aftermarket CD changer. I know which one to get, and even got lucky, finding the right adapter in the clearance bin at Circuit city ($10 instead of $90). But now I am trying to figure out where to put the changer.

I've heard most people put it in the glove compartment, but am loathe to give up that space when there is so little storage in the car, especially with the third seat in back. I had a VW Golf with a changer mounted on the floor in the hatch and found that with 6 CD's I didn't change disks very often, so it was convenient enough there. On the other hand, I likely to be hauling stuff in the back of the Volvo and would worry about damaging it, plus I have no cover for the back so it would be clearly visible to all.

One description of the Alpine CHM-S620 changer mentioned that it "is so compact that it can be installed in tight locations such as the glove box, armrest storage, or under a seat." Is it possible for an experienced installer to cut out the 850's armrest bin and install it there? I also found a special Volvo replacement plate for the well behind the rear wheels (for about $170) that mostly submerges the changer into the well and completely covers it to match the floor. It seems like a great solution, but adds %60 cost to the install. I am also not adverse to an underseat installation, but would have worries about the longterm effects on the changer. Has any one had experience with any of these options on an 850 wagon? Can anyone tell me how they are factory installed?

I would appreciate hearing about any experiences with this dilemma -- and solutions!

Thanks,







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    Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996

    posted by  someone claiming to be JFarns on  Thu Apr 12 01:42 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    The CD changer in my wife's 850 wagon came factory installed behind the left wheel well in the storage compartment. We also have the third seat and the changer does not seem to get in the way. Storage is really not compromised much either. The changer has a plastic cover over it to hide and protect it.







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    Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996

    posted by  someone claiming to be Sin on  Wed Apr 11 12:14 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    I love having mine in my glove box and wouldn't have it anywhere else. If you have it custom mounted, instead of using the mount from Volvo, you can slide the changer to the driver side of the glove box. This way, you still have space for two pairs of sunglasses in cases, or anything else of similar size.

    The ability to change cd's in the comfort of the driver's seat at red lights is beyond comprehension to the majority of cd changer owners.

    It doesn't matter how easily accessible the changer is, if you can't change cd's while in the driver seat at a red light, it isn't accessible enough in my opinion.

    Why not try underneath the front passenger seat? Just make sure you seal your screw holes from the bottom of the car. Or try mounting the changer hanging from the passenger foot well, as deep as possible. This should be out of view as well. And it should be relatively easy to fabricate a kick guard due to the regular shape of the changer.

    BTW, what do you keep in your glove box that you couldn't put elsewhere? I keep everything I need in the back pocket of the front passenger seat. That way, all I have to do is reach back and I've got everything I need.

    Just some ideas.







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      Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996

      posted by  someone claiming to be Mark from MA on  Wed Apr 11 18:33 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      Well, I do like the idea of being able to change the disks, but I figure I can always play with the single player in the radio at red lights if I have the urge to hear something different. With my last car I would load up 6 disks every few days and never felt frustrated that I couldn't change them while I was driving. 6 CD's plus the radio to choose from was enough, and now I'll have 7. I doubt my behavior would change no matter where I mount it.

      I don't have all that much in the glove compartment - just all the manuals, some maps, kleenex, tire gauge etc. - but there really is no place else, as you point out, that is quickly accessible at a stop light. Actually, I think the lack of storage space is probably the biggest failing I've found in the car. I have a small cd case which takes up the pocket in the driver's door, and a pair of sunglasses just about fills the armrest space. I have a large road atlas in one of those seatback pockets, but they aren't easy to reach from the front.

      Thanks for the ideas. Under the passenger's seat sounds promising, though it might be awkward. I think I'll make up a box to match the changer's dimensions and try it in a few places.







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    Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996R

    posted by  someone claiming to be Bill Rushmore on  Wed Apr 11 09:07 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    I have the CD changer in the wheel well. Works pretty good. It doesn't really affect storage to much. It is also VERY easy to install if the car is prewired. The kit from Volvo is a little expensive, but I think it is worth it.







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      Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996R

      posted by  someone claiming to be Mark from MA on  Wed Apr 11 18:36 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      Thanks for the input, Bill. Mine isn't prewired, so it won't be too easy. I've tried to search Volvo's site to find out about mounting kits, but found nothing. At volvoworld.com I found a "CD Changer storage compartment, gray" for an 850 wagon, (part# 9164225 for $168.16) which seems to sink the changer partially down in the wheel well and has a flip-top cover. But I couldn't even tell from the site whether this was a standard volvo part or an aftermarket item. Is this the Volvo kit? I hate talking to dealers, but it looks like I may have to.

      Does anyone have any experience with Circuit City as installers? They seem to have a good price on the changer and they are a certified Alpine dealer, so I am tempted to use them. Their installation costs $60 including wiring, but I'd do it my self rather than have someone do a hack job. In this case installing it is really all about running the wiring from the head to where I want the changer, so $60 would probably be expensive if I just wanted it in the glove box, but cheap for running it back to the trunk.







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        Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996R

        posted by  someone claiming to be Bill Rushmore on  Thu Apr 12 07:37 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        It really isn't too bad if you car isn't pre-wired. All you have to do is run the wire from the changer to the head. Not that bad. Just need to pop some trim along the way and feed the wire through. If I were you I would do it myslef rather than paying the $60 to Circuit City. I installed a CD changer without the pre-wiring in a Sedan and then in my wagon that was prewired. Both were easy.

        The part you are describing sounds like a Volvo part. You will also need the mounting bracket and the wiring kit.







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        Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996R

        posted by  someone claiming to be ifm on  Thu Apr 12 05:29 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        The storage compartment with the flip top you mention is the same as i have in my estate. It is very much the best option as you lose only a fraction of the space and it is very simple to install a changer here and to run the wire around the side of the car without seeing it.

        Ian







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          Re: Location for CD Changer in 850 wagon? 850 1996R

          posted by  someone claiming to be Mark from MA on  Sat Apr 14 12:56 CST 2001 [RELATED]

          I'm going to install it in the rear wheel well area if I can find a cheap enough install kit, or maybe get the cover and brackets used. If anyone has ideas on the cheapest source, let me know!

          Thanks to everyone for the input!






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