This is my first post so I'll introduce myself as the proud owner of a 1985 240 DL Wagon with 135K miles.

I'd like to replace the factory radio (CR-2170) in the lower compartment with a new head unit. But Crutchfield told me today they no longer sell installation kits for the lower compartment, so 240's are listed as "customer mod required" in their database.

My question is, how do I mount a DIN radio in the lower compartment? This is my first radio install and I'd like to keep it simple. The factory radio has two tapped holes in its sides which allow screws to secure the chassis from the sides of the lower compartment. Crutchfield tells me most of their radios will come with a 2" x 7" DIN sleeve for use in the compartment, but its my job to secure it inside the compartment. Are there any 3rd-part hardware kits available?

I've found some "install kits" made by Metra and SCOSCHE but they look like faceplates only - it doesn't seem like they'd provide any mounting functionality? For example:

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/volvo-kits/c4707.html?priceMax=&priceMin=&searchType=&searchVal=&sortby=description&sorthow=asc

http://www.installer.com/cars/by_car.php?carid=6696


Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

Lance

WELCOME!


I bought a Metra Bezel kit (99-9222) fits 75-93 Volvos, The kit had 4 different Bezels so you can mount the radio in any of the Volvo openings.. The Opening that these Bezels provide are designed to take the DIN shell that your new radio should come with.
The new radio should actually have a metal shell that unclips from the radio. You mount that to the bezel first.
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony's%20cars.htm

I have used the Metra several times and it works fine. Dan

Dan,

Can you help me understand how the Metra faceplate physically secures the DIN radio chassis into the lower compartment? Are the factory side-mounting screws no longer used? How does the radio keep from banging around loose inside the compartment? I see 4 holes in the corners of the Metra plate, perhaps the radio somehow attaches to the plate, then the plate needs to be screwed into the dash? Not sure I can visualize it.

Thanks,

Lance

The DIN Mount that comes with the radio has tabs you bend to hold it to the metra faceplate. You slide the DIN mount through the faceplate from the front then secure by bending the tabs.
You don't use the side mounted screws. I cut a hole the size of the radio in the lower cubby box to hold the back part of the radio in place. The faceplate and cubby box screws to the center console with 4 screws. Dan

Dan and Tony,

Think I've got the picture now - the faceplate is both cosmetic *and* provides mounting stability.

I've attached (hopefully) a photo of my lower "pocket" after removing the bezel and factory radio. The plastic pocket is attached to the front of the center console at points B and is about 7-1/2" deep. It looks like the Metra faceplate is intended to be screwed into points A and B with machine screws.

I managed to find install manuals for two Metra kits, the 999210 that Dan mentions and the 999222 that Tony mentions (the 999222 includes the 999210 faceplate). They are consistent with what you both have said.

http://www.tune-town.com/Manuals/Metra/99-9222.pdf
http://www.tune-town.com/Manuals/Metra/99-9210.pdf

I'm planning on getting a Pioneer DEHP3000IB and its manual says the DIN sleeve is 6-1/2" deep. So perhaps I won't have to cut open the end of the pocket. I'm still wondering if the pocket needs to be removed, but that doesn't seem like a big issue. Apparently, the Pioneer DIN sleeve also has tapped holes in its side (DIN "rear mount" option) so if I get lucky, perhaps they could also be used to stabilize the 3-lb radio.

This has been a learning experience. I'm sure there's more to come. Thanks for getting me on the right track guys. I'll update this post later.

Lance

The radio will stick out behind the DIN mount, if you don't cut a hole in the cubby box it will need to be removed.

Dan

Just wanted to follow up and say the radio is in. I finally understand how DIN cage tabs are bent up to secure the cage to the dash kit's plate. The Crutchfield-supplied dash kit fit the lower compartment, but it had a scratch and was their last one. So they reimbursed me for a locally-purchased Metra kit (#99-9210). The Metra is made of plastic and the Crutchfield kit is steel so I decided to use both (Metra on top) to get a rigid face to mount the DIN cage to. Interestingly, I didn't need to cut any holes in the lower compartment - the radio and all wiring fit neatly. The head unit is a Pioneer DEH-P3000IB with iPod controller cable (Crutchfield is offering the $30 cable for free!). I drilled a hole in the rear of the glove box to route the cable. My iPod now sits out of sight in the glove and I use the head unit to control it. A very slick solution

The install is very clean and mechanically secure. Thanks for everyone's help! :)

Lance