changing a radio on a passat

[tcmccorry]

I want to replace my original radio in a '96 passat but am not sure how to remove it. Is it necessary to remove parts of the dashboard to do this or is there a special tool to buy. 

[tigga]

Yes there is a special tool to buy (for standard sized radio's). If there are two small holes in either side of the face, you can buy 'removal pins' from any motor factors, ie. halfords/motor-world, they cost about �3.

Sometimes the holes are blocked with grubscrews for security, if they are - you will need alan keys to remove the 'grubby's' first.

Any new radio you buy should have standard sockets that match your car's plugs and go straight in.

[Yinzer]

actually any radio you buy will need two other things. A "harness" an adapter to line up the colored wire plug in your car to the wire plug on the radio. All cars have different wireplugs, why I'll never know. Atleast they do in America. You'll also need a "kit" which is the metal housing that the new radio sits in. Ever notice how different cars have differently shaaped radios? Well a kit ensures that everything looks all tidy. Sometimes it is necessary to remove parts of the dashboard. There is a lot to explain, if you are still having problems the best thing is to have someone actually look at it and tell you, or maybe even fork out the cash to get someone else to do it for you. Funny, I've changed several car radios/speakers and now I can't quite remember...

[BillyBB]

Four round nails will usually do.