Swapping stereo

[gavstar]

Should I disconnect the battery before doing this? If so, which terminal needs disconnecting?

[Nevin]

I've done it with battery still connnected when someone smashed my window and ripped the old one out. No problems with it

[sgrimshaw]

gavstar said:

Should I disconnect the battery before doing this? If so, which terminal needs disconnecting?

Carl Baker (the guy who fixes Meta Alarms and fits radios to TVR's) did NOT disconnect the battery when he changed my head unit over.

Simon

[sotonS2]

I wouldn't bother disconnecting the battery.

Just be aware that one of the wires will be a non-switched (ie permanent) 12v for the radio memory settings. This is usually red or yellow on more 'mainstream' cars - not a clue what it would be on a TVR.

If you need to modify the connector block(s) that fit in the back of the radio (there is no industry standard) take extra care to avoid shorting the 12v permanent to earth.

Even if you do, the worse that is likely to happen is a blown fuse.

[raceboy]

sotonS2 said:

If you need to modify the connector block(s) that fit in the back of the radio (there is no industry standard) take extra care to avoid shorting the 12v permanent to earth.

Not had the TVR radio out for a while but had racedads radio out yesterday, and there now is an industry standard for stereo connectors, the ISO plug
If you've got a big multi-plug and your just unplugging that then I wouldn't worry about the battery, if your delving a little deeper and playing with wires I'd disconnect it, it's very easy to short something out and blow a fuse which is a whole load of kerfuffel compared to popping a lead of the battery

[gavstar]

Thanks chaps. My first unsuccessful task was to try to find the keys required to remove the head units. Then it got dark so it's gonna have to wait for another day now.