In article ,
Don Pearce wrote:
One of mine is like that - a sort of double height unit where all the
minor controls and tape player are behind a flap above basically the
radio part. Much easier to use than fiddling through menus to find
balance controls etc. But you can buy adaptor plates to allow the use
of a standard radio.

Mine has an extra problem, which is that it displays channel, CD track
info etc remotely on the dash in front of me. I'm pretty sure that
would cease working if I substituted another radio. And of course it
has the CD changer at the back of the car. I'm certain that would mean
a heap of trouble.

It depends on the car and the popularity of replacing the head unit.
Interfaces to make this remote display - or steering wheel controls etc -
work do exist for some. You'd have to first select the head unit you're
interested in and see if they are available.

Remote CD players are less of a problem - but again not all makers use the
same protocol to drive them.

--
*Marriage changes passion - suddenly you're in bed with a relative*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.