For X-mas my parents got me a nice JVC stereo for my car. As you can probably imagine, I really wanted to install it. I like the Panasonic OEM, but when you want to play CD's, a Tape adapter and 80 watts simply do not suffice. ANYWAY, I had to order an installation kit because, surprise surprise, my local car store does not stock it.

 

Now we get to the fun part of this little story. Growing anxious, and not being the patient type, I decided to pull apart my stereo before the kit arrived. If you listened to some of the local radio stations, you would find this to be rational behavoir I compared the mount brackets from the OEM to my new stereo, and lo and behold, they matched! I was even able to use the bracket screws from the OEM!!

 

Now came the fun task of wiring. Thinking quickly, I grabbed my Haynes manual and flipped to the electrical schematic section, and, again, I was astonished! They had the complete wiring diagram for the stereo system.

 

To sum up the story, I didn't even NEED the installation kit! Through curiosity, a little impatience, and some wire nuts, I was able to get my stereo installed a WEEK before that kit arrived, and saved myself $26 too boot! Now who says miracles don't happen on X-mas?

 

Any other "pleasant surprise" stories out there???

umm.... I installed a new thermostat in no time and the dealer actually had it in stock. Not that common with my dealer.:santa:

And I found out that I had heated outside mirrors! Duhhh.....

Originally posted by joybell

And I found out that I had heated outside mirrors! Duhhh.....

 

HAIRBALLS!!! I wish I had those, you lucky stiff. Maybe if I modify a few waffle irons....

 

Originally posted by applegump

umm.... I installed a new thermostat in no time and the dealer actually had it in stock. Not that common with my dealer.:santa:

 

Wow, that IS a miracle. It took my local dealer two weeks to get a stupid clutch fork in.

 

:-p

When I replaced my outback's stereo the wiring diagram in the haynes was completely wrong. I found an old SVX wiring diagram and that was spot-on for the speakers, but the power and other wires were guess and go, although a voltmeter did help.

 

Nowadays I hear they have these things called wiring harness adaptors which was apparently non-existant in 1999 for a 1999 subaru.