As you know the stereo in the Japanese vehicles isn't very useful, with the band range being much lower than in North America. I attempted to change stereos with a Pioneer model from Canadian Tire, and it seemed like a nightmare, no common colour coding of wire, slightly different meaurements, etc.

What are your experiences? Are there common solutions to these radio problems? I could use the existing radio for a Satelite radio system, but I'd rather just get a good fm radio, maybe with a jack on the front for an ipod.

had the same problem ... gave up and bought one of these http://tinyurl.com/2d5k3o .... lets me play my sounds and I use the radio from my mp3 player... at some point I'll have another go at up grading the stereo... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Yes, the JDM stereos in most import Hiaces are next to useless anywhere other than Japan.

76-90MHz is hardly used anywhere else. Why they chose it is anyone's guess.

They seem to realise the issues with radios that can now end up anywhere in the world, and they've started to make them with tuners that go from 76 to 108MHz... so that they are compatible with most of the rest of the world.

The best option with these older radios is to rip them out and replace them with a nice 88-108MHz tuned set - perhaps with CD player built in and USB for an iPOD if that is your flavour.

True, the colour coding on the vehicle cables is not the easiest to follow, but you really only need two power feeds and these can be determined using a basic multi-meter.

I went to future shop and got a new stereo and front speakers and got them to install it while I waited. It was easy and everything works well... The installation guy did mention that he may have to install a "wire harness" or something like that (I am not very literate in electric stuff), but I can't remember if he had to do that in the end. Either way, he seemed convinced that it wouldn't be a problem regardless what he found.

PBS

in aus we can buy a wire converter it just conects to the original and then to the new stereo no need to cut wires just use whats there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

I think the hardest part about doing the stereo on HiAces has got to be removing the JDM
stereo, and often that can mean the whole of the facia around it... not fun.

Here in Sweden an adaptor from Toyota to ISO (standard around most places) goes for around $12 US
and clicks in to the stereo and the Toyota cables, nice and easy.

Hello, does anyone actually know how to remove the fascia- to get at the stereo- this does not seem easy!!!!!