Introduction: How to Hide Your Cassette Adapter Wire
My 1999 Toyota Corolla has a Radio/Cassette player and I wanted to connect my iPod Nano to it. I tried an FM transmitter and as we all know they do not work very well. Also, I did not want to spend the money for a direct connect Aux input. The only issue that I have with Cassette Adapters is how to hide the wire? I decided to find out if I could run the wire through the Radio/Cassette player.
Step 1: Remove Radio/Cassette Player From Your Car
The procedure will be different for each car and this step will not be covered here.
Step 2: Review Your Cassette Adapter
The Cassette Adapter that I have is a Philips AY3501 IV and on the top is printed "This Side Up". Also, along the left hand side, it has a slot for the wire (which runs the length of the Cassette). In other words, I can run the wire in either direction.
Step 3: Modify Cassette Adapter
Move the wire so it comes out of the top of the Cassette.
Step 4: Take Top of Radio/Cassette Player Off
My radio has four (4) screws holding the top on. With the cover off, you can get a good look at the Cassette transport platform.
Step 5: Insert the Wire Into the Cassette Player Opening
In this step, I have inserted the wire into the Cassette player opening first.
Step 6: Run Wire Under Cassette Transport Platform
I found that there was enough space to run the wire under the Cassette transport platform and not get tangled in any of the gears.
Step 7: Run Wire Out Through the Back of the Radio/Cassette Player
I found a cutout at the rear where I could run the wire out the back of the radio.
Step 8: Put Cover Back On
Before you put the cover back on, pull all of the wire through the radio until the Cassette Adapter is in the opening. You do not want to leave a lot of wire floating around inside of the player where it can get tangled.
Step 9: Finished
The wire is totally out of the way and no longer visible!!
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17 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Wheres the actual wire now? wheres the ipod plugged into?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
The actual wire is coming out the back of the tape deck into the glove compartment. But you can have it anywhere you want. The only restriction is the length of the wire itself.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
In step 8, you will see the wire coming out the back of the tape deck. This allows you to run the wire and the plug at the end behind the console to where ever you want it. I have mine running to the glove compartment to keep everythung hidden. Hope this answers your question.
11 years ago on Introduction
i apologize if this is a really dumb question, but where is the plug that needs to be plugged into your mp3 player?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
The plug for your MP3 player is at the end of the wire coming out the back of the Radio/Cassette player.
13 years ago on Introduction
A tape car stereo will never be stolen. You can let your car in any parking lot that way, and still enjoy mp3 playback. A really nice idea for Mexico City. You have to take out your stereo here. Congrats!
14 years ago on Introduction
We're gunna require some 'splaining for that right side vent... Nice idea for a mod though. Heh, who uses tapes anymore anyway?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
hey i still use tapes!
13 years ago on Introduction
Here's an idea. Upgrade your stereo.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I like to use what I have before shelling out money to buy anything. Good idea anyways
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I get mine for free. My uncle has a bunch of cars and takes the stereo's out before he gets rid of them.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I'm not as lucky as you are to have an uncle with a bunch of cars!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Two actually.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
When he takes them out he puts the stock one back in. They are all usually really nice Alpine or Kenwood.
14 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! That was the whole idea behind the mod.
14 years ago on Introduction
very nice, very clean
14 years ago on Introduction
That is the display for my Harman Kardon Drive + Play which allows me to control my iPod Nano. More information on the Drive + Play can be found at the www.harmankardon.com website. I will detail the mod in my next Instructable. "Tapes are old school and I'm old school". Just using what I have to the max.