Possible change of car

Though this should not be a massive problem for me, as the car in question is yet another Toyota Aygo, the same generation to my current car however all is different inside the one I looked at and this will influence where my radio gear can and cannot go.

Firstly the car I looked at had airbags in the A-pillars, this, combined with a rev counter sticking out of the top of the speedo means the display for the FTM-400XDE cannot be placed where I have it now, however the space above the stereo where I have the extension speaker fitted should accommodate the radio's display using heavy duty sticky pads and the existing screw.

The power wiring for the FTM-400XDE can still be taken from the battery in the usual way and through the bulkhead behind the steering wheel with the main loom (as this wire is not an RF carrier) and the radio grounded to the chassis behind the dashboard, to make this work I need to make up a loom that can jump the stereo wiring and leave it untouched like the current car, which utilises the Parrot handsfree I have fitted to the car (though this does not work properly as the display wiring is damaged and due to the airbag issue I alluded to may not fit the new car without some serious thought.

The 400's main unit will need a home, previously this was hung onto the glovebox lid mount points with cable ties, and remained there to this day, however in the new car I was thinking perhaps mounting it in the boot instead, though this means I would have to extend the display and mic leads to accommodate this, something I plan to research before I decide yes or no, as I do want the main unit out of the way.

The antenna will go on the roof in about the same position, should be easy as the car is identical.

I fitted a bicycle carrier to my current car and will transfer that to the new vehicle as well, as this was never wired in by an auto electrician this stands as a convenient mount point for extra antennas if I desire, though it does mean the boot door will not open, I will look to wire this up.

So on closing I have a lot to think about and perhaps I will be more likely to enter those contests with a car that I can rely on, and as the one I went to look at is not due MOT until later in the year it rules out uncertainty that I won't make the National Hamfest (and I won't have a failed exhaust).

I'll update this in due course

73 de 2E0EIJ (not /m though)