pioneer head unit in 98 passat

[wambus]

I have picked up a used Pioneer head unit from a co-worker who wrecked her car. This unit will operate my Ipod, so I am excited to try it out. I have read the install thread (many of the pictures are no longer showing, but it should prove helpful). I have a couple of questions though.

1. Will the speakers (all factory original, non-monsoon) still sound as good as they do now? I have replaced three ofd the midrange speakers from the junkyard so all are working as they should. This pioneer unit is 50Wx4. I do not know what the factor unit has for output.
2. Can I hook up the changer to this head unit somehow? It would be nice to load up the changer with stuff I do not have on my ipod to have extra playback options.

[JayTheSnork]

you'll have to get a Metra adapter for your speaker connections and your antenna - the antenna preamp in the base of the antenna needs power, and your new head unit will not supply it.

your existing speakers will be fine.

you will not be able to connect your CD changer.

[wambus]

Bummer about the cd changer. I would have thought there would be an adapter that would allow it to play through another deck. I say this because I saw an adapter to allow you to play your Ipod through the CD changer input on the factory head unit.

Anyway, on to my next issue - my antennae is not working well at all. I have read all the threads I can find. Please correct me if I am wrong, but it seems I cannot just add a taller mast to make up for the failed amplifier - is this correct? I cannot find a reliable primer to pull out the pillar covers and pull down the headliner to get to the antennae base nut (I also would like to replace my sunroof).

Can I cut a hole and access the nut, then replace the cut out with a plug of some kind - say in plastic? I have seen plastic plugs before in other applications. I thought maybe someone here has done that before.

I would prefer to pull the liner and do it right, but I have not earthly idea how to really do this. The posts that mention it say "be careful" and "pry gently". They provide no pictures of the backs of the pieces to show what I am actually prying on. I can't even get past the rear pillar at the seat belt....

[JayTheSnork]

a taller antenna mast will not make up for the failed antenna base preamp. the descriptions of how to drop the rear portion of the headliner are pretty good, as I have used them. enfig.com used to have the correct antenna base, and it has worked on my car for at least 8 years now.

did you buy the antenna adapter to put on the back of the head unit, to supply power to the antenna base preamp?

[wambus]

I have not purchased anything for this install yet, other than the head unit itself. I wanted to do some research first so I could get everything I need and also set aside the correct amount of time.

I would like to start with the antennae. Can you steer me to the link for the best headliner instructions? Maybe I did not see the best ones....

[JayTheSnork]

~DIY Antenna base and wire replacement in less than an hour~