As an idea for a birthday present, I'm thinking about changing out my GF's stereo so that she can listen to MP3s somehow.  Ideal way would be to have an input where she could plug in her MP3 player, but I'm also considering something that would play MP3 CDs or has a CD and tape player where she could pop in a cassette adapter.  (Not sure about the last option, she has FM tuner right now, but it kinda sucks)

I am trying to keep something that looks stock though.  So I guess my question is: Will an MP3 CD player from a newer Focus fit in the stock location and connections of her 2000?  I also found a cheap unit that supposedly fits with CD/cassette, all I know is it's model VR180, not sure how well it works or anything.  Any experience or thoughts on that would also be appreciated

This is my turf!!!

Okay so she has the 2000 focus (like i do). Did it come with the cassette or teh CD player or just the Radio?

In anycase those connectors in the back are interchangable with that generation CD/Cassette units.

What you need is < 2005 Mp3 unit from Blapaunkt. Ideally with the cable that goes along with it. I bought a 2004 Blapunkt unit (that came standard on the ford focus (2003 onwards i think). It came with teh cable. I spliced it with a T-Splice, such that i have the ability to run both head units. So i have the connectors for my stock Focus CD player and teh connectors for the new blapunkt unit.

The new headunit is so much better, seems more powerful and more features. You can buy a 3rd party cable too so you can do that interface.

I hope that makes sense, if not respond back and i will take pictures this evening. But yes you can use a Mp3/CD unit from < 2005 model (i think they changed the dash in 05 or 06).

or... go the SUPER easy route and get an MP3 player w/ an FM modulator and you dont have to remove or install anyting 

FM modulators blow donkey nuts. Especially in areas like Atlanta where there are no empty airwaves. Some of us enjoy decent quality music (I can't say good quality, because unless you rip your CDs to Ogg Vorbis or lossless, they're sub-CD quality anyway.. )

i use a cassette adapter and have a cd changer and it kicks ass

Quote from: TheGoodGuy on September 14, 2007, 10:16:52 AM
This is my turf!!!

Okay so she has the 2000 focus (like i do). Did it come with the cassette or teh CD player or just the Radio?

I knew there were a couple of people here with Focus experience.  Her car actually came with a cassette unit, but she replaced it with an OEM CD player from the same year, so she already has the tool to change it.  Unfortunately I think the old cassette unit is long gone, though they are probably cheap from ebay.

I would be interested to see how you mounted and connected both units, that could be an decent option.  Also, upgrading to the Blaupunkt might be a nice idea just for having a better unit, good to know it fits

try www.crutchfield.com

I have a Blaupunkt Indiana CD Player in my Truck and it only Ejects the CD part of the time.it Started it about a Month after the Warranty ran out.

I'll take some pics this morning and post tehm on the web.

Jughead:   Murphy's law.  Murphy's law.
That shaZam! happens to me all the time.
Went through 3 RAZR's and everyone of em died within a month of the warranty running out   thank god for insurance.

uhh .. most the time you can buy a fitting that will fit around your cd player so it looks pertty stock .. so theres not a big gab .. second .. what ever cdplayer you do buy most of them have a universal addapter so you dont have to splice anything ! wow .. what they make now and days .. just find you one that has an AUX port on it and then run to walmart and get you a Male To Male connector and plug it in the AUX port .. then she can listen to her mp3 player .. done

Unfortunately the unit for the Focus is a goofy shape, its somewhere around double tall, which can be accommodated, but it also has rounded corners and is convex, so a normal flat aftermarket stereo will look kinda funny

Sorry i was so busy teh last few days..

Let me send the pics.. or find the pics on teh web.

This is teh unit i have in my car:

You can get that on Ebay and other sites. The connectors, i will look for an online source, i will take an picture in the morning and post it to the web.

This guy has a auction going: gives you what to look for.. also provides teh cable for 23.
http://cgi.ebay.com/02-03-04-FORD-Focus-Blaupunkt-MP3-CD-player-radio-2002_W0QQitemZ160158717838QQihZ006QQcategoryZ48612QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem