headunit from 03 vw gti to 06 gmc canyon?

Hey guys,

I was told to come to the12volt to answer my question because you guys are the "end all be all" of car audio.

Here is my project: I want to install a double-din OEM CD headunit from a 2003 VW GTI into my 2006 GMC Canyon truck. The reason behind this is I have an OEM "Phatnoise" system from VW (20gb MP3 hardrive) that I miss from when I had my old Golf.

I know it would be easier to just buy an I-Pod and a headunit interface, but I have no use for an I-Pod outside of my vehicle. It would also be easier to get a USB compatible headunit and an external harddrive or 4+ GB thumbdrive, however I know what I want to do (I'm just not sure how to do it).

I have the OEM VW headunit but I do not have the plug and pigtails that connect to the back of it (I'm searching for this part).

I have the Phatnoise and the cable that runs from the headunit to it.

I have not bought any harnesses yet for the GMC but I was told by my local stereo shop to buy this $75 interface to keep all my chimes and other things that are routed through the OEM headunit (I believe them, that I will need it).

I have been told so many things about a CAN-Bus through the VW headunit and other stuff, that I'm just very confused at this point.

If anyone can help me out and let me know exactly what I'm getting myself into/what I am going to need to get the job done properly, it would be greatly appreciated.

- Matt Hodgson

i dont think its worth it to do all this transformation, getting a new deck would be best. IMO

I realize that its not worth it to you or most people to be honest, but it's worth it to me.

I'm building an airbagged, bodydropped, crewcab, long-bed show truck on 22's. I'm not down with "the easy way".

If there is anyone that can help me on my journey it would be greatly appreciated. - Downtime Matt

Since the VW radio is a can bus unit, this will be a very hard road for you.  There is no switched 12 volt wire to turn the radio on.  The radio turn on is achieved by the computer of the vehicle sending out a specific computer code to the radio telling it that it is ok to turn on.  The chevy system does the same thing.  The problem is, they are speaking a different language.  Not saying that it will be impossible but it will not be an economical thing to do.  Pac-audio.com makes adaptors to put aftermarket decks into each of these vehicles.  They know what protocol each vehicle uses.  If there was a large demand for doing what you are trying, then yes they may do it.  Since you are the only one chances are not so good.

Bummer...

I suppose I will just take the $500 I've spent on all of the hardware to make this work (Double Din Headunit, Phatnoise system, Headunit to Phatnoise cable) and just E-bay it. (SONOFABITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!)