Fearlessfozz Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 I'm planning to fit a modern radio into my '73 TR6. The centre console has the old style radio holes of tuning and volume and rectangular cutout for display. Has anyone carried out a similar modification and is it relatively easy to do? Advice would be much appreciated. Tahnks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Graham Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Hi Foz You can fit a 'DIN' style radio to the original console by simply enlarging the existing hole, but be aware once done there is no going back ! The PO has done this on my 6, but point to look out for is that the newer style radios are larger ( obviously) and they tend to have a chassis which you should fit into the hole in the console first and then you slot the radio into that. With my radio its so big that you have to fit the radio and chassis in as a single unit because there isn't the 'wiggle room' to do it properly. This does then need a lot of fiddling about to get a firm fit. Only my experience with my radio others may be different. If I was doing it from scratch I would be tempted by one of the old style radio's with new giblets to get you blue tooth and iPod connectivity if thats what your after. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim D. Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Also did this.. picked a digital radio with blue tooth and then wired a woofer on the back shelf and 2 tweeters on the kidney pads Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Keith66 Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Hi All Seem to be a couple of options if wanting to upgrade the capabilities of the old unit. Fit a modern unit, but it may look a little out of place. Get the old unit fitted with modern internals, as already mentioned. Couple of companies that supply off the shelf units or will update your own to various specs. But if you go full house it aint cheap, go Bluetooth, USB support and DAB and you are into the thick end of a thosand quid. (other suppliers may be cheaper ) It is a choice i'll face fairly soon and i would prefer the original look but i very much doubt i'll be going the 1000 quid route. Cheers Keith Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SteveB21 Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 I installed the Classic 200 from Classic Car Stereo a couple of years ago and I've been very pleased with it - DAB, Bluetooth, etc. The only advice I would give is to install an external aerial - the screen mounted one that comes with the radio isn't up to much. I use a magnetic one mounted on the boot, so I didn't have to make any holes in the bodywork and can hide it away when not in use. https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/classic-car-stereos/autosound-classic-car-stereo/ccs-spindle-mount-dab-radio/ Cheers Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jerrytr5 Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Another option: If you don't use the glovebox, take out the liner and fit a couple of brackets in there. The car is small enough to reach across from the drivers side. Jerry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fearlessfozz Posted November 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Thanks Chaps for your prompt response. I think the retro product may be the best option - it may be more expensive but may save some grief further down the line. However, spending around £1000 is too extravagant for my budget and I'll base my research around a period style product with a few mod cons. Will let you know the outcome. Thanks again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim D. Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 If you can get a period stereo then adding an aux input can be as easy as soldering a jack to the volume potentiometer. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KiwiTR6 Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 I purchased one of these but have yet to fit it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/RetroSound-LAGUNA-C-Radio-3-5mm-AUX-In-for-ipod-Push-Button-502-36-Euro-Porsche/361963025815?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l46252 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
silverfox4 Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 I'm going for what seems to be referred to in the industry ads is a "mechless", which I guess is short for no CD player mechanicals. These come in DIN opening size but are shorter so the rear does not come too close to the tunnel, which makes for easy install and removal as required. Cheers, Alf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevo_6 Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 14 minutes ago, silverfox4 said: I'm going for what seems to be referred to in the industry ads is a "mechless", which I guess is short for no CD player mechanicals. These come in DIN opening size but are shorter so the rear does not come too close to the tunnel, which makes for easy install and removal as required. Cheers, Alf This is what I used as the hole was already cut by the P O https://www.bowerspartsonline.co.uk/ancillary/car-audio/caliber-rmd030-12v-slimshallow-depth-usbsdaux-fm-stereoradio It’s been in for about 3-4 years and I’ve never used it! Handy for charging the phone though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
silverfox4 Posted November 14, 2019 Report Share Posted November 14, 2019 I must check whether we can get that Caliber RMD030 over here, as it seems even shorter than the Panasonic and Sony models I have looked at - and the price is good (the USB feature alone is worth it, instead of fitting a separate one) Alf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jogger321 Posted November 14, 2019 Report Share Posted November 14, 2019 (edited) I realise it a cheapy from china ...but it kind of looks the part and i'm sure will sound better than the 35 year old cassette radio in my car Has anyone tried one of these out at all? https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/173383738701?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=173383738701&targetid=520884170599&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006976&poi=&campaignid=6744139833&mkgroupid=78343140446&rlsatarget=pla-520884170599&abcId=1139126&merchantid=114962564&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6umA59Dp5QIVDbDtCh34MwKxEAQYBCABEgKluvD_BwE Edited November 14, 2019 by jogger321 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SeanF Posted November 14, 2019 Report Share Posted November 14, 2019 On 11/12/2019 at 5:22 PM, SteveB21 said: I installed the Classic 200 from Classic Car Stereo a couple of years ago and I've been very pleased with it - DAB, Bluetooth, etc. The only advice I would give is to install an external aerial - the screen mounted one that comes with the radio isn't up to much. I use a magnetic one mounted on the boot, so I didn't have to make any holes in the bodywork and can hide it away when not in use. https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/classic-car-stereos/autosound-classic-car-stereo/ccs-spindle-mount-dab-radio/ Cheers Steve Hi Steve, Does this one fit into the original configuration of holes in the H frame, ie centre rectangle and two separate knob holes? If so this looks interesting. Also do you have a link to the magnetic aerial you are using? Many thanks, Sean Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SteveB21 Posted November 14, 2019 Report Share Posted November 14, 2019 (edited) Hi Sean Yes - it fits into the original H frame holes, just like the original radio. The aerial is a magnetic DAB aerial with SMB connector, like the one in attached link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAB-Car-Aerial-SMB-Adapter-Magnetic-Mount-Antenna-with-5M-16-4ft-Cable/312734225435?hash=item48d069941b:g:LFoAAOSwNkxdV4fA I ran the cable under the carpet into the boot and it is thin enough to fit past the boot seal when in use. The aerial is about 30cm tall. Best to check the SMB connector is still the right one for the radio. I found Classic Car Stereo very helpful over the phone. Hope the attached pictures help. Cheers Steve Edited November 14, 2019 by SteveB21 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DRD Posted November 14, 2019 Report Share Posted November 14, 2019 9 hours ago, jogger321 said: I realise it a cheapy from china ...but it kind of looks the part and i'm sure will sound better than the 35 year old cassette radio in my car Has anyone tried one of these out at all? https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/173383738701?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=173383738701&targetid=520884170599&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006976&poi=&campaignid=6744139833&mkgroupid=78343140446&rlsatarget=pla-520884170599&abcId=1139126&merchantid=114962564&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6umA59Dp5QIVDbDtCh34MwKxEAQYBCABEgKluvD_BwE You can't go wrong at that price! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trolleybus Posted November 15, 2019 Report Share Posted November 15, 2019 If you would like to keep the original look of the old radio it is possible to add the features of a modern unit. I am doing one now that will have music from smart phone by Bluetooth, a USB charging port, a port to play music from a USB stick, and pseudo sterio. presumably you can also get DBA and FM radio through the phone as well. It will be $250 (AUD) plus post. https://www.facebook.com/bernard.doherty.54?fref=gs&__tn__=%2CdC-R-R&eid=ARDhZMNX99igyHIu8ydyZxUw6IFRt8mQF3rUlSyAArezCGzW2pA92et054ZWreyIulqEdpeNtOeE6uSv&hc_ref=ARQKdlbLjBb_m1-W6bAP74K_TatqZxDWX42tIs-DrJrZ-bM5H-0O2bI2FEvqlbY9EZY&dti=113396802089088&hc_location=group Maybe an option for the originality set. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mark_smugglers Posted November 15, 2019 Report Share Posted November 15, 2019 I bought an old non-working one and put a Bluetooth amp inside it - copied from something I’d seen online: https://markstr6rebuild.weebly.com/radio.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
silverfox4 Posted November 16, 2019 Report Share Posted November 16, 2019 Kev, a search indicates your Bower purchased Caliber is branded several ways on this end . One is a Blaupunkt model @ C$24.99 and another calledTagital< both look the same and cheap. In the US, Walmart had them at $10.99 at one point and there are YouTube posting on these. From what I gather, Bosch sold the brand in 2016 to a Chinese entity and we now now see the outcome. Not the Blaupunkt we knew...but now have something to check out. Thanks for the Bower link. Alf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SeanF Posted November 16, 2019 Report Share Posted November 16, 2019 On 11/14/2019 at 7:22 PM, SteveB21 said: Hi Sean Yes - it fits into the original H frame holes, just like the original radio. The aerial is a magnetic DAB aerial with SMB connector, like the one in attached link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAB-Car-Aerial-SMB-Adapter-Magnetic-Mount-Antenna-with-5M-16-4ft-Cable/312734225435?hash=item48d069941b:g:LFoAAOSwNkxdV4fA I ran the cable under the carpet into the boot and it is thin enough to fit past the boot seal when in use. The aerial is about 30cm tall. Best to check the SMB connector is still the right one for the radio. I found Classic Car Stereo very helpful over the phone. Hope the attached pictures help. Cheers Steve Thank you Steve. Very helpful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy1966 Posted November 16, 2019 Report Share Posted November 16, 2019 On 11/14/2019 at 11:49 AM, jogger321 said: I realise it a cheapy from china ...but it kind of looks the part and i'm sure will sound better than the 35 year old cassette radio in my car Has anyone tried one of these out at all? https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/173383738701?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=173383738701&targetid=520884170599&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006976&poi=&campaignid=6744139833&mkgroupid=78343140446&rlsatarget=pla-520884170599&abcId=1139126&merchantid=114962564&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6umA59Dp5QIVDbDtCh34MwKxEAQYBCABEgKluvD_BwE I have one of these in my TR and to be honest its Ok, my only criticism is the FM station strength is not good at holding the reception, its got Bluetooth and you can charge your phone etc. Amazing value for money think I paid £15 delivered Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jogger321 Posted November 17, 2019 Report Share Posted November 17, 2019 9 hours ago, Andy1966 said: I have one of these in my TR and to be honest its Ok, my only criticism is the FM station strength is not good at holding the reception, its got Bluetooth and you can charge your phone etc. Amazing value for money think I paid £15 delivered Andy was it easy to install ? I'm not great with electrical wiring...do you have to convert to modern car electrical sockets for the power and speakers? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DRD Posted November 17, 2019 Report Share Posted November 17, 2019 11 hours ago, jogger321 said: Andy was it easy to install ? I'm not great with electrical wiring...do you have to convert to modern car electrical sockets for the power and speakers? I've just bought one so will let you know - shouldn't be that difficult. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy1966 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 I Guys Sorry for late response. Yes Installation very straight forward, there's a multi plug and a separate Aerial connector all clearly labelled. Took me around 15 minutes Andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AarhusTr6 Posted November 22, 2019 Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 I spent way too much brain power on this. I even got a mate of mine who designs sound systems for movies and he also gave up... The summary was, I wanted retro looks, no visible speakers but awesome sound, combined with a very noisy car, especially when hood was down so I was looking at the impossible. In the end, I bought a big portable wireless speaker with Bluetooth and connected a USB 5amp line to the back of the inner cabin to power it. The speaker has a strap and this holds it in place in case I need to slam the brakes on or am hitting a corner a bit too hard. The music is using iTunes music and Tunein Radio as app's on my phone, also noice up and down is from the screen. I would suggest a nice biggish screen for easy scrolling. The phone screen uses the car mode so nice big buttons. I tried voice activation on the phone but noise usually was too much. I am so happy with this design and also the onboard battery on speaker means I also have music outside of the car, ideal for a picnic. Not retro but I am really content. Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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