Radio - refurb Blaupunkt or New?

All,

Time to choose my radio for my IM build. I really like the original Blaupunkt look but also would like a good sound system and receiver. For approx $300 I can get a refurbished unit from Koenig in Germany. I once heard that someone is putting modern "guts" into the old Blaupunkt radios but have not been able to locate them. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Tomm

Tomm: If you find out who refurbishes old radios with new guts, you'll find some great looking old German radios on eBay. Do a search for German or old car radios.

Ask Steve O'Brien; he's got a nice unit like that (new guts in vintage radio) installed in his SAW.

Hi Tomm, I did exactly that, I bought a vintage Blau and had it converted to a 40w/c x 4 amp, MP3, satellite ready. The name of the company is, get this S&M vintage radio. I believe there in MInnesota. I can get you the phone # on Monday. I really think its the way to go. Nithing, in my opinion looks as cheest as a beautiful 356 with a Kenwood, Pioneer or Alpine in the dash. Just looks wrong. Its not a cheap thing but, as Ive said on this website, its the little touches wich can separate your build, from run of the mill.

Tom,

See if this link still opens:

http://www.oldautoradio.com/NWindexDin.php?LL=0&brand=PORSCHE&year=60

I have it bookmarked for when I get to your stage. I hope it helps.

ST

Thanks to everyone who answered so quickly! Howard, I really want to get the contact details for the outfit you got the radio from. The closest I have found for a vintage look in a modern radio is the Becker Mexico at about $1800. Hope your price was lower than this!

Tomm

Tomm-

Try these guys.

http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm

They should be able to do your old radio/new guts thing.

My unit was from the same people as Stan is talking about, they did a nice job and it has never had a problem.

300 dollars is the going rate for a excellent appearance radio and If you see one you like from konig just buy it, and then send it to the guys in Minnesota.

Tell them exactly what you want and how you want it to work and they can pretty much make it happen.

I really can't remember what they charged, but I don't think you will find a better price or better regutted unit.

Tomm, Steve has the outfit, It was electro-tech. They did I great job for me and I believe Ward did the same thing. Its not cheap, I would try to secure an inexpensive vintage rather than pay big bucks for a radio your going to refurbish. I mean, why pay the same real estate twice? They completely overhaul buttons, knobs switches, shine and polish face plates as warranted. I believe the conversion was about 450USD. I paid 250 for a Balu Franfort and its going to look and SOUND great.

Howard,

Where did you find the Blaupunkt Frankfurt for $250? So far the green dial radios are $350 or so. At least the ones I can find.

This is the way I will go if I can find the parts for a reasonable price.

Tomm

Tomm, I just got lucky. Listen, take your time looking. You can find what you want at your price point, if you just dont jump on the first thing that looks good. That said, if it looks really good, it might be worth a couple of $ more. Your have alot of time in front of you with your build, trust me. It will all sort itself out in the end. I trolled the e-bay auctions daily for the 356 parts, I wanted. You have to be careful though. Ive been able to find and deal with great people. I joined the 356 registry only t have acess to the suppliers and some good advice. My 3.2 is being fit into the frame this week, Henry and I have been in contact almost daily, Im afraid I'll wear him out! Trust his judgement, and go with your gut.

I scored a sweet Blaupunkt radio, 12 volt, three band, from an old MGB. If you want to keep a nice vintage look but move up a bit in quality and such, search the British car forums. The Blauplunkt radio, in several models and price ranges, were a dealer option in several British cars.

Look under "British Cars," bet you'll have good luck and save some money over the same radio being sold as a Porsche accessory.