Vintage radio wanted

Anyone know of a source for a vintage radio for our cars? I would like to put one in my 2004 IM, preferably one with white/cream push buttons.

Thanks.

You might be able to find one that is vintage on the outside with new guts on the inside.

Older VW Beetle radios are a close match

Bob, this is a cool looking alternative. Retro looks and modern sound and media hook ups. Even has an extra aux port for USB,SD Cards and extra 3.5mm jack.

http://www.mamotorworkstv.com/vw/product/retrosound-model-1-b-or-c-radio-with-faceplate/

This one has the green backlight. Henry might me able to paint the knobs on these, but dont tell him it was my idea:-)

http://www.vintagecarradio.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=20_42&products_id=286

Bob:

Do a search on here for "vintage Radio" and look for posts from Jim Ward.

Here's what he did:

"I found the right (59 Frankfurt with Euro dial)radio and it is being shipped to S&M Electro-Tech in MN today. They will take out the old guts and mount their set up inside. He estiamtes a 15-20 day turnaround after he receives it. Then it goes to Intermeccanica for installation.

Anyway, it's a fun experience. "
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Hope this points you in a generally positive direction.

I'm not sure, but I think he found Blauplunkt Frankfurt on eBay and then did the conversion.

gn

That's correct, Gordon. Old radio, new guts.

If you're looking for just the old school look, you can use a VW Sapphire radio

Ah, a VW Sapphire.......What memories!

But the Frankfurt could get you SW, too, I think.......In case you to check in with the Voice of America

Look on fleabay for old Becker or Blaupunkt radio. I had old Becker in '72 914 that had AM/FM/SW, weather and marine bands on it. Caution when buying though - some are tube radios and some require external power or amplifier component.

Thanks for all the leads, guys!

Much appreciated. I was just looking at the modern radio in the car, and thought that an old fashioned push button one would look better.

In reality, it would make me feel better, to have a familiar type of radio in this car.

Since Speedsters didn't come with radios, why not check out Carey Hines' hidden installation. Modern performance and a true vintage look. Personally, I would rather listen to the engine and not draw any more attention than I already do. I know that I would be blasting AC/DC and looking even more like a DB than I already am.

Robert
It took me two tears searching to find a Blaupunkt with all ivory knobs and push buttons ,priced realistically. Keep an eye on the samba site as they show up there regularly. tw

Tom:

What is 'priced realistically'? I see a lot in the $400-$700 range.

Thanks
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Someone needs to design a unit that when not in use can be pushed up under the dash and out of sight.

Or a cup holder that slides into a CD slot . . .

Like this?

Mike, that's it ! Please give us details.

Alan, details here:
https://www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=18010

Fantastic !

I have been using Secret Audio for many years now and while they have always been great, their new products are just that much better with every input and output you can think of, iPhone controls, RF remote, CD changer add on, etc, etc... good stuff.

I'm too old for all that techy stuff.

Just give me an old radio that plays old music, and I'm fine. I want to be able to turn a dial and find stations, instead of pushing miniscule buttons that I can't see through my bifocals.

:-)

If you're that old, you probably won't hear the old radio in the Speedster, anyway :-). Take it from a 50-yr old hobby rock & blues musician who just started wearing hearing aids. Seriously though, try driving one with a stereo before you spend the money. I used to have a Sebring convertible (that was much quieter). With the top up at highway speeds, you couldn't hear the stereo. With the top down, I realized how loud it was when I was at a stop light getting sneers. Therefore, I opted not to build Natalie with it and add it later, if desired, which I haven't. I love music as much as anyone, but the Speedster is not an ideal listening environment.

Honestly, I have a JVC stereo/CD in Pearl. Bopping around town, I can actually hear it OK. If I go on longer (1-4 hour) trips, I wear either ear plugs or small, Koss ear buds.

If I have the ear plugs, I adjust the equalizer (one button operation) to "Super Bass" and crank the volume way up til everything sounds good (yes, it's probably pretty loud, but I've got ear plugs in, right?)

If I wear the ear buds, I plug them into the radio (the faceplate drops down and there's a mini phone jack behind it) and just run normal volume. Some states don't like to see ear buds, some don't like ear plugs. What'chagonnado?

Honestly, I want an old radio mainly for the original look (bearing in mind that original Speedsters did not come with a radio). But, my car is set up for a radio, so might as well make it look 'era correct', for when I pull into the A&W drive-in :-)

The music I enjoy the most comes out of the rear end of the car.

Robert,

I have some insight and tried to email you- but it bounced back. Shoot me a note with a good email address.

robert dot carley AT gmail dot com

These MG guys seem to have some for sale:

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?42,1943850

Read through the thread and maybe get in touch with one of 'em.

Maybe?

Thanks, TC.

Guess who started that thread?

Oh for crying out loud ! ! WTF ? ! ? ! Are you dogging my ass all over the internet now? Seems that I can't have a forum of my own without SOMEBODY from over here being on it with me . . .

If you don't have any luck elsewhere I have a working 12 volt Blaupunkt Europa, L, M, U, and K bands, ivory marked push buttons but no knobs.

Hundred bucks plus shipping.

You're not safe anywhere, TC. I visit MG Experience daily, and saw your recent post over there.

We know where you live. BWAH HAH HAAAAaaaaaa...........

Bob, much as I hate to admit it (being a New Englander and all), TC's price for that Europa is pretty good and I'll bet the aftermarket upgrade guys will have the knobs.

Jus' Sayin......

Here's TC checking out Pearl's radio:

TC:

Yes, I admit to being an MGphile also.

PM me at robert dot carley AT gmail dot com about that radio you have. It may be exactly what I am looking for.

Thanks
>>>>>>>>>>>

I'll dig it out and take some pics this weekend. Found the face plate with the "Blaupunkt" across the mid-section last night after posting about it.

"Here's TC checking out Pearl's radio:"


Just goin' down on Pearl.

What can I say, fat bottom girls . . .

"Are you gonna take me home tonight?
Oh, down beside that red firelight;
Are you gonna let it all hang out?
Fat bottomed girls,
You make the rockin' world go round!"

Gotta love Queen.

Of course in the case of Freddy Mercury that song was based on third-party information - not that there's anything wrong with that.

Robert, If it's what you want grab TC's Europa. After two years of looking I found a Frankfort w all ivory knobs , L M K U U bands and white scale. I paid way more than what he is asking but less than $400.
New knobs are available on line.
Although not quite correct for the year it matches the interior quite well.
Depending on your exhaust system you may not be able to hear it .tw

In our S-90 we use a vintage looking radio from a company called Retro Sound. No issues with them, although for the money they "feel" a little on the cheap side...

Carey - its not the radio...it's the ABBA cd that you're playing in it! 8-)