old radio install - thoughts/ideas

[jdt10768]

I am going to install a Becker Europa, and am interested to know which wire you guys/girls would suggest splicing into for power. Positive ignition wire / constant positive terminal on the back of the ignition switch? This is a 1970 model and has never had a radio installed to my knowledge (no speaker holes cut, no crazy dangling wires). I searched first, and found a couple posts, but would like some more input pls - pics would be great

[eastsidebimmer]

let's kill two birds with one post. I'm getting ready to put a Blaupunkt in my 68 and like your car, mine never ever had a radio, no antenna, etc. I'm using a TuneTrapper antenna w/ 2' lead for under dash mounting and two slim fit Retrosound 4x6 speakers under the dash. I'm not super concerned with FM quality as I also have a DIN plug adapter for AUX input. Thanks! -Ben

[adawil2002]

If I recall correctly there is a purple wire off the Hazard switch wiring in the center console, if you are lucky it has a factory spade connector, that is your power.

[eastsidebimmer]

Hi Andrew...the two early roundies in question have the other style hazard switch on the left side of the dash. I think we need to find the correct hot wire off of the ignition switch that comes on with the key in the on position.

Ben

[Beck180]

no speaker holes cut

Lucky bastard

[Mike Self]

electronic, you only need switched power--i.e. you don't need a lead that's hot all the time for the memory/clock like you do on newer units with electronic tuning. The best place on early cars is the "ign on" ("accessory") lead on the back of the ignition switch. These old radios have in-line fuses, so the setup will be fused independently of the fuse box. That's the way the dealers wired 'em up when the customer wanted a radio in his new car and it works just fine--has been on mine since May 1969...

If your radio is mono, just mount a speaker back inside the console, below the radio. Move it back far enough so you still have storage space. If it's stereo and you only want two speakers, put one there, and a second in a surface mount box on the package shelf. You can either wedge it in place between the backlight and the seat back, or velcro it to the package shelf so you don't have to drill holes. I have a very cool old Blaupunkt swiveling surface mount rear speaker with a modern 4x6" coax speaker inside, and a matching speaker up front in my '69...nice sound for a vintage radio.

cheers

mike

[jdt10768]

no speaker holes cut

Lucky bastard

:0)

[Kpeters]

no speaker holes cut

Lucky bastard

Agreed I have 2 perfect panels ruined by some nasty holes. I'm gonna have to put some speakers on em to cover it agh.