I have a '72 280 SE 4.5 and the existing radio is shot. But the existing power wire in the dash turns off-and-on with the key. This is a problem for modern radios because they need two power wires - one that stays hot to save the memory, and one that turns off-and-on with the key. Any suggestions on where to get an always-on power wire, or any suggestions on modern radios that don't need two power wires to save memory? Thanks.

What you can do is run a wire over to the fuse box in the car. Solder a spade terminal onto the end of your wire and screw it in with the others on the battery (before the fuse) side of fuse 1. There is a screw there, and other leads should be so attached. Modern radio's have their own fuses in the back (at least on my new Pioneer), so you wouldn't even need to worry about that.

I do have a nice old Becker Europa for sale over on the parts section of this forum. Might be worth a look if you like the looks of the stock radio.

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-Matthew Anker
1970 280SEL 2.8L

cig ligher is close.