I'm in the process of buying a '67 250SE cabriolet in very original shape. The radio in the car is the original Blaupunkt with a single speaker. I like originality, but I like good sound even more -- particularly for a car that's going to be a driver. The problem is finding a sound system that can fit in the small space where the Blaupunkt now lives and still be able to control a remote CD changer. I don't want to enlarge the cut-out in the panel to fit the newer, and larger, sound systems. And I certainly don't want the local car audio chain store messing with the car. I'm stumped and would greatly appreciate any suggestions and advice. (Please bear with me as I'm new to all this restoration stuff!)

You can always fit the new radio in the glovebox and so keep the view of the car original.
You could also have both systems working

The whole originality issue is one I'm fighting with also. The big problem is not cutting up anything to modernize and that is tough wehn most new systems use the DIN chassis. I think the best bet might be to find a used two post system that is still as modern as possible.

That I'm not worried about myself, the bigger dilemna for me is what to do about speakers? I won't cut into the doors or hat shelf, I'm not a fan of seeing the surface mount speakers everywhere.

Funny how this dilemma popped up with a '67 250SE Cabriolet.

In my own 250 Cabrio, I wound up opting for a Blaupunkt CD deck and Polk Audio speakers mounted surface style on the kick panels. I know it's probably the worst car to bastardize, but with that top down it's sooo awesome to have The Who blasting! I did have to enlarge the dash a tiny bit to squeeze the CD player in there but there was already a Balupunkt tape deck in there and somebody had previously cut the dash anyways.

On my '70 280SE, the original Becker Europa was dead, so I found a Mexico unit from one of my old 6.9s and wired it in there.

My '70 280SL had some awful aftermarket radio in it which I removed today as a matter of fact. I have another Becker that's going in there. This one's not a Mexico, just a Europa.

__________________
Regards,
Aaron

I was able to install a Sony stereo/CD player in dash without any modification. I do not know if the PO had opened the port any (didn't look like it) or not. There was just a hair of space, enough to allow the body of the unit to slip in the hole in the dash. Due to space limitations (yes it's tight in there) I did all wiring with the unit sitting on the console, and simply tucked the excess wires away and secured them with tie straps.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I've responded to all of you through e-mail, and just now learned how to do it in this forum (I hope!).

I think the option of getting a unit with a built-in cd player sounds like the best way to go since I'm not likely to find one small enough that will also control a remote cd player.

Now, I just need to find out which unit would come closest to fitting in the original space without requiring much alteration of the dashboard. Oh yeah, it should also sound good!

Since I'm having the wood refinished, should I install the new unit before having the wood done? That way I can have the wood reinstalled to the new unit's size. Does that make sense?

I know I must sound really stupid, but I'm totally new to all this.

Hi Carlos,

I was just checking through thr forum and found your question regarding the in dash stereo.

I am also looking into the same for my 66' 250S. I have come to the conclusion that rather than get an old becker or something very original I would opt for a very new Kenwood or JVC unit.

I don't particularly want to have a really modern stereo showing in the dash so I am in the process of investigating these units that have a mechanical flip face. Called D-Mask in Kenwood language and Motorised hide away face in JVC talk.

The beauty of these is that you can play your music using the best and newest equipment and simply have the face turned around (even while going) I plan to add a piece of the newly refinished dash to the back so that it's fully integrated. When closed you don't see anything except an outline like the ash tray.

Most of these units have in built CD and a remote!
Thought you might like the info.

Check out:

http://jvc.com.sg/Mobile/KD-SH.html
http://www.kenwood.com.au/car.asp (look in the CD Receivers)

Best of luck with it all.

Regards,