Fitting a modern radio

[VDM 474 R]

I have just purchased a modern Sony radio to fit into the Stag. 32 years old and it has never had a radio fitted! Now its going to get bluetoof, eyepod and hands free!

So I have afew (potentially dumb) questions.

1. To fit the radio do I need anything other than the radio bezel referred to in another thread? Does this hold the radio in place ok or do I need to fix the back of the radio at all?

2. Speakers. Obviously I don't want a single speaker of the top of the dash per standard. Where do most people fit them? Looks like the doors are outas the pocket takes upall the space. I guess you could put thembehind the rear seat but I'm not sure whether they would foul the hood when it was folded down, and in any case I have rear seat belts (and 2 children to match)

3. Aerial - where was the standard place - looks like the OS wing? I'm going to buy an electric aerial as they are usually a better quality.

4. Should I expect to see any pre-existing wiring for a radio (like power) behind the blanking plate?

See? Told you they were dumb questions

Neil Whitmore

[SaphireSpud]

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Neil,

only a partial answer I'm afraid, as my modern Sony unit was a replacement for an old unit and carried out by a mobile Autosounds chap.

I have just purchased a pair of speaker panels from BosScreen Ltd which cover the holes in the cubby panels without damaging them (£25 + £2.50 p & p) whichappear to bevery good quality and fill fit speakers (they say) up to 5" - 130mm

I also intend fitting two tweeters under the original speaker panel on the dash top.

Most aerials that I have noticed have been in the same position as mine - n/side rear wing and, yes, mine is electric (operated by a switch, not automatic from the unit as it's an old one, probably from the seventies!

Hope these two answers are the start of a flood of info' for you.

Regards, John

[iani]

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VDM 474 R wrote:

1. To fit the radio do I need anything other than the radio bezel referred to in another thread? Does this hold the radio in place ok or do I need to fix the back of the radio at all? It holds mine in place ok, obviously you hook the supplied metal cage behind the bezel

2. Speakers. Obviously I don't want a single speaker of the top of the dash per standard. Where do most people fit them? Looks like the doors are outas the pocket takes upall the space. I guess you could put thembehind the rear seat but I'm not sure whether they would foul the hood when it was folded down, and in any case I have rear seat belts (and 2 children to match) The rear cubby pockets are the most popular place, you can buy modified ones ready for speakers

3. Aerial - where was the standard place - looks like the OS wing? I'm going to buy an electric aerial as they are usually a better quality. Not sure what was standard, mine is on the N/S wing

4. Should I expect to see any pre-existing wiring for a radio (like power) behind the blanking plate? Yes, White/Pink wire should be there, this is ignition controlled so you'll probably want a permanent live feed too for your memory functions

See? Told you they were dumb questions

Neil Whitmore

[Tee Cee]

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Hi, I fitted a DIN fitting kit from www.ldpart.co.uk for about £16, this reduces the stereo hole which I assume was to take a 8 track stereo to modern DIN size. I fitted a 4x6 JBL to the top of the dash board, Infinity 16cm speakers to the cubby holes with the aid of speakers fitting kit, and a Infinity sub in the boot. The power feed for the radio will be sitting to the right hand side of the centre consol, and it should be a pink/slate wire.

[VDM 474 R]

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any idea where I can get these modified cubby hole panels?

I have rear seat belts and the inertia reel fits behind that panel but I think there would still be room...

[Tee Cee]

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I found mines on flee bay, sure its made by BoScreens

[VDM 474 R]

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Got it its here: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/cfereday/index.htm

Thanks

[VDM 474 R]

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It looks like this thread is going to become the definitive answer for anyone fitting a radio!

Next question is how do I access the inside of the wing to fit the aerial? There seems to be limited access from inside the engine bay...

[Tee Cee]

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EASY!, fit the ariel inside the boot on the passenger side, If you are fitting an electric ariel (Maplins approx £20) then you will also need to run alive plus the accesory live from the stereo, earthand an extension cable for the ariel to the stereo.

[DJT]

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VDM 474 R wrote:

It looks like this thread is going to become the definitive answer for anyone fitting a radio!

Next question is how do I access the inside of the wing to fit the aerial? There seems to be limited access from inside the engine bay...

Only ever seen one or two with the aerial on a front wing. Peter Howells (LDpart) is one. all the rest have them on a rear wing, with the NS being most common option as the OSR is where the fuel pump is located, reducing available space and a potential interference problem.

Stustag posted a photo recently showing where he has his fitted. If, like me, you reposition your carpet lining you can hide the electric aerial completely.

Dave

[andy p]

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he meant the rear wing not the front wing. mine is n/s rear wing

[whereufromnosecity]

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Mine was in the OSR wing, just enough room but it is tight, but have since broke it and have a rubber grommet for now till i decide where to fit a new one

can you get in caraerials?

[mjheathcote]

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http://stagownersclub.mywowbb.com/forum1/5684.html

[VDM 474 R]

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Ok got all the bits for this radio project (I'd rather be underneath the carthan doing wiring!)

Can anybody confirm that fuse 7/8 is not used as standard (which my car is - never been altered, never had a radio). I intend to use that for the radio/electric aerial.

Also do I get to the back of the fusebox by removing the glovebox?

Neil

[KOY 23]

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VDM 474 R wrote:

Ok got all the bits for this radio project (I'd rather be underneath the carthan doing wiring!) Swap with you

Can anybody confirm that fuse 7/8 is not used as standard (which my car is - never been altered, never had a radio). I intend to use that for the radio/electric aerial. My ROM says 7/8 used for sidelights. but 9/10 is unused. I would use the fuses that are supplied with the radio, with an extra one for the aerial, unless it comes with one.

Also do I get to the back of the fusebox by removing the glovebox? Remove the parcel shelf, much easier.

Good luck
John

Neil