electrical and ignition Small "body" Radios?

[malagalaga]

My 2002's air conditioning blower really cuts into the space I have available for a radio head unit. When I got my car, the PO had put in a dual shaft cassette player that had a very small "body" (behind the face, not sure if there is a more technical term).

 

While it worked, it was a little low tech for me. I'd love to have Bluetooth streaming and USB. 

 

So I'm thinking about going in one of two directions:

 

1) Putting a non-working Becker or Blaupunkt in there and relocating a modern radio to the glovebox. This would look good but I am not sure how much I would like having to control it from either a remote or from my phone. 

 

2) Finding a small body head unit with modern features. Don't need a CD player, so I am wondering if there are any very simple head units out there with a really small body.

 

Anyone know of anything? Apologies for the complete and utter lack of brevity above. 

[Conserv]

I can't tell you -- because I don't know -- the right search string, but there have been at least a few discussions of this topic in the last 2-3 years. Maybe try a search string something like "small radio", "A/C stereo", or "remote stereo"? I seem to also recall an article (as opposed to a forum thread) on the topic. A remote stereo is obviously one solution. Another solution -- which I suspect wouldn't meet your needs -- would be to install a smaller period Blaupunkt or Becker, a working unit. The German-made units (which is most of these units) have DIN plugs that allow you to at least plug in an iPhone or whatever to play your music through the Blaupunkt/Becker.

 

I, personally, would like a seamless arrangement that allowed me to play my music, via Bluetooth, through a Blaupunkt or Becker. Most of this technology exists: it's just a bit fussier than I would hope for.

 

Steve

Edited March 21, 2017 by Conserv

[malagalaga]

I can't tell you -- because I don't know -- the right search string, but there have been at least a few discussions of this topic in the last 2-3 years. Maybe try a search string something like "small radio", "A/C stereo", or "remote stereo"? I seem to also recall an article (as opposed to a forum thread) on the topic. A remote stereo is obviously one solution. Another solution -- which I suspect wouldn't meet your needs -- would be to install a smaller period Blaupunkt or Becker, a working unit. The German-made units (which is most of these units) have DIN plugs that allow you to at least plug in an iPhone or whatever to play your music through the Blaupunkt/Becker.

I, personally, would like a seamless arrangement that allowed me to play my music, via Bluetooth, through a Blaupunkt or Becker. Most of this technology exists: it's just a fussier than I would hope for.

Steve

 

 

 

Thanks Steve. I actually tried the DIN plug/old Becker trick a while ago. It wasn't quite perfect, but it wasn't bad. I liked the idea, just not the sound quality. I'd be up for it again, but I sold off my old Becker and it looks like prices have skyrocketed. 

 

I'll search around here for more info. Hadn't seen it discussed, but, like you said, it certainly must have been at some point!

[Chamoix]

There was a recent post (~2 months or so) about someone with the same issue who bought a radio and when he opened it the case was mostly empty so he cut it down so it would fit. Don't remember the brand but Japanese IIRC.

[malagalaga]

Awesome! I just found it (assume this is what you meant?)

 

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/142820-shallow-radio-for-ac-console-problem-solved/?hl=radio+cut

 

Thanks! Not the prettiest radio, but none of them are really good looking. At least a radio is really easy to replace if needed. 

[peterschop]

Thanks Steve. I actually tried the DIN plug/old Becker trick a while ago. It wasn't quite perfect, but it wasn't bad. I liked the idea, just not the sound quality. I'd be up for it again, but I sold off my old Becker and it looks like prices have skyrocketed. 

 

I'll search around here for more info. Hadn't seen it discussed, but, like you said, it certainly must have been at some point!

 

I too tried the DIN plug that I bought from Becker on my Europa II radio. With a Behr console, there is no way to plug the DIN into the back of the radio. 

[Conserv]

I don't know when, if ever, antique radio "conversions" will become available for classic '70-ish Blaupunkts and/or Beckers, but they are fairly well established here in the U.S. for radios originally installed in many U.S.-manufactured cars. Here's one such conversion firm:

http://www.vintageautoradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=64

In a conversion, they generally gut the original cabinet and replace its contents with modern technology, including amps and, in some cases, Bluetooth devices. But faceplates and controls are maintained unchanged. I haven't priced them but it's pretty clear they are not a "low-cost option." I've never inquired but maybe one or some of these businesses would be willing to take on a Blaupunkt or Becker project!

Steve

Edited October 13, 2013 by Conserv

[M3M3M3]

or...delete the visible radio all together and go with full hidden system.  aceandrew did a nice long write up of how he did this in his car recently.

 

look in the FAQ Articles section for it.

Edited October 13, 2013 by mlytle

[HBChris]

This place does conversions too,

http://www.turnswitch.com

But the scale will not match, especially since FM on some Blaupunkts goes right to left.

[Stevenc22]

Awesome! I just found it (assume this is what you meant?)

 

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/142820-shallow-radio-for-ac-console-problem-solved/?hl=radio+cut

 

Thanks! Not the prettiest radio, but none of them are really good looking. At least a radio is really easy to replace if needed. 

That was my thread. My cut down radio is still working just fine and served its purpose with my Behr console.

[Original_Customs]

You can run an amplifier directly from your media device (iPod, whatever).  Volume is controlled via the device volume just like a set of headphones.  I have this in my car and it works just fine.  I'm sure if you look around you could even find something that would work with bluetooth, but that would take some 'hacking' to make it work.

[mikesmith]

The RetroSound units are pretty small, can be set up to look suitably 'period', and have the sort of functionality you're looking for...

http://www.retrosoundusa.com

[jate]

I have a Behr AC and it is extremely tight with a stereo. I put a Parrot Asteroid in and it fits pretty well. These are very high tech units. http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/parrot-asteroid/4505-3430_7-34556914.html

 

You can fit in an Alpine because I pulled the Parrot out and put in an Alpine head unit that I have had for a while. The problem with the Alpine is that the gear shifter constantly bumps the buttons on the stereo.

[BMW Bob]

On 10/15/2013 at 4:16 AM, mikesmith said:

The RetroSound units are pretty small, can be set up to look suitably 'period', and have the sort of functionality you're looking for...

http://www.retrosoundusa.com

I have owned a Custom Autosound and a Retrosound for my BMW radio.  For me, I found Custom Autosound to have a little bit better quality.

[AceAndrew]

10 minutes ago, BMW Bob said:

I have owned a Custom Autosound and a Retrosound for my BMW radio.  For me, I found Custom Autosound to have a little bit better quality.

 

Welcome to the FAQ BOB.  Given that this thread is four years old, it would be neat to see some pictures of your Custom Autosound" in your 2002.  Your opinion seems to run contrary to a number of other vintage forum members.