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Upgrade Radio but keep original

dixhuit

dixhuit

New member
Has anyone got any suggestions ? My supersport is absolutely original spec fitted with a Blaupunkt Toronto SQR 46 radio cassette with Hi Fi sound system and parcel shelf speakers. Would like to keep it in situ within the dash as it has a bigger fascia than current CD radios. I would however like at least a CD Player or changer and perhaps a RDS radio as I live in Devon and the FM wavebands seem to change every 5 miles or so. Is there anything on the market that could be added /connected either in the luggage boot and not spoil a totally original car ?
Simon
 
I have found sound quality through an i trip or similar FM based device relatively por compared to a CD or dirct MP3. I have seen a car with the original radio in the dash as a dummy and another fitted in a glove box with CD changer in boot. Not sure if it will fit in your car but neat solution that looks very good. Head unit had a remote so operation was easy.

Might be worth looking into if you really want the dash to look original.
 
Thanks gentleman,
Both ideas are worth investigating. It would appear everything is possible at a cost (like all Porsche mods !!!)
Cheers
Simon
 
Simon,
Have you looked at all the other options.

I'm currently looking to replace the standard Blaupunkt Cassette player in my 3.2 with a single CD-player which also has an i-pod connection.

I'm keen to get a unit that doesn't look too out of place or mean I need to modify any of the dash or speaker holes.

I'm sure there must be a few others who've done the same.

Greg
 
Greg,
I havent looked at all the options as only got the car a couple of months ago. Its just that it is absolutely original and everything is as delivered in 89. I really would like to keep it this way but would be prepared to do something hidden which was additional. I am sure there is something out there its just a question of research.
Simon
 
Simon,
I agree it's good to keep the car original, but unless you're keeping it low mileage as part of a collection, most people wold expect the sound system to be upgraded by now as cassette tapes are now ancient technology. Why not upgrade the head unit but keep the cassette so when purchasing you can always give it to the next owner if they want to put it back in.

Sure you can upgrade the speakers just keeping them under the original grills. People understand sensible upgrades!

If you're going to use it why put up with poor sound, enjoy for car but ensure it can easily be put back to standard spec.

As they say "the choice is yours".

Greg
 
I think a CD with decent radio would do the job. (keeping the original) It is fitted with the factory option Hi Fi sound system so the speakers arent bad. Given that its the cabriolet perfect sound would never be achievable. The only problem is the Blaupunkt Toronto is a big unit height wise and everything Ive seen is smaller.
Any ideas
Simon
 
I believe the Becker units are "over sized" and will fit straight into the dash once the original is removed, (that's what I did with mine), you have no need for a std din size cage that most makes use for in their installations

Regards
 
Thank you,
Will be on the look out for a Becker. Typically someone was advertising new/boxed unwanted gift at very good price a month or so ago !!
Simon
 
Whilst I didn't fit it mine has a pretty good Alpine CD head unit with a rotating and removable face, which can be locked in the glove compartment. Fits in the hole a treat and being black is not too "bling".

Be careful of some of the new units as they can have a lot of extra cables attached for amplifiers and subs. You can end up with a bundle of the things wrapped up in cable ties stuffed under the dash. On some units they can be removed, but most are hard wired in.

Also modern powerful head units produce a lot of heat so take care. My wife accused me of driving with the heater on this summer, turned out to be the amp in the head unit!

Steve
 
Ive got the original radio manual and wiring diagram so I can get something fairly compatable. Heat on the wifes knees , why the complaint !!!! Surely its a selling point
Simon
 
Good point....note to self "write that feature down for future sales ad."

What with the CD and a heater that works, certainly don't get any complaints from the co-pilot about being cold, unlike some of the old soft top sports cars we've had in the past. Warm even with the Targa off.

Steve
 
"Passenger seat suitable for mini skirts in winter" should get the phones ringing but it could end in tears
Simon
 
Mmmmmm....One of those phone calls could be me to the local A&E Dept.

I think I'll stick with the cards I have. Don't want to risk damaging any body parts of a personal or Porsche nature. Both are expensive to repair and in one case they're no longer manufactured!

Steve
 
I thought the slot in an 89 911 was a std DIN sized slot. What is the oversize business all about? Mine swallowed a lovely Blaupunct London CD player, which is a std DIN sized head unit.

If you put a modern CD player in and keep the original radio/cassette, who on earth would mind. The mod is reversible, you have the original, what more could anyone want ???

Is an 89 collectible anyway??? Its nice to have one of the last 3.2s and nice to have a Supersport, but IMHO, I think you are highly optimistic to believe its collectible. Just my $0.02 [:)]

BTW even the hi-fi pack speakers are pants. They are cheap nasty paper coned speakers and the amp is a weedy little thing. Put some decent kit in and you will see what hi-fi means. Again, just my $0.02, but I have replaced the whole "hi-fi" pack in my 89 car so I have some idea on this one.

HTH
Richard
 
Blaupunkt London CD tuner an Infinity Reference speakers with separate tweeter. I used 5.25 inch but would go for 6 inch if I did it again. I have low profile Kenwood dual mag rear 6x4s under OE grills in the rear, now for sale as I have no rear deck.
 
The Becker units fit straight into the dashboard aperture without the need of the cage/cradle that most std unit slip into (that grey metal sleeve thing), hence they are over sized to fill the hole.
 
I got a Brand new but fairly std looking Black Pioneer CD Tuner for £60 off the web and a pair of JBL 13cm speakers - took a bit of messing with the grilles to get the std grilled to fit over the JBL Tweeters (Not components so tweeter in middle of cone) so in the end i used the JBL spacers directly onto the door card and the original grilled fit perfectly inside the spacers so looks std.

sounds good too... albeit without an amp.
 
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