Radio upgrade for '74 911

[fintstone]

Since
I have not had much luck finding the correct radio for my '74 at a reasonable price/condition...so I am considering other options. I would prefer one without much bling that would complement the very plain middie dash. Mine is currently unmolested, so cutting a larger hole is not an option. I also have a rear, z-box type subwoofer unit I can install, so a more powerful head unit would not be a bad thing. Has anyone tried an aftermarket they liked or later unit from a 911 or Boxter like a cr-23, cdr-210 or 220? If so, observations or photos would be appreciated.

[KFC911]

I removed my original Blaupunkt (stashed away, don't recall the model - cassette), as I purchased a Blaupunkt Key West CD169 (minimal bling) head unit along with a Blaupunkt CDC-A-08 CD changer, and never installed them. I don't want to let the original go, but you're welcome to either/both of the latter if you can use 'em. I'll make you an offer ya can't refuse .

[Barrpete]

I installed the CDR 220. Fits perfectly in the existing dash opening and looks like it came with the car. No bling whatsoever. Sorry, don't have a pic but I know others have posted pics, so a search should turn something up.

You should also be able to buy an adaptor to hook into your existing harness. And you need to get the 'reversed' faceplate so you can read the display. Check with SWStereo or Beckerautosound.

[nineball]

no radio in the world can put out enough power to run a sub, even a smaller one. if you want to use that enclosure with a sub you are going to need an amp. all radios put out 16-22 watts rms, nothing more.

browse through crutchfield.com and see their available aftermarket headunits. also check out sonicelectronix.com.

[CurtEgerer]

Probably not what you're looking for, but this is what I recently put in my 74 Carrera. All I wanted was a basic old-style radio with an input for an iPod. This has both and was cheap. $49 at Crutchfield, but I later found them on the shelf at AutoZone for cheaper yet. Works great for me!

Dual XC4100:

[fintstone]

Thanks for the inputs...will be helpful in deciding what to do. Wish I could put a nice original radio in the dash and hide a more modern unit and amp to run the nice sub box. I would also consider not using the sub box... I will also have speakers in the traditional spots in the doors.

[tcar]

Look at 'blaupunkt' on ebay... good selection. Some of the new ones are sort of blingy, but there are some nice used ones.

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Probably not what you're looking for, but this is what I recently put in my 74 Carrera. All I wanted was a basic old-style radio with an input for an iPod. This has both and was cheap. $49 at Crutchfield, but I later found them on the shelf at AutoZone for cheaper yet. Works great for me!

Dual XC4100:

Good to hear Curt. I almost bought one of these. My only hang up was the curved face. I wanted something recessed like the Bambergs in the 78 Turbos (not sure if they were offered in non-turbo cars).

[nineball]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Thanks for the inputs...will be helpful in deciding what to do. Wish I could put a nice original radio in the dash and hide a more modern unit and amp to run the nice sub box. I would also consider not using the sub box... I will also have speakers in the traditional spots in the doors.

that is quite easy to do, and i have done it in several classic cars. they make generic radio mounting kits that can be adapted to work in the glove box and you can easily fit an amp under one of the seats. if you want to get more in depth feel free to pm me.

this is a 5 channel amp that fits under half the space below my driver's seat:

[fintstone]

Good suggestions...although audio really isn't my area of expertise. I do, plan to install sound deadening throughout the car and want it to look relatively stock since I like the retro hot rod look. Since I have a targa, If I install an aftermarket setup, I don't want it to attract attention that will get the car broken into. With that in mind, I have several parts on hand that I could use. The sub box and peakers that I currently have is this one: Subwoofer Speaker enclosure for (911, 912 or 930) 1969-89
It seems to be the same as the one used in this link: 1983 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
I had BoB at APPBIz make me some leather door panes for a '74 with perforations for speakers like the panels in this link RS Door panels with speaker perforations
Any suggestions for an install using these compomponents?

[nineball]

do you have the 10" or 8" version of that box? either way it has approximately 2ft3 of airspace but it is ported (the tubes) so that really affects how the subs will perform. if you could you take measurements of the ports (diameter, length) i could make a guesstimate as to the tuning of the box and then see what subs would work well in there.

i don't wanna jump the gun on anything here so what is your total top amount to spend for everything? that will really determine what is possible. for example i could suggest $100-150 or $800+ components alone in a nutshell, for a nice basic setup you would need speakers for the front, a radio, an amp, the subs, misc wiring (power, ground, rca, speaker) and possibly rear speakers (they are really a waste in a 911, especially one like yours that most likely will never have rear passengers).


now that i have droned on i'll just send you a pm.

[fintstone]

The used box came with the 10 inch JL Audio W1s like in the for sale posting cited above. They seem to be in good condition, at least visually...they look like new. The ports are 2 inch in diameter and about 4 inches long. I would like to only use the box and door speakers if that is a good option...I have a reasonable budget for additional parts but would like to use the speakers already if possible since I have no other use for them.