AM/FM for '79

[SRCM]

Anyone have a brand name and model number for a CURRENTLY AVAILABLE radio to fit in the dash of a 79? All I really need is AM/FM. CD ok if it fits. Don't need all the IPOD etc. stuff.

[rlux4]

Most radios made will be either single DIN (2"X7") or double DIN (4"X7"). The single DIN size will fit your car perfectly if the opening hasn't been modified. You're saying fit your dash, but I'm assuming you mean fit in the upper console.
Ron

[SRCM]

Thanks. Yes I mean console.

[Danno]

Single DINs will fit, but I do think I remember the depth being such that some really might be hard to cram in there. have you tried something that did not fit and that's why you are asking?

[SRCM]

Just got the spider recently and am still sorting out various things. The PO mounted a large radio CD player under the dash that the passenger can easily bang their knee on. Right now, I'm looking for a simple radio that will fit the console space. Will have the existing radio removed. I haven't actually removed the cover plate from the console or measured the space yet, and was hoping someone could give me a brand name and model number that will fit without issue. I'm about to take the car to a shop for various things and would like to have them do the radio, if I can find one. Thanks for your help.

[Danno]

well, that upper console should have an opening that will fit any single din radio. It's the depth of the radio that I think was difficult. Hopefully wires can be parted well enough to fit just about anything in there that you need to.

because we all like pictures, here is a picture of the console from my car, so you can see how big that opening is. I wish I had a radio picture, someone else prolly does.

[RRoller123]

Yeah it is really important to route the wires away from the inside of the metal bracket that the radio slides into, or it fits like crapola.

[spidernut]

Because brands and model numbers vary soooo much, you're best bet is to go to one of the big box stores like Best Buy. Simply ask to look at the DIN mount stereos. There should be many to choose from, they're all about the same depth and should fit with no modifications necessary (other than the wiring harness).

It is hard to find the wiring harness/kit that fits a Fiat, so you'll most likely have to splice the wires. I used the harness off of an old radio that was in the car so I didn't have to cut the main harness on the car itself. I hate it when people cut the car's wiring harness!

I'm not recommending this stereo, but this is what you'll see on the websites as a DIN mount stereo. It should fit right in!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alpine+-+50 ... Id=1918052

[bradartigue]

An excellent, discreet radio is the Nakamichi CD300 and CD450 series, the latter of which has an input for an aux device (ipod, etc.). The sound quality is fantastic. They match, as well as anything, European interiors more than the flashy Sonys and etc. that are available today.

And they're dirt cheap from woofersetc.com

If you want period correct you can buy Blaupunkts all day long on ebay from the early 80's and they still sound fantastic.

[simoboni]

Found this on eBay and I'm really tempted to buy it...http://www.ebay.com/itm/110933522429?ss ... 1423.l2648

It looks like a perfect fit for a late 70s/early 80s Spider

[RRoller123]

http://www.pacparts.com/library/default.cfm

We can use this great website to check the actual year of production for many different components to see if they are period correct! Haven't run this radio through it but it sure looks like a good one at the price.

[Danno]

those are cool and all, but my 128 has a pretty sweet system:

[4uall]

the Alpine linked above is what I went with and there was no issues upon install. I was chatting the guy up so he took extra care in doing the install while I waited. I like retro however, with the USB port it really helps with the iPod & GPS options etc


new carpet installed by itzebtze, on Flickr

[Danno]

For the right price there are places that take the guts out of older (period) radios and add features, often including USB or Aux inputs. It's been awhile since I looked, but I do remember it being way out of my price range. Of course, people are willing to pay big bucks to have clock glass that isn't foggy, so if you're that type of guy, this option might be for you.

[simoboni]

those are cool and all, but my 128 has a pretty sweet system:

love it!