Advice part 1--radio

[RickInTex]

Or at least I hope they're small....  When I get some free time in the next few weeks, I hope to sort out some small things, and combing the archive has left me with some questions.  So I defer to the collective wisdom.

I recently got an old Becker to replace the functional but hideous 90's Sony that came with the car when I got it last year.  The Becker tests great, but I'm having a bit of trouble sorting out wiring connections.  It's a stereo Europa with separate amp.  The previous owner had bypassed the power connections and two fuses (just below coolant tank) through the firewall, and wired it to the cigarette lighter and clock (switched and unswitched, I'm surmising).  Since the Becker (unlike the Sony) doesn't seem to have a built-in fuse, does it seem foolish to use this non-original wiring arrangement?  If so, should I splice in a fuse to the power input?  Or would it be wiser to rehabilitate the original set-up, with the lines through the firewall to the two-fuse box in the engine compartment.  The latter are no longer connected to anything, and I'm unsure where to run a line--straight to battery?

I think I've sorted out the wiring to electric antenna, which I gather goes to the conical screws on the amp.

Rick
Dallas TX
1967 250SL, 4-speed

[jeffc280sl]

Rick,

Send me and email address and I'll send you the installation instructions for Becker radios.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[hands_aus]

hey Jeff

any chance of you sending me a copy too

I have just bought the same radio and I intend to replace the face plate with an earlier type repro from Becker. This means I don't have to cut the dash opening to fit the radio.

Thanks

email  hands_aus@yahoo.com

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Mark in KS]

The Becker instructions will show the use of the old fuse block near the coolant overflow tank.  Power is derived from a connection on an alternator terminal.

My 230SL was uniquely provided without the radio, but with the wiring present to have one (it actually has a build code on the card describing this).  I ran a power wire to the alternator by "snaking" the new wire through the  existing loom that travels along the right fender and throught the air cleaner box.

Set aside an afternoon to do this and take your time.  Once it's all in, you'll be quite pleased with the original arrangement functioning properly.

[J. Huber]

Some will cringe ... My 230SL also has a modern stereo (blaupunkt). Sadly, to get it in, I dremeled the heck out of the opening of the radio plate. Ouch. This was the 90's. Who knew?...

So here's a question: does anyone have the precise opening for a later 113 Becker? And how about the coverage of the face plate? I realize it would still be "incorrect" to add a 280 radio but it would be cheaper than replacing (and painting) a new radio plate. Thanks.




James
63 230SL

[Joachim]

Hello Rick,
don't worry: the Becker has a fuse inside the separate poweramp, so it is in either way protected.

Hello James,
the correct measurements for the opening are exactly 2.05 inches x 7.1 inches

Joachim
Colon
Germany
66er 230 SL with -sorry James- the correct opening for the old becker type radio

[J. Huber]

Thanks Joachim. Would you (or anyone) happen to have the OD of the radio face plate? (Both the 230SL style and later 280 styles would be helpful). Its a longshot but the early-style might still cover.

James
63 230SL

[RickInTex]

Thanks, all, for the advice.  So I'm gathering that the collective view is that I should refurbish the original wiring to the alternator.  Mark in KS, I'm not able to look at the moment, but it there an obvious place where I should connect the line to alternator?

Rick
Dallas TX
1967 250SL, 4-speed

[Mark in KS]

If you get the instructions from Jeff C., they will be self explanatory.  There's a nice little image that shows the connection layout.  I too, have the instructions, if you want me to fax them to you, let me know.

Mark

[Joachim]

Hello James,
the original dimensions of the early style radio face plate  (230 SL, early 250 SL) are 1.9 inches x 7.2 inches; those of the late style radio face plate are 2.25 inches x 7.4 inches.
Joachim

Colon
Germany
66er 230 SL

[Joachim]

Hello James,
the original dimensions of the early style radio face plate  (230 SL, early 250 SL) are 1.9 inches x 7.2 inches; those of the late style radio face plate are 2.25 inches x 7.4 inches.
Joachim

Colon
Germany
66er 230 SL

[J. Huber]

Thanks again Joachim.. My current plate measures 7 3/8 X 2 1/4 (and just barely covers the opening). Is 7.4 to be read 7 & 4/16 (a 1/4) or 7 & 4/10s of an inch? I know, I'm very needy... I think a 280 radio will be very close...Any one have an extra that works??

James
63 230SL