Early Stereo Radio ?

[Benjegen]

Hi all,
I have a question concerning the sizes of radios.
I have en early 250 SL and currently there is the original Blaupunkt Frankfurt (Mono). I would like to upgrade to a stereo, however I have noticed that the most common ones like Becker Mexico or Europa II are larger than the Blaupunkt. Does anyone know if there is a Stereo Radio from that time in that size ?
Thanks

Ben

[ja17]

Hello Ben,
Actually the Blaupunkt and Becker radios use the same size opening depending on the year.
The earlier W113 radios used the smaller opening. Here is a thread with some photos and size information;

http://sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=647



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[rwmastel]

Ben,

I don't think Pagodas had any stereo radios during production of the smaller dash openings.  I've never heard of a 230SL or 250SL originally fitted with the stereo speakers (located on the kickboards).

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Chad]

I think Rodd is right. Mine is a later 67  230 and there are no speakers on the kickboard areas.  

What you might consider, and it seems reasonable to me, is to use your mono stereo or acquire the Becker TR and ask the guys at Becker America to convert it for you to stereo.  They are nice guys, I like calling them and they're very helpful with questions.  Their price seems very reasonable for work done, and they told me once they could probably do this, but I didn't follow up with that.

There are also other vintage radio restorers that can convert your radio to a digital one and maintain the vintage look, or so it is billed. I have no experience with this and can not recommend.  I prefer to keep things original, like Dr. Benz has suggested in a couple posts elsewhere here, and what that means to me is mono stereo, drum brakes on the rear, no A/C.  Keep it a sportscar, but I have decided to install electronic ignition and I am contemplating a mono to stereo conversion of the original smaller Becker radio.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10

[Chad]

Alternatively, acquire a stereo Becker and purchase a chrome frontpiece, smaller one to fit your early 250SL.  They are on fleaBay sometimes and also the guys at Becker have new reproductions for this purpose, however the Becker cost is about $240 last time I checked.

Anyway, a call to Tom at Becker America in NJ would be very helpful to you, in my very small opinion. Good luck.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10

[waltklatt]

Chad,
Actually the faceplate will fit, but the small thumb knob that goes on before the big knob will not have enough grip to stay on.  I have tried that with little success.  Best to ask the Becker professioinals here.
Walter Klatt
1967 220SL-original Becker Mexico TR
1963 230SL-8 track radio installed