Anchoring Becker Europa

[cbenz1]

I finally got a Becker Europa for my 71 280SL to replace the ugly aftermarket one.  I found the front anchors on ebay easily enough. My question is - do I have to have the rear L bracket as well or will the radio sit right without it.  I don't plan on using the radio, so not concerned about the ground. 

If I need it, is there someone in U.S that sells them? I saw the German link on another site - pricey.  If anyone has made one, can you post a picture and measurements.

[scoot]

You need the bracket in back.  It was a pain in the ass to find.  I went through that around 4 years ago and don't remember where I got one.  And mine is in my car and not easy to get to at this point. You might be able to BS something to support the back of the radio, if you can find a place to stick your hands.

[66andBlue]

Here is the old thread with scoot's musings: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=9095
Unfortunately that bracket works only with the longer Becker radios, for example a "TR", shorter radios such as a Europa II need a longer bracket which you would have to make yourself: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=12715

[69280sl]

I believe this rear mount also serves as the ground connection to the chassis, so yes you need it.

Gus

[jameshoward]

Take a look at Alfred's posts. You can very easily make a 'bracket' (ie buy one) - it's a piece of metal with holes pre-drilled. Make it into an 'L' shape, attach the short end to the large screw in the back of your Europa II radio, and the other to the large bolt/screw directly behind the radio in the firewall space. It is a complete PITA of a task, but mine works perfectly (I say 'mine', it's actually what came with the car). This assumes that the front of the radio sits perfectly tightly in the dash.

I'm afraid I don't have any photos, but I may need to take the clock out as it's running slightly fast, in which case I'll take some and add to the thread Alfred kindly posted.

Good luck.

[69280sl]

Here is a rear radio mounting bracket for about $25. Lots of other hard to find bits also.

https://www.authenticclassics.com/230SL-250SL-280SL-Convertible-113-Chassis-s/1.htm?searching=Y&sort=13&cat=1&show=32&page=3

Gus

[ctm14]

I recently installed a Europa in my 69'. Alfred is correct the original bracket which I purchased from Becker was too short for the Europa. My installer was LaJolla Audio in LaJolla CA. They fabricated a bracket at my request but told me it was totally unnecessary. They advised that the Europa was much lighter and never required a rear bracket. No mention of ground and this was a very knowledgeable installer who rebuilt the radio so I think Scott the owner would have known.

Chris

[cbenz1]

Chris - thanks for info - will be installing this weekend and will try it first without the rear anchor

Chuck

[Iconic]

IMHO a potential risk of not using the bracket is that the dash metal might bend when going over a big bump (or lots of little bumps over time).
If you use the bracket then there is no risk (or minimal risk).

Also, I agree with Gus, it is the correct ground for the radio.

[cbenz1]

Put the radio in this weekend. There were so many wires left over inside the dash from the previous radio with it's 9 speakers/remote/bluetooth, subwoofers, etc.  I could not fit the L bracket I made.  That mess will be for another day.  I may hide it somewhere else in the car, but for now the Becker Europa looks AWESOME.

[Iconic]

Hey, I know you own a GT-R and other interesting vehicles, but do you really think you are smarter than the Mercedes engineers of the 1960's??
 
(this is meant to me a joke and not combative, I hope you agree)
I've attached some pictures of my radio L-bracket which IS installed in my car (sorry).
Without having perfect knowledge, I simply believe Mercedes would not have installed it and they would save money if there was no purpose for it.
And I can see they, without the L bracket, the radio will put quite a load on the dashboard as vertical accelerations (road bumps) act on the radio.
If you don't use the L-bracket, you might, or might not, have bending and cracking at the interface between the dash and the radio.
But, if you do use the L-bracket, your odds are significantly improved and you will probably never get bending or cracking at that interface.
Of course, this is all my opinion and you know what they say about free advice.
Good luck and nice car collection.

[cbenz1]

I can't thank you enough for the pics. In actuality, without the anchor, it does sag in place over bumps.  So that willl be my next weekend job to create an anchor and figure out how to run power to get it to light up at night.

And not smarter that a 1960's Mercedes Engineer, but hopefully more practical and ALOT younger - now at least now 

[69280sl]

If the radio works (sound), it has all the power it needs. You probably need to replace a dead bulb (lamp).

Gus

[cbenz1]

Just to close out on this...The rear anchor I purchased but it was about 1 1/2 inches too short to reach the lip on the firewall.  Seemed like an easy fix to add an extention, but there was a cable in the way (heater? you can see in pic above).  Required a trip to Home Depot and about 2 hours noodling to get it right.  They sell a metal bar with holes in the hardware section that fit the bill.  Eventually got it done and the radio is solidly in the dash. Next step deciding what to do with the fancy new radio I ripped out and the massive amount of wiring and speakers everywhere in the car.

So if I do keep the radio I took out - what is best place to hide it in the car?  It does have a remote/bluetooth, etc so I am thinking under the passenger seat.  Hate to use the glove box, as that gives me access to behind the dash.