Radio opening

[bjudd]

Is this a "normal" radio opening?   Will it fit the typical Beckers?  (Radio was not there when I got the car.)  I've see pictures that have a much bigger opening.

Which radio would be closest to correct for a European '69 280?

Thank you

[KevinC]

Someone might correct me but I believe that this opening is more "correct"...I dont believe that there were ever two seperate slots for the dial shafts...

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/300820452894?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

I believe that a "Becker Europa" or "Europa II" like this one would be appropriate...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-250SL-280SL-450SL280SE-BECKER-EUROPA-RADIO-250-280-SE-SL-FERRARI-BMW-/290817935470?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b619886e&vxp=mtr

[49er]

The opening looks too small and from the evidence of hairline cracks on either side it appears some body work was done to reduce the width.

John

[mbzse]

Is this a "normal" radio opening?

No, it has been altered by a previous owner. The radio opening on a W113 280SL is 180mm by 55mm

Which radio would be closest to correct for a European '69 280?

The most common radio types in M-B of the sixties were Becker (Europa, Mexico or Grand Prix) or Blaupunkt (Koeln, Frankfurt etc.)
/Hans in Sweden

.

[Flyair]

I may be wrong but i remember from some website that Becker Europa II stereo was fitted from 1972, therefore after the last 280SL was produced.
here is a very useful website to check available Becker models for Pagoda 280SL

http://www.koenigs-klassik-radios.de/en/car-radios/mercedes-benz-1/mb-280sl/

[bjudd]

this opening is 112 mm by 50 mm. 

the reinforcement on the inside is about 180 wide.  Yes, it must have been filled in for some smaller radio or tape player.

[KevinC]

I may be wrong but i remember from some website that Becker Europa II stereo was fitted from 1972, therefore after the last 280SL was produced.

That sounds right Stan. Just found the attached in my stash. The piece is dated October 1969.

[bjudd]

My first look at what is clearly an original radio opening.  I took a screen shot from a youtube video.  

So, what now?  Someone made the opening smaller and it's solidly reinforced.  I'll check with a friend who does body work about opening it back to original.  That means a dash repaint... no small matter!  Other temporary options?  Cover it and put in a small amp and ipod connector?  Hmm...

Any idea what would have fit in this opening?

[hauser]

Have you looked at retro radio?

http://www.vintagecarradio.com/store/popup_image.php?pID=1222&image=0

http://www.vintagecarradio.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=20_60&products_id=1046

[scoot]

Have you looked at retro radio?

  Eww.   How about a "radio delete" plate to cover the mess that someone else made.  Or buy the correct dash panel on ebay from the person listed in the first ebay link and have that panel painted to match (as well as possible?).  Or if you just want something to work, I guess you stuff in some after-market radio that has those size shaft openings.  You can probably get a period blaupunkt that is designed to go in that way (back to front) that has a cover plate that goes over the front...

[bjudd]

thank you all for the recommendations.  I'm looking into the Retro Radios as well as returning the opening to the original size.

I appreciate your suggestions.

Brian