Becker Mexico TR Removal

[westview95]

Anyone have any tips for removing a Mexico TR from my 280 SL? I've been all over the forum, and thru the technical manual with little luck. I did find a little in the "Becker Instructions in German" but it's been too long since I studied German. My goal is to remove the radio, so I can replace the heater levers. Thanks for any help.
Bill

[Richard Madison]

Not sure if this will help since I don't know the Mexico TR model.

This worked with two other Becker models: remove the knobs by pulling them off the shafts (some knobs are held on by a tiny screw that must be loosened.) Remove any tone or balance controls (by careful prying).

The Chrome surround comes off with a gentle pull. Now the dial front can come off revealing two vertical metal bands screwed to the radio and holding the radio to the dash frame.

When the screws are removed from the two vertical bands, the bands can be removed. The radio can now be pulled out part way to allow access to the speaker wires, the antenna wire, the power plug, and any auxiliary amplifier connections.

Once these are removed, the radio can be taken out all the way.

Richard M, NYC

[westview95]

Thanks, Richard. Is there a tip to removing the tone and balance controls? I have the knobs off, but the tone and balance controls don't appear to want to slide off (the way I'm familiar with other radios coming out). The chrome surround is also off. The tone and balance controls hold on the faceplate, so I can't do any more til I can figure out how to get the tone and balance controls off. Thanks again.

[Paddy_Crow]

Step 1, the glove box must come out.

The image is W113, the Mexico goes in pretty much the same as the Europa. I believe I have read, however, that the removable panel that the radio is mounted to is 230 SL only. I presume later models must be removed out the back. The rear bracket is a pain, removing the bolt and washers is blind.

[Richard Madison]

On the radios I have worked on, the tone and balance controls were held to the shaft only by force-fit pressure and came off with some wriggling and careful pulling.

Richard M, NYC

[westview95]

Thanks guys. I'll try it using these tips.
Bill

[Paddy_Crow]

On my Mexico TR, all of the knobs have set screws. (Since it's mono, there is no balance. The knob on the right is a sensitivity control for the automatic tuning.)

Also, once you get the tone and sensitivity knob off, there is another threaded ring that needs to be removed. It looks like it requires a face spanner wrench, but I was able to get it off with a screwdriver.