Becker Mexico radio

[Marvin Gruber]

Wanted to fill the hole in the BJ8 console. I have a Becker Mexico TR radio I had squirreled away for a while. It would look real good the Healey but just checked online, these radios bring good money. Don't think it works, can't figure how to wire it up. It has the power amp with a bunch of wires. Should I put it , over kill?
Marv

 

[Jim 58 BN6]

Marv,

No, just sell it to me - especially if it's not working! I just love projects, and I have too many - but I could make an exception here...

You should be able to find a wiring diagram on-line. I've given up using any audio in open cars, unless I'm on a boring road trip, and can use my ipod and ear buds (But then I spend too much time worrying if I'm breaking some law, so it's hard to enjoy the music).

Seriously, if you decide to sell it, please PM me. I have an Alfa Sprint GT that it would fit very nicely, and I can usually fix this kind of stuff. It should be a lot easier than restoring an entire car. :rolleye:

Jim

 

[GregW]

Couldn't help but notice the first two station buttons are "L BC"

 

[Bob_Spidell]

If you want to get it repaired I recommend: https://www.sacramentoradioexpo.com/index.shtml

I have an original BMC radio in my BJ8; the only time I listen to it is to see if the fuel pump is ticking appropriately.

 

[Jim 58 BN6]

If you want to get it repaired I recommend: https://www.sacramentoradioexpo.com/index.shtml

I have an original BMC radio in my BJ8; the only time I listen to it is to see if the fuel pump is ticking appropriately.

That wasn't only meant to be a radio, BMC was also providing you with an important secondary diagnostic tool. The radio in my TR4 always informed me that the generator was operating.

 

[steveg]

That wasn't only meant to be a radio, BMC was also providing you with an important secondary diagnostic tool. The radio in my TR4 always informed me that the generator was operating.

As I recall, generators being older technology, work better on the AM band.

 

[British_Recovery]

Marv,
Check the back for a DIN socket. This would allow you to plug in any modern accessory and play it through the radio, if you get the appropriate cable to a mini plug.
The amp may be in there now. Also check polarity and match to your car. Some of these had a switchable ground.
There is a site ( Radio Museum, I think ) that has schematics and manuals.
Bob

 

[HealeyRick]

Here's my Becker Europa II Stereo with attached amp, hiding behind the Halda Speedpilot.

With the BJ7, it fits nicely under the heater box with no worries about getting it into the space in the console. I bought it for $20 at a swap meet and am surprised how much they are worth now, expecially to the Mercedes guys. The Mexico is a significant upgrade over the Europa and contains short wave band as well. The amp, which I think is all of 4 watts still provides a nice boost and in my car drives a pair of 6" speakers in the footwells. The Becker has a very rich sounding tone and with is still quite listenable on back road drives. I think you'd probably need about 400 watts if you wanted to listen to tunes in a Healey at 70 mph with the top down. There is an authorized Becker repair station in NJ, but I have no experience with them: https://beckerautosound.com/ They can also add a jack for MP3 use. Finally, don't forget DMH had a Becker in his personal 100 coupe: