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Installing new stereo

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TNMGB

TNMGB

Jedi Trainee
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Hello, all!
I have logged over 2200 miles on "Woodstock" (79 MGB)since he came to live me in sunny Tennessee but he feels the need for a better stereo system. He still has the old Spakomatic cassette deck that was installed quite some time ago...we can do better than this!
Now here's the question: Have any of you installed a stereo yourself in your MG and if so, how big a deal is this? I had damage done when new tires were put on and I'm a bit leery about what might hapen to Woodstock if he were to fall into the wrong hands.
Thanks so much!
TN MGB
 
I did, it's no big deal at all - but then electronics isn't a big deal to me anyway. Most modern single DIN-size radios will fit pretty well (I put a Kenwood in mine). I designed my own wiring harness that does not feed the radio off the ignition switch source (it's probably ok but I decided the Kenwood probably drew more power than the stock radio that was put in the car so I decided, for safety sake, to bypass it - I also did this with the intent of putting a low-power amplified in with the radio at some point but that hasn't been necessary). My power source comes from the battery and is switched on/off using a power switch isolated by a 30amp relay...but I think most folks use the stock wiring without any problems.

I also didn't use the stock speakers, or the normal 4" speakers that fit in the doors. I found that Alpine 5.25" speakers fit the stock holes and don't block the windows with no trouble at all.

My website on the installation has some notes and pictures you might be able to use: https://www.aerog.com/mgpage/speakers.htm
 
I installed a new stereo in my '78 in a couple of hours. I used the purple wire going the lighter for the constant power wire and the original radio circuit wire in the car for the switched power. I attached the ground wire to the body. Just make sure the back of the DIN sleeve is properly secured so that it doesn't flop around and cause undue stress on the console.
 
<font color="red">ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!</font>

Stereo installation!

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~runs screaming from this thread~
 
Come back, come back JB,you need to read what they are saying.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
~covers her eyes and sneaks into the thread~

Stereo's been in since after Christmas, and I haven't blown a fuse this week! *knock on wood* In fact, haven't blown since the spring fling rally on the 7th. I'm overdue!

In case you're wondering Tennessee...

https://www.britishcarforum.com/ubbthread...=true#Post95280

https://www.britishcarforum.com/ubbthread...true#Post100045

There's probably more rants and raves, vents and whines, but I think you'll get the gist of it.

One suggestion...DO IT YOURSELF!!!
 
LOL Jaybird.

I just installed the stereo into my 75 B, last week.

Similar wiring to what Kimberly mentioned.

I installed my speakers into the plastic under-dash panels,..the sound is great,..and the installation was REALLY simple.

Good Luck!

Jerry
 
jerryrosa...
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Another constant power source is the purple wire to the clock.

My installation was fairly smooth, too. Opening for the unit was the standard DIN and little if any mods for it. Used the speaker holes the PO had mounted a set of speakers. About the only thing that we had a problem with was the depth of the unit. Have the heater/defrost hoses hooked up and this cut a couple of inches. So, you probably would want to measure how deep the opening goes back. If you are changing speakers in the doors, this will be a concern as well.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Happy Tunes and let us know how it comes out!!!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Thanks, all!
Jaybird, I did your rants a while back...sorry! I think I may try it though and see how it goes! Wish me luck!!!!
TN
 
GOOD LUCK!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif Bet you do just fine. Let us know what you got and how it came out.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
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