MGB Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roadster?

[martyc]

Hi all! I recently purchased a '73 roadster which has a modern radio/cassette deck installed. I'd like to replace it with an AM/FM radio that looks "period".

Does anyone know of a retro-looking AM/FM radio that would work in this application?

Thanks in advance!
Marty

 

[PAUL161]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

If I had it to do over again, I would put in a blanking plate. You can't hear the radio anyway when your driving. To answer your question, no, I don't know of any modern radio that looks period for an MG. You can find repos for old chevys, fords etc, but I think that's all. Someone else might know of one.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

They're usually on ebay (one on now, in fact). Be sure and look under all British cars, as they were pretty much interchangeable.

 

[Rick_Stevens]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

This is an ongoing problem for folks who want to keep their cars looking "period". Paul's suggestion of the blanking plate is a good one. Lots of people use blanking plates for the existing opening and put a modern radio in the glovebox space.

If you still want a radio, here are several sources you can check:

https://www.oldautoradio.com/NWindexDin.php?LL=0&brand=OTHER&year=60

https://bobsradio.com/

https://www.westernwireless.ca/

https://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm

https://www.antiqueautomobileradio.com/

R.

 

[martyc]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Thanks for the responses, especially the links. Based on what I'm seeing, I'll probably just take the modern stereo unit out and put in a blanking plate.

Any suggestions regarding what to do with the antenna? Would it be wise to remove the antenna and cover the hole in the fender with something (I have no idead what)...or would it be best to leave the antenna on the fender un-used?

Thanks for your insight!

Marty

 

[jlaird]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Cover the hole with a rubber blanking plug. Not a big deal at all. I see lots of them that way. I suspose in addition to the usual sources any auto installer would have them.

 

[martyc]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Thanks for the reply, Jack. Out with the radio and antenna...in with a proper radio blanking plate and a rubber blanking plug for the antenna hole. When it's time to repaint, I guess I'll weld up the antenna hole right!

 

[kennypinkerton]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

I just kept the AM/FM 8-track that came with mine... and use an MP3 player with an FM modulator. Works fantastic! Not sure if the 8-track works or not though... but it is period.

 

[vping]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Picked up this baby recently. Gonna throw in the GT. Just need a single speaker for behind the grill.

 

[kennypinkerton]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Here's mine... rust and mold and all. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

But a period Pioneer or Craig radio would be cool too.

 

[vping]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

You got FM you must be rich. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kennypinkerton]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Yeah... but you have station presets - hahahahhaha.

 

[martyc]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah... but you have station presets - hahahahhaha.

[/ QUOTE ]

Heck...I'm going without the fancy dashmount radio and just taking this along...

Now THAT's living! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Kimberly]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

One person on the board got and old deck from a car stereo installation business. I believe the cost was a $10- donation to a charity the shop was sponsoring.

 

[PAUL161]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

This is the one I took out of the 72 parts car. It didn't look like this when it was in the car. It works pretty good, if you like listening to music through a tin can. Maybe a better speaker might help. Who knows.

 

[Nunyas]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

Ah, you guys are talking period correct here. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I have plans for installing, what is by comparison, a "new" radio in my B. However, by technology "standards" I'm installing a "classic" piece of radio equipment. I'm gonna install a 1993 removable Alpine CD player. The nice feature there is the internal battery powered memory presets that don't draw power from the car battery, and I'll be able to adapt my radio blanking plate to fill the hole while the radio is not in it. So, it'll look like I don't have a radio in the car when I'm not driving /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jjbunn]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

This is the one in Harold. The sound quality is pretty good on FM, helped by the pair of large diameter speakers the PO installed.

 

[Coastalman]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

I bought a 1973 MGB brand new back in '73 and the radio that came in it looked exactly like the one in PAUL161's post.

 

[PAUL161]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

My wife wanted a CD player plus radio in the car. I had to look around to find one that didn't look like it came out of a space ship. Forget period! Anyway, I spent around $400 for one and you can't hear it when your going down the road. That's with two high quality door speakers. Sounds great if your setting still with the engine off and just running the battery down. What a waist of money! If I had to do it over, a blanking plate would be there.

 

[Nunyas]

Re: Replacement Radio Suggestions for 73 MGB Roads

*cough*amplifier*cough*

*strolls away whistling*