Radio Install

308 has the original cutout for the old style dual knob stereo ... but going to install a Din style stereo with the metal cage. Any suggestions as to how I reinforce the install? There won't be much left of the surround after I cut it to size. And what is the best tool to use to cut though the fiberglass?

 

I have a QV so it came from the factory with a DIN size opening for the radio head unit. (I didn't know some 308s had antique "dual knob" radio cutouts.)

I had to open up my DIN slot a little at the top due to excess fiberglass intruding into the slot. I used a Dremel tool (technically, I use a Foredom TX motor system) with a carbide burr.

Be very careful cutting the top of the slot; the main wiring harness for the car runs less than 3 cm away from the facia. I put a piece of sheet metal between the slot and the wiring harness to protect the wires in case the tool slipped.

Regarding securing the DIN cage, mine just affixed to the facia; no support from behind. However, I installed a short, lightweight head unit (Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB). Here is my war story if you are interested:
Installing a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB

 

Since I’m an audiophile person and I like analog, this is what I’m installing in my car

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Well at the risk of offending the purists, I went with a pioneer deh150 because I had one; and my car is very far from original which is kind of liberating. I did find that my red power wire is not switched though. After I soldered everything up. Din cage arrived today, will get to cutting shortly. Now I just need to find an AC conveyor so I can put the AC vents in to finish the job.

 

An option would be an old style knob radio with modern internals or even an original old radio with bluetooth etc added. Multiple ways to add Bluetooth. On my ‘77 I have the original vintage Blaupunkt Frankfurt modded by these guys for Bluetooth music and phone.

https://www.chromelondon.com


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I also have an early 308, that still has the uncut two-shaft housing. Been having trouble bringing myself to take a saw to it to install a DIN unit, but I need to go ahead. My feeling is with a modern radio with no CD or cassette, the sleeve that comes with most DIN radios may be enough support. The part that sticks out the back is actually pretty small these days.

On my 456M, I used one of the Continental/VDO radios. They are modern, inexpensive units with pretty good Bluetooth and a speakerphone. Certainly not original looking, but they don't stick out like a sore thumb in my opinion.

Woody's has come out with an original-looking DIN radio, but a lot more expensive than the Continental units I mentioned.

https://www.woodyscustomshop.com/new-70-s-80-s-radio-solution/

 

https://www.retromanufacturing.com/products/retroradio-build-your-own-radio

 

The dremel/carbide burr plan works just great, cuts thru fiberglass easily but makes a mess. Just move the wiring out of the way. I cut the leather opening first, a bit undersize, with a very sharp hobby knife and a steel ruler. I finished the opening with a coarse file, that gives nice straight edges and allows perfect snug fitting. There isn't much left of the surround though when you are done, the required opening pretty much follows the stitching. There is a little shelf along the lower edge in back that supports the din cage enough in my opinion. The hardest part is soldering up the harness, you have to have a steady hand and put something down so solder does not burn your carpeting.

 

You should try one of the heat shrink solder - low temp solder and heat shrink in one. Melts the solder inside the heat shrink with a heat gun. Works really well. Haven’t used my soldering iron in any of my cars since I found these a number of years ago

https://www.amazon.ca/Kuject-Connectors-Waterproof-Electrical-Automotive/dp/B073RMRCC3/ref=sr_1_4?crid=F8B7T5ONMXAA&keywords=heat+shrink+solder&qid=1685409769&s=electronics&sprefix=Heat+shrink+sol%2Celectronics%2C145&sr=1-4

(Watch the video)



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