Radio

[Flyingthere]

I have been having a tough time trying to get the center console back into place with the radio installed. The radio hits something, I believe it is the wiring for the hazard flasher switch and the console does not want to go in. Does anybody have any experience with putting this all back together. When I push the console in it pulls the wiring loose, I am thinking about splicing in more wire so I do not have the issue. Does anybody have experience with reinstalling the center console.
I have done a good job of scratching up the new cherry wood insert and now I am wondering if the radio is working. I am going to pull it all out and try again when I have confirmed the radio is working and that everything is wired correctly, it would be nice to know the secret before I go through the process.

All help would be greatly appreciated.

[mdrburchette]

Is this a radio you are adding? I had the same problem when I tried installing a Fiat radio. The radio was longer than the Pioneer I was replacing and it was hitting the heater box. I ended up reinstalling the ole Pioneer. You'd a thunk the Fiat radio would've fit.

[TulsaSpider]

Yea I just installed a new one and it was the same. The unit was just about 3/4 inch too long, but I can live with it for now.

[kuhndg]

I bought a 1980 Spider that hat been restored very nicely with one exception......the radio stuck out of the council about 3/4 of an inch. I would suggest that you wrap the exposed radio with some cherry wood to mach your dash.
Bob

[Flyingthere]

Wow thanks for the responses, the radio is not the original Fiat radio however it was installed in the car once before and the console fit in as it should, so I am making the assumption that it is not too long for the opening. I will say that I did think about mounting the radio in the glove box and making a cherry panel to cover over the center console it might look nice if I moved the idiot lights to that location. But being somewhat of a traditionalist I want to see if I can get the radio in its original config.

[rlux4]

You've no doubt considered, but I thought I'd metion that it may be that the jumble of wires coming down in front of the heater box are in the way. Some creative routing of them may be in order.
Ron

[pauljdav]

I just went through this last week. You do need to move some of the wire harness that is in the way. It is easy though. All you need to do is cut some of the electrical tape where the large wire harnesses separate then you can move the wire just enough for the radio to fit.

It is easier to see what you need to do if you remove the center dash panel where the warning lights are.



Paul

[danaspider]

There is also a U shaped bracket near the heater box front. This is for the radio to slide into to help hold it up (level). May have been removed in the "restoration", but if it is there you need to move the wiring harness around a bit and make sure you are sliding into the bracket. It always goes in when testing and always causes a headache when you are doin g the final slide in!!

[Flyingthere]

I have pulled the radio and confirmed it is toast. I am glad I did not get it in and then find out that it did not work. I do not have a bracket attached to the heater box, but I am thinking that I will get another radio and a mounding system I have seen includes a plastic surround that the radio slides into and is attached to the dash (or in this case the center console) I think everything will go in much easier. Thanks everybody for all the information, and help, I have put the radio on the back burner and the boom box on the bench behind the pass seat, If I do not get the new conv top on I will not have to worry about driving the car as it has been raining,I really miss driving her.

[crafty]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me the dimensions of the original radio for an 81 spider.

The stereo in mine protrudes out from the console (like others have mentioned in this post) which was installed by a PO. I didn't mind so much until now the CD player is cactus. I have a spare player but am loath to pull the old one out if the replacement is going to protrude as well.

I would rather just wait until I am able to get a unit that is the correct size.

Thanks,

Glenn.

[adrians]

I've recently installed a Radio/CD combo from JVC into my 1981 Spider, the unit fitted prefectly, and has a detachable front panel. Yes I removed and the U shaped bracket and I had to route the wiring to the left and down the side of the radio/CD unit.

JVC KD-G396
http://www.jvc-australia.com/JVC/client ... prodID=357

Dimensions
Installion Size : 182mm(D) X 52mm(H) X 160mm(D)
Front Panel Size : 188mm(D) X 58mm(H) X 5mm(D)

[mbouse]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me the dimensions of the original radio for an 81 spider.

The stereo in mine protrudes out from the console (like others have mentioned in this post) which was installed by a PO. I didn't mind so much until now the CD player is cactus. I have a spare player but am loath to pull the old one out if the replacement is going to protrude as well.

I would rather just wait until I am able to get a unit that is the correct size.

Thanks,

Glenn.

i.m.o. unless you have something that is unique, the player you have and the one you want to install are basically the same exterior dimension... as most nearly all are. I am betting they are identical in exterior dimensions as my unit. the biggest problem with our cars is that the radio was an after thought from the beginning. then... the radios did not have a wiring harness the magnatude we must deal with today. Imagine a radio with a power wire, a dash light wire, maybe a ground wire and a single speaker wire... that's IT.

anyone remember using the car body for speaker ground?

today we have a left front pair, right front pair, left rear pair etcetera, etcetera, etcetera... one hulking mass of wires.

careful selection of miscellanous wiring routing, and especially that massive set of wires on the back of your CD player is the key. it will take some effort, but it can be done. removal of that horse shoe shaped bracket may help.