Baldkingpin

I have a 1985 944 with 33k original miles. It's show quality, including a pristine dash, window sticker, tools, etc. I posted pics here once in the past. The ONLY thing I can't sort is my Blaupunkt SQR23 radio. It's original to the car, the AM works as does a hidden aux cable I had added so I can play music via my ipod/phone, and all the lights are functioning. However, neither the FM nor cassette work. I had a local car stereo place try to fix it but they couldn't. They're a superb shop I've used for years on modern cars and they said they had "a guy" who they outsource vintage units to who could fix it. He tinkered for nearly six(!) months but couldn't accomplish the repair. They didn't charge me and it's now back in the car.

Frankly, I only use the AM and my phone/iPOD. So, functionally, I'm good and it looks great. However, for the sake of the car, I'd really like the unit fully functional. I've read all the posts here and elsewhere and contacted the referrals. Some didn't respond, one told me I was lucky to have the AM working and he couldn't get parts. Only one outfit, Radioman Repair in San Diego, said they could fix it. However, the owner responds (after a few days) in short one-sentence emails that aren't very comforting. Mostly, I've read their reviews and am reluctant to ship the radio to them since a few people told sad stories of radios returned not working or even damaged beyond their original state.

Does anyone know a reputable person who can source the parts and have the skill/knowledge to fix the unit? Cost is not a big concern. Being without the stereo for another 6 months and having it returned in its' current state (or worse) are my big concerns.

I know the parts are near unobtanium, but I just have to believe there's someone on planet Earth who can fix this. I need to find that person.

Thanks a million in advance for any assistance!

P.S. Not that it matters, but I'm in the SF Bay Area in California. I'd ship anywhere as long I have confidence that the unit won't be damaged beyond its' current state, that the turnaround time won't be months on end and that there's a reasonable probability it can be fixed.

MAGK944

Baldkingpin

Thanks, MAG. Vintageblau was one of the first I contacted b/c I'd also heard very good things about them. Ingo was very cool/responsive and here's the key part of his email reply to me:

"Tapedecks are notoriously hard to repair due to a lack of parts. I’m assuming he can’t find a tape deck sensor or the motor itself. We probably wouldn’t be able to do better ourselves. We’re always happy if we can at least get the AM/FM going again."

I certainly appreciated his candor.

Anyone else have any ideas? Maybe someone in Europe has access to parts?

SamGrant951

I had Creative Car Audio fix a Porsche CR1 and a BMW Euro RDS radio...not sure if they mess with what you have but worth an email, they were very responsive / quick in my 2 dealings.

https://creativecaraudioshop.com/pro...egory/repairs/

ClassJ

Baldkingpin

Have contacted every shop mentioned in responses, posted on PCA and elsewhere, all to no avail. So, now I'm officially making this a mission. My little 944 just won a regional car show and I owe it to the car to get the original Blaupunkt SQR23 tape deck fully operational. Huge thanks to anyone who can refer me to a reputable shop/person.

I just know there's some old retired German guy with a garage full of Blaupunkt radios and parts, with deep expertise and who loves repairing vintage 70's and 80's units in his spare time. Problem is he doesn't have a website. I gotta find that guy wherever he is on planet Earth.

Cheers!

fwb42

Have you given any thought of finding another radio to use for parts, then send both to a repair shop? I would think most would have the same tape deck built in if they are around the same age.

jhowell371

Quick look on EBAY showed non working units for $199 and $399 and refurbished ones ranging from $600 to $1100 At those prices I'm glad the one in my 84 works