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Continental TR7412UB-OR Radio and Hidden Subwoofer Install - 1982 928
Since I got some of my radio ideas from this forum, as well as other help, I thought I'd share my radio upgrade project in case it can help someone else.
My 1982 already had a modern JVC head unit when I got it, but I wanted something period correct. I initially bought an 80s vintage Blaupunkt cassette deck and planned to install that. However, I still wanted the modern conveniences of Bluetooth streaming and phone calls. I considered all the options available to pair that old radio with Bluetooth tech and decided against each for various reasons. I'm not totally sure this was the right call, but I am happy with the end results (sound) and happy enough with the look.
I don't know if the previous owner replaced the 4 speakers or not, but they sounded great with the addition of the sub, so I left them alone. I'm glad we didn't have to remove all the panels to install new speakers.
Pictures and captions to follow:
Continental TR7412UB-OR (off). The radio was purchased from Tore at https://www.bergvillfx.com. I wish it was narrower like the climate control width, but it still looks pretty good in this 1982 928. Unfortunately, the radio defaults to "off" every time I turn my car off and back on, and the clock resets back to 12:00. My EQ settings and phone pairing sticks, though. I wrote to Tore and he suggested that the power wiring might be reversed. I brought my car back to the installer and they double-checked and said it was correct. I don't know, but I decided it doesn't matter too much since the radio doesn't have the option of displaying the clock at all times, anyway. It pretty much always just shows A2DP because I'm always on the Bluetooth source. Kinda lame, but whatever.
Continental TR7412UB-OR (on). I like the orange display; It works pretty well with the rest of the interior lights, the clock hands, etc.
The Continental TR7412UB-OR raises the antenna even when the source isn't set to tuner. My JVC head unit didn't do that. I don't like the way the antenna looks, either. So, I had this antenna switch installed in the glove box so I can raise it only if I need it.
I removed the collapsible spare tire and the cover to make room for a hidden subwoofer. That's what AAA is for, right? (I'm keeping these parts...)
This layered foam, Kaizen Foam by Fastcap (http://amzn.to/2Fbhin5), was purchased on Amazon. I used it to cushion and secure a powered sub inside of the spare tire compartment.
I bought this Rockville 10" powered sub (http://amzn.to/2FMrhjU) because it fit nicely in the space available. Since the battery compartment still needs to be accessible, I secured it such that it could all still be easily lifted and set aside. The Kaizen Foam was cut to fit the compartment. Then, about 1/4" (3-4 layers) of the foam was cut to the shape of the sub and removed. Once the sub was set into the removed space it was perfectly secured. There's also no rattle thanks to the foam. There's enough slack in the cables to be lifted out and set to the side.
Instead of the original plastic cover, this plywood cover was fabricated. The holes were drilled to allow the sound to pass through and avoid rattling.
Once the carpet is in place, the sub is totally out of site and out of mind.
This sub level controller, which came with the sub, was taped under the dash on the driver's side. The shop that helped me with the install was impressed with the sound quality of this radio and sub. I'm thrilled with it.
I asked the installer about that as soon as I saw it. He said, "the bezel is the only thing holding it in", though.
I guess he didn't install the cage that probably came with it. You just slide in in and bend some metal tabs to secure it to the console. It's what I did in my 81.
I guess he didn't install the cage that probably came with it. You just slide in in and bend some metal tabs to secure it to the console. It's what I did in my 81.
You know... now that you mention it, that might be right. He left it so that it could be easily slid in and out because initially I was debating some of the things we did (like the antenna switch). Without locking it in, he was able to access it without risking scuffing the leather around it, etc. Maybe I could reconsider that. On your 81, did you leave the bezel off? If so, I'd love to see what that looks like.
Last edited by oACGo; 03-05-2018 at 10:09 AM.
Reason: Typo
I left the bezel off on my Pioneer unit. It's a bit of a mess right now because of disassembly required for what I'm doing while the engine is out.
It would be nice to have it more flush like that. It looks like a little bit of the metal sleeve above and below will stay visible. Maybe it could be painted black?
It would be nice to have it more flush like that. It looks like a little bit of the metal sleeve above and below will stay visible. Maybe it could be painted black?
I personally think it is because my center console is a bit warped. You could easily file down the plastic ~2mm and avoid this issue. My install was a bit rushed as well as I had to do it the day before I drove up to Monterey last year.
This same unit is in my 87, For more 'period-correctness' I replaced the silver **** with a fader **** from an OB 928. Plug and play
Fader **** mod^^looks great The later cars have a cutout providing room for the Conti head w/bezel. The older cars do not have that notch. That said if the Conti bezel were removed as Blake^^suggests, it should fit without cutting into my center console surround. I have a JVC in the 80 now (bottom pic below) that actually fits without cutting the center console trim surround but would like a modern head unit that looks the part and has the modern features, ex: USB iPod connection. Bottom pic below is from a previously owned MY79 with the stock radio. Notice the trim surrounds on both...no notch. T
Has anyone installed one of these modern Continental's^^in an OB (78-80) with faceplate removed ? TIA T
Here is installation in my '79
As can be seen, it fits fairly good without the Conti bezel. If I recall correctly, I did round off bottom corners and "shaved" off the lip on top of the face plate for a flush fit. The control **** on my unit came in black, didn't need to do any mods there. All in all, it looks great to me :-)
03-03-2018, 12:01 AM
Continental TR7412UB-OR Radio and Hidden Subwoofer Install - 1982 928
The later cars have a cutout providing room for the Conti head w/bezel. The older cars do not have that notch. That said if the Conti bezel were removed as Blake^^suggests, it should fit without cutting into my center console surround. I have a JVC in the 80 now (bottom pic below) that actually fits without cutting the center console trim surround but would like a modern head unit that looks the part and has the modern features, ex: USB iPod connection. Bottom pic below is from a previously owned MY79 with the stock radio. Notice the trim surrounds on both...no notch. T
