Tom928

When I purchased my '81, the PO had installed a CD player and it was sticking out from the console about 1 inch.

I began investigating this and discovered that because the vacuum switches are directly behind the deck there is no room for the deck to slide in further. The PO had given me the original cassette deck that was in the car and I noticed that it was shorter than the new CD players.

I gave up on fixing this and resigned myself to the fact that because CD head units are longer, I would have to live with the deck sticking out from the console. Then on Valentines day someone broke into my car and stole the head unit.

I would like to get a new CD receiver that fits right or make modifications that allow the newer head units to fit; however, there doesn't seem to be enough room behind the bracket (about 1/2 inch) to allow the deck to sit flush with the console.

I did a search through the archives and although there is a lot of information on stereo's I didn't find anything on this specific problem.
Anyone BTDT (and have a fix) or have any ideas?
Thanks for any help,

heinrich

The factory put a u-bracket there mounted deep. I have not seen any deck that did not fit all the way in. If there is something in the way, then it is not where it belongs.

heinrich

Oh hey Tom, didn't see it was you ... how are you? Are you coming up this weekend for breakfast or bbq?

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I would pull off the carpet panels one each side of the console and look at what's in the way and how it could be moved. In my 84 there is a receiver bracket to hold the back end of the head unit. It has slotted holes to adjust somewhat. Unless your MY has a bunch of extra vacuum stuff, I tend to agree with H, that it might not belong there. Also with the head unit sticking out by an inch, you're pretty much telling a theif to please steal it, it'll be easy.

Tom928

Hey Heinrich,

I just checked the PacNW forum and read your post there.
Yes, I would be up for the BBQ but since I'm coming from west of PDX, I don't think I could make it in time for breakfast.

What time slots are you planning?

Tom928

Hi Dave,

Yuppers that what they did - just reached in and pulled it out.

Anyway, the rail that holds the vacuum switches is right behind the deck. I had to replace one of the vacuum switches because the head unit was pushed into one of the actuators and broke off the vacuum connection.

I take it from what you and H are saying that the vacuum rail (should) be further back?

ROG100

Same problem on my 82. The older head units had the amplifier section as a seperate unit and mounted behind the vacuum manifold. This meant that the head unit was smaller.
This changed in 83/84 when the new DIN (IIRC) came in.
I am in the middle of returning my car to the stock Bluespot Bamberg radio.
See the picture for where the radio mounts.
It would be very easy to move the vacuum manifold back and rig up a new "U" clamp bracket to move it back enough to accomadate the deeper units. The difference between the old and the new in my case was less than 3/4".
The original is 6" deep.
Hope this helps.
Roger

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Roger's explanation tells exactly why you're having trouble. Many DIN decks come with a hanger strap which you may be able to use upside down to attach to the tunnel beneath the end of the deck. Of course you'll have to move an remount the vacuum manifold about one inch further back. I was unaware of the change in mounting in 83 but I hope you can adapt to it.

Tom928

Roger / Dave,

I wondered if this was the case.
I still have the stock radio (and amplifier) which I might just put back in to leave it stock and possibly discourage thieves (maybe they won't want a cassette deck).

I will have to check and see if the unit still works; however, what is the reception (AM/FM) like on these older units?

If I do decide to move the vacuum manifold - maybe just a couple pieces of metal one either side about 1.25 inches long with holes on each end to extend it back?

ROG100

Tom,
IIRC the vac manifold is held in place by a couple of small screws.
I would unscrew it and push it back under the black plastic A/C box as far as it will go with the existing tubing attached and maybe velcro it in place or some other convienent fastener device.
If you can wait I can have a closer look tomorrow and let you know whats feasable.
IMOO the older units have much better reception on AM/FM or as least as good as the later cheaper units. But then again I want to listen to music unlike the audiophiles who want to feel like they are sitting in the Royal Albert Hall with Pink Flloyd playing live all around them.
The cassette on my Bamberg sounds fine and man can you find a lot of the very best cassettes out there for pennies.

Tom928

Roger,

Let me know what you come up with. There is room to push it back now that the amplifier is not in that space. I didn't think of using velcro.

I know what your saying about having a concert hall in your car. All I really need is to be able to play a few CD's I record (that can be recorded onto tapes) and AM/FM radio. I guess that makes me old school as far as music technology.

dr bob

Roger--

You weren't dis'ing Pink Floyd fans, were you? Oh, the pain...


A friend recommended Focal speakers. Anybody know them? Audiphile stuff. From the dark side of the moon, probably.

ROG100

Bob,
No I'm a fan. I was trying to describe the level of audio excellence some of you audiphiles achieve versus my "I just want to listen to music".
Roger