Original radio

[OPELFIEND]

I want to replace the cassette deck which is currently in my 72 GT with an original OpelGT radio. The dash appears to be unmolested, but the back plate to the cassette player hides this area. If it were uncut, would it be more trouble than it's worth? Would there be too much potential to screw something else up? Any input would be appreciated.

Here's a picture: http://www.opelgt.com/photos/showpho...7/ppuser/22128

[pecje]

Originally Posted by OPELFIEND I want to replace the cassette deck which is currently in my 72 GT with an original OpelGT radio. The dash appears to be unmolested, but the back plate to the cassette player hides this area. If it were uncut, would it be more trouble than it's worth? Would there be too much potential to screw something else up? Any input would be appreciated. Here's a picture: http://www.opelgt.com/photos/showpho...7/ppuser/22128

I also had a damaged instrumentpanel with a non original radio in it. I purchased an original radio and fixed it as shown in the thumbnails. The plate that covers the radio is made of metal and covered with a piece of old interior vinyl. A few months later I bought an uncut instrumentpanel and replaced the old panel for the new one. It's a lot of work to take out the instrumentpanel, but if you work step by step and know were all the screws are it's a satisfying job. If you want I can give you directions how to do it.

[OPELFIEND]

I believe what I have is a non-damaged instrument panel with a non-original radio in it. I want to change the non-orginal radio out for an original one, in order to keep it as stock as possible. If you can give me instruction on this, I would certainly appreciate it.

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by OPELFIEND I want to replace the cassette deck which is currently in my 72 GT with an original OpelGT radio. The dash appears to be unmolested, but the back plate to the cassette player hides this area. If it were uncut, would it be more trouble than it's worth? Would there be too much potential to screw something else up? Any input would be appreciated. Here's a picture: http://www.opelgt.com/photos/showpho...7/ppuser/22128

First, really nice looking interior! From the photo, that's a "twin-shaft", period cassette radio and all had roughly the same dial face dimensions and tuning shaft spacing, so I'd agree that you have an unmolested dash. Is that radio stereo? . . . and, if so, did they mount two speakers somewhere in the car?

Personally and considering your specific GT, I think going back to either the "stock" Delco AM radio or one of the mono AM/FM radios available at the time for Euro Opels is a good idea to make it more "original", if that is your intent. I don't foresee any problem switching from this radio to the original one, basically just unplug existing one, plug in new one.

The stock radios had a "U" shaped metal bracket which mounted to the firewall directly behind the radio to support its rear. Make sure to install this as the stock radio is big and heavy and you don't want to support it by the tuning shafts alone!

[pecje]

Originally Posted by OPELFIEND I believe what I have is a non-damaged instrument panel with a non-original radio in it. I want to change the non-orginal radio out for an original one, in order to keep it as stock as possible. If you can give me instruction on this, I would certainly appreciate it.

Go to the web-site of ZmokE
http://indigo.tweakdsl.nl/Opel-GT/Do...viceManual.pdf

Thanks Rini

THis is a complete service manual of a 73 GT (18 MB). Chapter 9 tells you how to remove the instrumentpanel. If you want I can help you, because there are allways some small things which are overlooked.

Good luck, and remember whatever happens DON'T PANIC.

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by pecje Go to the web-site of ZmokE http://indigo.tweakdsl.nl/Opel-GT/Do...viceManual.pdf Thanks Rini THis is a complete service manual of a 73 GT (18 MB). Chapter 9 tells you how to remove the instrumentpanel. If you want I can help you, because there are allways some small things which are overlooked. Good luck, and remember whatever happens DON'T PANIC.

. . . even better, go the the very back of the '73 FSM where you'll find a section that specifically deals with radio installation in a GT . . .

. . . . . . . . . . RADIO - GT 9C- 105-108

[West Coast GT]

Helpful Hints to Keep Your Sanity:
1. Don't try to work around the steering wheel. Just remove the four bolts under the steering column and drop the wheel/column assembly down. Slide the driver's seat all the way back and the steering wheel can rest on the floor.

2. Don't forget about the two bolts behind the dash. To find them, remove the 1" plug on the side of the dash (passenger side). The corresponding bolt is in the same position, but on the driver's side. Driver's side has no plug. But now you'll know where to look.

3. Sit in the passenger seat for dash removal. I find it easier, even though I'm right-handed. If you're left-handed, or better yet, amadextrious, it should be easier still.

4. Carefully, gently, pull your dash out. It will hang up on clips and wires. Go slowly, gently reaching back to move wire bundles out of the way. The whole dash panel tilts out from the top and only comes out enough to lay facedown on the gear shift knob. You may have to flex the dash a bit to clear the hardware holding the clock in place. Don't crack the dash.

5. Look for a flexible steel support mounted to the firewall. It should be there to support the very significant weight of the old radio. If the felt pad is missing from this steel support, glue something (preferably non-combustible) on it to provide a bit of cushioning for your radio. It will also eliminate rattling of metal on metal.

6. While you are mucking about behind the dash anyway, change out all of your dash & instrument light bulbs. Kragen's stocks them.

• Obtain eight (8) Tach/Speedo/Instruments - Sylvania 1983
• (2) Dash Lights Below the Radio - Sylvania 2721
• (1) Clock Light - who cares, these clocks don't work anyway. But if your clock works I suggest you order through Opel GT Source for this single bulb.

Or, make it easy on yourself and order the bulbs through Opel GT Source. They will arrive quickly and will be the correct bulbs.

I recommend you get a good quality antenna for your original stock radio. I can't say that I've done it, but I assume these original radios weren't the best and may need all the help they can get.

[wattiefan]

While we are on the subject of radios, the knobs for my radio are not the greatest appearence wise. They work but look bad. Has anybody found a set of knobs from another vehicle/make that can work? I looked at some old vw knobs and fiat knobs the other day while at a junkyard and none would match up. I also thought of shooting them with a quick coat of silver or chrome like spray paint but it they are patchy to begin with it would show.

[OPELFIEND]

Thanks for the information guys. The current cassette deck is stereo, Otto, and there is an additional speaker on the rear deck. It really doesn't work well, though. My intention is to have the car as stock as possible, so that's my main reason for the original radio. I would like it to work as intended, but I doubt I will listen to it much, I have an iPod for that. West Coast GT -- thanks for all your work on this. That is especially helpful. I didn't realize the steering column would need to be dropped. Again, thanks for all the insight on this.

[jvandyke]

Hopefully your steering column has been dropped before and the original "anti-theft" shear head bolts (right terminology?) have replaced already by normal bolts, or you're in for a treat!
Do you listen to your iPod with headphones then? There's some pretty good stuff for iPods, maybe even a portable radio type deal sitting in back would sound nice and be removable. I was considering that until my old stereo died and made the decision for me. I put in a modern stereo because I don't care about stock. It has an MP3 input and I use an iPod charger/cradle (that does FM transmit too but that stinks). Works awsome! Sounds pretty good too.

[oldopelguy]

Early 80's Toyotas and Nissan/Datsuns had pretty nice, pretty small, AM/FM stereo radios that fit pretty much right into the stock hole in the Opel dash. You can further confuse the issue by installing the Opel radio chrome face plate onto the Nissan radio, making it look 98% like it came there, only those who looked really close would see the FM dial. I prefer the Nissan ones because most of them also had the ability to connect a remotely mounted tape deck, which I'm sure someday I'll be able to turn into an aux input for my XM or I-pod.

[pecje]

Here are some more tips:

don't forget to remove the blinker/indicator-relay before removing the instrumentpanel

don't forget to unscrew the speedometercable

I found it easier to work on the instrumentpanel with the middle console removed.

Use blankets or old sheets to protect your seats, steering wheel and console

don't forget to buy a condensor to mount on the alternator to compensate for the interference of the engine, otherwise you will only hear the engine roaring over the speakers (costs only a few bucks and is widely available).
The old original radio's are not that interference free you see.

p.s West Coast GT how deep is your GT ? I was not able to slide the seat that far back that the steering wheel rested on the floor. I had to sit in the drivers seat with the steering wheel resting on my lap. Fortunately I have a small sport steering wheel

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy Early 80's Toyotas and Nissan/Datsuns had pretty nice, pretty small, AM/FM stereo radios that fit pretty much right into the stock hole in the Opel dash. You can further confuse the issue by installing the Opel radio chrome face plate onto the Nissan radio, making it look 98% like it came there, only those who looked really close would see the FM dial. I prefer the Nissan ones because most of them also had the ability to connect a remotely mounted tape deck, which I'm sure someday I'll be able to turn into an aux input for my XM or I-pod.

Yeah, the key thing is they're twin-shaft and mount identical to original Opel radios . . . most are stereo and turn out to have really decent reception considering their age. They're a pretty common option in the mini-pickups too.

[West Coast GT]

Originally Posted by pecje p.s West Coast GT how deep is your GT ? I was not able to slide the seat that far back that the steering wheel rested on the floor. I had to sit in the drivers seat with the steering wheel resting on my lap. Fortunately I have a small sport steering wheel

I don't know what to say. It is a stock seat. I have removed the seat brackets and reinstalled them after laying down new carpet. Perhaps I've somehow mounted the brackets further aft than the original position. I wonder if they have multiple mounting holes. ??

[namba209]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT I don't know what to say. It is a stock seat. I have removed the seat brackets and reinstalled them after laying down new carpet. Perhaps I've somehow mounted the brackets further aft than the original position. I wonder if they have multiple mounting holes. ??

Nope, one hole in each rail front and rear and only one threaded hole in the floor structure for the rail bolts.

[Lindsay]

I have the original AM radio still installed in my 71 GT. The reception of AM stations in San Diego, CA is either "across the border" or talk radio. New antenna is installed, but eventually will install another GT AM radio to test out.

OEM speaker was defective, so installed Radio Shack 5" replacement speaker, P/N 4001041 (8 ohm, 20 watt). I used 3/8" plywood to adapt round speaker to GT mounting grill.

[opel kid]

Originally Posted by Lindsay I have the original AM radio still installed in my 71 GT. The reception of AM stations in San Diego, CA is either "across the border" or talk radio. New antenna is installed, but eventually will install another GT AM radio to test out. OEM speaker was defective, so installed Radio Shack 5" replacement speaker, P/N 4001041 (8 ohm, 20 watt). I used 3/8" plywood to adapt round speaker to GT mounting grill.

i also have a origional GT radio,was in the car when i bought it,i get about 10 to 13 stations nice!

[Lindsay]

Originally Posted by opel kid i also have a origional GT radio,was in the car when i bought it,i get about 10 to 13 stations nice!

I need to listen to my home stereo system on AM radio and attempt to locate stations on the GT AM radio. I have an extra radio, but won't get a chance to experiment with it until winter downtime. Always a good idea to add another ground wire or verify existing ground connection when I have the dash panel open. Glad you can get a dozen stations. Radio Shack round speaker sounds decent on mine.