MGB & GT Forum
Radio and speaker as original in 74?
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Apr 11, 2024 03:49 PM
Top Contributor
 Joined 21 years ago
5,529 Posts
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On your ‘74 the dealer installed radios were wired to a speaker that mounted to the passenger side (assuming LHD) under-dash pressboard cover. With that it was aimed at the passengers feet.
—-Edit—-
fwiw: If I’m reading Clausager correctly he implies radios could be factory fitted on earlier cars, but later became dealer installed only.
Here’s a pic of an under dash panel from my ‘73 GT.
Not sure how I earned a downvote. Guess some folks don’t have anything better to do.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-11 10:45 PM by PaulP.
—-Edit—-
fwiw: If I’m reading Clausager correctly he implies radios could be factory fitted on earlier cars, but later became dealer installed only.
Here’s a pic of an under dash panel from my ‘73 GT.
Not sure how I earned a downvote. Guess some folks don’t have anything better to do.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-11 10:45 PM by PaulP.
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IMG_5936.jpeg 67.1 KB
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Apr 12, 2024 02:18 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 12 years ago
3,246 Posts
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FYI
This is the dealer installed AM radio that came with my '69 MGB from new. There were several different brands of radios fitted back then depending on each dealer's source.
I wouldn't call it "Canadian crap" (post#4
) especially since it still works after 55 years. I get great reception - as long as I want to listen to news, one "oldies" station, some loudmouthed talk radio guys ranting about the government... and static. Lots of static.
It sure looks good though!
ps... I'm not a fan of cutting holes in the trunk bulkhead to fit speakers. Just my opinion.
This is the dealer installed AM radio that came with my '69 MGB from new. There were several different brands of radios fitted back then depending on each dealer's source.
I wouldn't call it "Canadian crap" (post#4
) especially since it still works after 55 years. I get great reception - as long as I want to listen to news, one "oldies" station, some loudmouthed talk radio guys ranting about the government... and static. Lots of static.
It sure looks good though!
ps... I'm not a fan of cutting holes in the trunk bulkhead to fit speakers. Just my opinion.
Attachments:
IMG_0098.jpg 38 KB
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Apr 12, 2024 03:09 PM
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Joined 18 years ago
13,253 Posts
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I recently acquired my 94 MGB which had an "original" AM/FM radio.
I cleaned up the radio, replaced the speakers, added new antenna.
Radio works well but to be honest, it is next to impossible to drive a single speaker in that location hard enough to be heard clearly with the top down.
Left the radio in for appearances, but use a rechargeable Bluetooth boom box velcro mounted behind the seats. Sounds great, cheap, and easy!
I cleaned up the radio, replaced the speakers, added new antenna.
Radio works well but to be honest, it is next to impossible to drive a single speaker in that location hard enough to be heard clearly with the top down.
Left the radio in for appearances, but use a rechargeable Bluetooth boom box velcro mounted behind the seats. Sounds great, cheap, and easy!
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boom box.jpg 41.7 KB
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This came with my 73 I assume dealer install. I will get to it as I believe it works fine, will reinstall at a later date. Good luck
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20240412_203533.jpg 29.5 KB
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Apr 12, 2024 07:51 PM
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Joined 10 years ago
27,601 Posts
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NO RADIO, NANA. ZIPO, LIKE "0" ZERO. is about as "Period Correct" as you can get. Having ANY radio is NOT period correct, but an owned requested/ installed alteration. 
IN ALL SUBJECTS.: For those who believe, no proof is needed. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough"
Sir Henry Royce
co-founder of Rolls-Royce .
"I take no credit for my own, of another man's fame".
Joe Baba 2021
In reply to # 4783795 by Michael74MGB
I have a 74 chrome bumper. No radio currently fitted; just a blanking plate. Have gotten curious about fitting a period correct radio, which should be easy enough, but where did they fit the speaker(s)? Did these leave the factory with a radio or was that installed by the dealer/distributor? Not looking for an upgraded head... just a real period correct AM (or maybe AM/FM)... maybe go all the way and find one with an 8 track!
IN ALL SUBJECTS.: For those who believe, no proof is needed. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough"
Sir Henry Royce
co-founder of Rolls-Royce .
"I take no credit for my own, of another man's fame".
Joe Baba 2021
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Apr 13, 2024 09:47 AM
Top Contributor
Joined 5 years ago
2,202 Posts
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Actually a push button am or am/fm radio would be “Period Correct “ but not “Factory Original “. Lots of cars during that period had radios, some may have had 8-tracks or cassette players. Any of those would be “Period Correct”.
1978 MGB
When diagnosing issues related to running and stalling, always check to see if you have gas in the tank first.
In reply to # 4784332 by oleanderjoe
NO RADIO, NANA. ZIPO, LIKE "0" ZERO. is about as "Period Correct" as you can get. Having ANY radio is NOT period correct, but an owned requested/ installed alteration.
In reply to # 4783795 by Michael74MGB
I have a 74 chrome bumper. No radio currently fitted; just a blanking plate. Have gotten curious about fitting a period correct radio, which should be easy enough, but where did they fit the speaker(s)? Did these leave the factory with a radio or was that installed by the dealer/distributor? Not looking for an upgraded head... just a real period correct AM (or maybe AM/FM)... maybe go all the way and find one with an 8 track!
1978 MGB
When diagnosing issues related to running and stalling, always check to see if you have gas in the tank first.
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Apr 13, 2024 09:58 AM
Top Contributor
Joined 12 years ago
3,246 Posts
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In reply to # 4784332 by oleanderjoe
NO RADIO, NANA. ZIPO, LIKE "0" ZERO. is about as "Period Correct" as you can get. Having ANY radio is NOT period correct, but an owned requested/ installed alteration.
Good morning Joe,
Do you still have the original equipment British air in the tires too? Original Duckhams oil in the sump?
You can take "period correct" to ridiculous lengths if you really want to.
My 1969 MGB was delivered to its original buyer (I'm the second owner) from the MG dealer in 1969 with an AM radio installed; that radio is still in the car. True, it didn't leave the Abingdon factory doors like that, but it's period-correct enough for me.
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Apr 13, 2024 12:40 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 10 years ago
27,601 Posts
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KEY WORD: " DEALER iNSTALLED" Radios and Side Mirrors. NON-OEM Parts. As an example, if you want Period Correct, and must have an AM radio, then you must also like "Mariachi" music. at least here in Centrl CA. Just an observation. Have fun.
IN ALL SUBJECTS.: For those who believe, no proof is needed. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough"
Sir Henry Royce
co-founder of Rolls-Royce .
"I take no credit for my own, of another man's fame".
Joe Baba 2021
In reply to # 4784534 by 33EJB
Good morning Joe,
Do you still have the original equipment British air in the tires too? Original Duckhams oil in the sump?
You can take "period correct" to ridiculous lengths if you really want to.
My 1969 MGB was delivered to its original buyer (I'm the second owner) from the MG dealer in 1969 with an AM radio installed; that radio is still in the car. True, it didn't leave the Abingdon factory doors like that, but it's period-correct enough for me.
In reply to # 4784332 by oleanderjoe
NO RADIO, NANA. ZIPO, LIKE "0" ZERO. is about as "Period Correct" as you can get. Having ANY radio is NOT period correct, but an owned requested/ installed alteration.
Good morning Joe,
Do you still have the original equipment British air in the tires too? Original Duckhams oil in the sump?
You can take "period correct" to ridiculous lengths if you really want to.
My 1969 MGB was delivered to its original buyer (I'm the second owner) from the MG dealer in 1969 with an AM radio installed; that radio is still in the car. True, it didn't leave the Abingdon factory doors like that, but it's period-correct enough for me.
IN ALL SUBJECTS.: For those who believe, no proof is needed. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough"
Sir Henry Royce
co-founder of Rolls-Royce .
"I take no credit for my own, of another man's fame".
Joe Baba 2021
Member Services:
|
|
In reply to # 4784332 by oleanderjoe
NO RADIO, NANA. ZIPO, LIKE "0" ZERO. is about as "Period Correct" as you can get. Having ANY radio is NOT period correct, but an owned requested/ installed alteration.
In reply to # 4783795 by Michael74MGB
I have a 74 chrome bumper. No radio currently fitted; just a blanking plate. Have gotten curious about fitting a period correct radio, which should be easy enough, but where did they fit the speaker(s)? Did these leave the factory with a radio or was that installed by the dealer/distributor? Not looking for an upgraded head... just a real period correct AM (or maybe AM/FM)... maybe go all the way and find one with an 8 track!
Damn good point! After beating my head against the wall with the "infotainment" systems in a Mercedes and my Jeep I think I'' leave the radio out of my MGB. But... someone put an antenna in the right front fender.... still there... doesn't retract. Does anyone know of a "blanking plug" that doesn't look too bad that could fill in the antenna hole?
74 MGB: APT VP11 cam, lifters, valve springs; 9:1; ported head; TT exhaust; vernier timing gear; wizard aluminum radiator; dizzy by Jeff S.; stock HIF4's; it goes on and on.....
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