'93 LX Single Din Retro Looking Radio - Best Options?

[skian00]

Hello,

I am about to acquire a '93 LX and I am interested in removing the current aftermarket radio that does not have bluetooth (it was put in a long time ago) and installing something that looks OEM+. I am aware of the blaupunkt options but looking to avoid spending $600 if possible. One option I saw is the Custom Autosound Radio. https://www.classiccarstereos.com/c...nPvLN39HrKcc8xZpWRvj7AZn5o54kHThoCZJ0QAvD_BwE

On their website it says there is a 79-84 fitting one, but unclear if there were changes post facelift that made it no longer fit. Hoping to spend around $200-300 for something that looks retro, but still has bluetooth. Thanks!

 

[gkomo]

Whats your overall goal with the stereo system? Do you still have the OEM/Stock radio?

There is a guy who can add bluetooth to your OEM radio, if you have it. The reason i ask about your goal for the entire system is i don't know if thats a good option if you are planning out an extensive build, but would be fine for leaving everything mostly stock.

I've already done that with my OEM radio, and it works. I have other issues with my system i need sorted, but i can verify the Bluetooth he added to my OEM radio does work.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Yes, the 87-93 Mustangs have a sort of Ford specific mounting setup that means that radio won't really work. You might be able to make it work with an aftermarket mounting kit.

Unfortunately, modern retro radios hasn't quite hit the 87-93 cars just yet. I think there would be a market for a modern, yet period correct looking radio with bluetooth.

Pricing on OE radios has gotten a bit out of hand.

 

[skian00]

Unfortunately I do not have the stock radio. Currently a fully stock sound system, will likely upgrade the amp and speakers at a later date, but in the meantime, I NEED BLUETOOTH.

 

[Noobz347]

'In the meantime' - Considering you're still running stock speakers etc...

I would pick one up at Walmart for $30, jam it in, and start planning an overall system upgrade (all of the OEM components are garbage with the exception of a [select few] head units).


I spent a lot of money on exhaust. There's no group in modern radio that sounds better than that.

 

[skian00]

Currently running the stock exhaust so it is pretty quiet unless you floor it, but when I eventually go for a custom exhaust (will likely try to spring for something switchable), the radio will pale in comparison to that 5.0...

This is along the lines of the style I am looking for - outside of creating a custom bracket to fit it, what other things would I need from a wiring standpoint to get it to work? Any insight?

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_068GRANM1B/RetroSound-Grand-Prix-M1B.html

 

[85GT4V]

VDO/Continental makes a retroish head unit that’s pretty popular for “classic” cars. Might fit your need. Several options here:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=continental+radio&crid=1D2CC43I20RG&sprefix=continental+radio%2Caps%2C231&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

 

[gkomo]

If you can find one, Nakamichi (sp?) sells head units that typically look somewhat OEM, even though they are not trying to be.

 

[2000xp8]

Edit, I see you didn't want the blaupunkt after I made the post. I did use it and for me I'd pay the $500 again.
I couldn't find anything else as fitting and as advanced.

 

[General karthief]

Yeah, and I have to pull start my radio like a lawnmower
What century is this again?

 

[skian00]

Edit, I see you didn't want the blaupunkt after I made the post. I did use it and for me I'd pay the $500 again.
I couldn't find anything else as fitting and as advanced.

I fully support your opinion, just was hoping to find something cheaper. Could you describe what you personally think makes it worth the extra cost? Any features it has that you now can't live without? I do love the style of it...

 

[2000xp8]

Anyone that knows me around here knows i'm big on period correct. While i'm not wealthy, i'll spend what i have to keep with that theme. It's a no compromise situation that in the end may actually cost less since i don't have to do things over again (and possibly again after that).
My interior consists of a momo wheel similar to an 80's saleen, a half leather shift ball that costed more than i care to disclose and 80's recaro seats with netted headrests that i had refinished.
At that point, $500 for a radio starts to seem fairly priced, lol.

I just can't stand cheap or modern looking stereos in foxes. There is something that just looks so wrong about them.

I find the sound quality good, just keep in mind it's now setup with a 5 channel amp and a small sub in the hatch.
The bluetooth seems to work seamlessly.
It certainly looks the part in the car.
Phone calls are the biggest surprise, it has a wired mic to mount by the visor and nobody knows i'm in a loud car with the window open.
If i want to connect the phone via port for charging you can. But my phone lasts like 2 days on a charge which is probably 47 more hours than a drive the car in a week. Some of the people that I know that are more into car audio says that that inclusion of PEQ is a plus, whatever the hell that means.

I do find it complicated to work and you need to have the book handy. Too many buttons mean more than one thing.
When i turn off the car battery it loses the clock, but keeps the bluetooth (which seems wierd to me). I almost never use the remote, but it does make some adjustment tasks easier since you aren't trying to guess what all the abbreviations on the unit mean.

At some point i'm going to switch the cluster to a dakota digital RTX (the one that looks factory), i have all the supporting parts, but haven't gotten up the will yet to drop $1200. I will, just not there yet. Then i will lose the gauges underneath and put the pocket back in. At that time i'll repaint fill the holes and repaint the blacks around the base.

So is it really worth $500? To me, yes. Functionally? Probably not.
Regardless, i would do it again. But if you don't, i get it.

 

[skian00]

I did not need to know about the Dakota - that is way too cool. I am going to strongly resist the urge to get one of those...

As for the radio, I am probably going to keep thinking about it for a month and use an aux cable in the meantime while I consider the different options.

I can't tell you how much I love those recaro netted headrests, I am definitely going to have to include that at some point. My problem with getting recaros is I love all the cool / unique designs they sell, but its difficult (or maybe I am just unaware) to find a matching upholstery to cover the rear bench with. I get that you could remove the rear bench, but that isn't really my goal.

Thanks all for your feedback and suggestions.

 

[skian00]

UPDATE: I was able to find a Blaupunkt stereo, the Madrid 200, that is more basic than the ones sold in the U.S., on ebay through a UK-based company called In Car Connections. Price was 200 including tax, 99.9% favorable rating with several reviews of U.S. customers having bought the same one having excellent experiences with the shipping, quality, fitment, etc. It will take about 2 weeks for it to get here, so I will post an update to this forum after I install it and spend a few weeks using it to let you know my thoughts.





https://www.ebay.com/itm/2261075568...pid=5335821607&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[Blown88GT]

Bluetooth FM Car Adapter

 

[2000xp8]

I did not need to know about the Dakota - that is way too cool. I am going to strongly resist the urge to get one of those...

As for the radio, I am probably going to keep thinking about it for a month and use an aux cable in the meantime while I consider the different options.

I can't tell you how much I love those recaro netted headrests, I am definitely going to have to include that at some point. My problem with getting recaros is I love all the cool / unique designs they sell, but its difficult (or maybe I am just unaware) to find a matching upholstery to cover the rear bench with. I get that you could remove the rear bench, but that isn't really my goal.

Thanks all for your feedback and suggestions.

I sent my rears to the same guy that did my front seats.

That blaupunkt looks decent, does it change to green?

 

[skian00]

Do you have a thread that shows your seats? Given all the other upgrades I will be prioritizing (3.55 gears, short shifter, MM Subframe connectors) I probably won't get to it for a while... But it will probably happen in a few years. I dont mind the seats it came with for the time being.

This one does not do the color changing display, there was one on there for 100 more that did color changing, but I'm trying to focus my money on the other mods above first. Here is the link if anyone is interested.

Retro Blaupunkt Skagen 400 DAB BT Bluetooth car radio stereo MP3 music iPhone | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Retro Blaupunkt Skagen 400 DAB BT Bluetooth car radio stereo MP3 music iPhone at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

 

[gkomo]

This just popped up on my feed:

 

[85GT4V]

^^ If that has color adjustable illumination it’ll be a big hit!!

 

[2000xp8]

It does change color, and it appears to be $460. Clearly the good retro units don't come cheap.