Installation of Radio

[Squatrogers]

Hi All

Just after a bit of advice on the above, is it possible, if it is does anyone have any circuit diagrams or information I could use please.

I am wanting to fit this to 1970 van

Don't know if you need to know the van already has an alternator fitted

Thank you
Jack (Passed my test yesterday )

[lambrettalad]

congrats on the test,if you have an alternator then your 99.9% certain to be negative earth,so modern radios /cd players etc will work out of the box ,older ones will need checking.

YOU NEED ONE WIRE FOR POWER (+)and one for ground ,(put an inline fuse in the curcuit)(-).YOU CAN TAKE THE POWER FROM THE FUSE BOX (ignition controlled will ensure you dont leave it on when you leave the car.Plus speaker wires .speakers can be on the parcel shelve ,or door mounted ,I dont know if vans have a rear shelve?

[Squatrogers]

Hi

Thanks for the advice. It will be a modern one I get and I can put the spaekers in the door.

Thanks again
Jack

[chrisryder]

Hi there, congrats from me too.

When I fitted one in mine, I bought a new 'head unit' from halfords, and it came with an instruction book that handily told me what colour wire was for what. With that known, it's just a case of joining the dots.

Most wires won't be needed, depending on how complex you want to make it. They often have 4 outputs for speakers, so if you only want two, you can tape up the other two out of the way, for instance.

I chose to have my stereo wired to the permanent live side of the fusebox, rather than the ignition live side. As I knew i'd like to be able to sit with the stereo on while i'm parked up.

[Squatrogers]

Hi

Sorry to be so slow at replying (thanks for the congrats).

I am trying to keep Moggie up to scratch and fitting things myself, so could anyone please tell me what size amp cable and fuse I will need to fit my radio.

Thank you
Jack

[bmcecosse]

It's the simplest thing......take a feed from either of the fused outlets (Green if you want with Ign - Lilac if you want anytime) on the fusebox and then run to a 5 amp inline fuse.. Just about any cable will do - but obviously 5 amp rating is plenty......

[mogbob]

Jack
To calculate what the correct wiring size and fuse size should be, you need to know what " current " the audio system will be drawing.
Is it a complete kit you bought or are you putting bits together ? You are looking for the total wattage figure.... amplifier, speakers ,etc.
Could you post the figures... so a calculation by one of the electrical experts can advise you.
Bob

[Squatrogers]

Thank you for your replies.

I have been to look at radios today, but, have not bought one yet, in your opinions are there some that are preferable to others please.

Jack

[bmcecosse]

You will never hear a wireless above the general racket in a Minor....... Just use something with ear plugs if you really must have music wherever you go......... For many of us - the 'music' of the A series is adequate entertainment.......

[Squatrogers]

Hehe I think you might be right to be honest
I'm making do with my ipod and a speaker at the moment

[lambrettalad]

I can hear mine clearly ,it's a modern kenwood tho if both of the windows are down

[David W.]

Don't spend too much for the radio. I use my smart phone and ear buds. There are plenty of aps that will allow you to listen to nearly any station in the world.

[lambrettalad]

mine cost £3 from newark auto jumble Newark U.K. that is

[bmcecosse]

^^^^ As above - the problem with a Minor (apart from the noise) is the total lack of security - so anything of any value on show in the car - just attracts the wrong kind of attention. If you do fit a wireless - keep it out of sight..

[stokiesam]

I keep reading lots of comments about the noise level in a Minor being too high to hear a radio. I would suggest, if that's the case, either there's something wrong with the Minor is question or with the hearing of the driver.

I've had my 1970 2-door for 6 months now and have an old radio fitted in the glove box with speakers on the rear shelf and it's perfectly audible up to around 50-55 mph, then the general roar is too much. As I seldom go above 50 that suits me fine.

I've added pieces of Evostik aluminium flashing band to any flat panels I can find (floor, bulkhead, boot lid etc.) and added thick underfelt to the floor. This reduced the noise quite a lot, but the radio was perfectly audible at 'around town' speeds even before this.

All I need now is a proper aerial to replace the crappy internal amplified jobby that currently only lets me listen to local radio, which is fine if you want misleading traffic reports and the sound of idiots giggling over poor jokes. Can't wait for Radio 4

[GreenGiant57]

I have had a radio in my 66 Traveller for some years now and my two speakers are in the door panels. A Traveller is probably more prone to internal drumming and noise etc. than a is, but mine is perfectly audible (with the windows closed!) up to about 50 - 55 mph.

[bmcecosse]

If you can hear the wireless - you're not driving fast enough..........

[stokiesam]

If you can hear the wireless - you're not driving fast enough..........

This may well be the case. I don't know why I bought a Minor, I've been a speed freak all my life. Maybe I'm mellowing, but I still get enraged when somebody holds me up, so Roxy must be quick enough.