I am restoring a 1962 XKE roadster with a positive ground system. Does anyone offer a radio for a positive ground system? Is there anyone that produces or restores an "original radio" for this car?

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Thu, 02/21/2008 - 08:29

I failed to mention that I have a near new Blaupunkt "Manhattan" which was the top of the line for the auto radios. Has chrome pushbuttons...even still has the hang tag. If interested, you can contact me off line...it is expensive.

Patrick

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 22:16

I forgot to mention what a NIGHTMARE it is to mount this power unit behind the glove box. First, you have to remove the glovebox, and on a Series One, the ONLY way to get at the top two little #10 nuts that hold the glovebox in place is by taking the ENTIRE friggin top padded dash panel off!!! Holy smokes what a job that was!

P

Submitted by cburk@kiva.net on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 22:09

Pat,
You may have just described the power unit directly *behind* my S2 glove compartment. I've been meaning to explore that area.
Thanks,
Cliff
69 & 70 OTS

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 21:47

There were probably several makes of radios that had switchable ground polarities, but the only one I can attest to is Blaupunkt...such as the Manhattan or Frankfurt models. You can find these on Ebay for about $350 bucks....that is if you trust overseas vendors.

I have an early Blaupunkt Frankfurt that I took out out a '62 Roadtster in a junk yard, and then sent up to Wilford Wilkes (phone: 814.378.8526 Brisbane, PA) for check-out and restoration. The Frankforts come with a separate power unit, but I could never get the darn thing to fit in the console along with the radio unit. As a result, I never had it electrically connected....It has been a royal pain!

So recently, I mounted the power unit just under the glove box, and it is still covered by a trim piece. It works well.
But you can probably expect the same amount of trouble with any Blaupunkt you get. Yes, they are sexy looking, but expensive. You would be far better off to find something from the 60's that doesn't have the power unit., but still has the switchable polarity option. Personally, I'd give Wilford a call to see if he has anything...I'm pretty sure he doesn't have any Blaupunkts, but I could be wrong.

British Leylands usually pop up on EBay on occasions, but they are too late for your car. Actually, ANY radio from the 60's, American or not, would be okay for your car....that is, if you are putting a period radio in for judging purposes. If not for judging then any modern radio with a power inverter will work. These are about 30 bucks, but sometimes make a hum and don't last forever. If you have an auto radio shop in your area, check with them.

My 2 sense.

P