Radio Options

[Dat.240]

that is fantastic. My next project is to build new keys for the retrosound with the help of 3-D Print

What a good idea , you ever get some working models please do share , if you don’t mind of course . I was thinking of a way to open up the originals I have for fitment with a dremel, but I haven’t built up the courage quite yet. Also have a number of other projects before I take a crack at that one .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Marty Rogan]

On 7/1/2022 at 11:32 AM, z3beemer said:

I've been looking into radio options for my 73 240Z and found a company that will take your radio and update all the internals but maintain the original face plate, housing, etc. It will even maintain full function of the pushbutton presets. It's not cheap, but provides a lot of options that you can pick and choose. Options include, bluetooth, hands free phone, usb, flashdrive, mp3, etc. You will end up with a 180 watt 4 channel unit. I priced it for mine with all the options and the price was $550. The web site is: www.tech-retro.com. They have a good video on the site that demonstrates the unit and all the features. The actual work is performed through authorized dealers throughout the US. The one closest to me is in Chicago area. I've spoke to him several times and he's been very helpful, plus he's a car guy.

Paul (z3beemer)

I just watched their demo.  they have some pretty awesome capabilities.  I would love to see how they do with a Datsun radio.

[z3beemer]

I'll most likely be sending mine in for the upgrade in a few weeks.  Last time I spoke with them they were quoting 3 weeks turn around.  I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

[z3beemer]

Just a follow up on my original post on the Z radio options. I went with the www.tech-retro.com mentioned in my earlier post.  I had Ralph the Radio Guy in Bartlett, IL (773 814 5094) do the conversion on mine.  So far, I'm very happy with it. The radio looks and work just like the original one.  When I got it back, I set it up on the bench and checked out all the features.  Everything works as described in thier video. I now have am/fm stereo ,4 channel 45W (ea) speaker connection, usb input, mp3 input, bluetooth, hands free phone with internal or external mic. It now also has a fader and a balance control.  My original radio was an am/fm monaural radio with one rear speaker.  The car isn't on the road yet, but the radio is installed and tested.  All ok

[Patcon]

So let me get this straight. You have a stock looking radio that has been upgraded for AM/FM and Bluetooth??

How is it controlled? The stock buttons? App on your phone?

[z3beemer]

It's controlled by multiple quick turns on the volume or tuning controls. Fo example if a phone call comes in I can accept it by making one quick turn to the right on the tuning knob.  
To end the call one quick turn to the left on the tuning knob.  Go to the web site they have a good video demonstration of all the features and how to operate them.  www.tech-retro.com.

[Marty Rogan]

Can you send us some pics on how it turned out?

[z3beemer]

I can send you a picture but I'm not sure it will tell you much.  It looks exactly like it did originally.  All the modifications are internal.  I'll send you a pic next time I'm out in the shop. Tomorrow or Monday.

[Dat.240]

Nice! That sounds like a pretty flawless resto mod , hold that originality but add some modern touches kudos. I lost the am/fm pegs when I did my retro sound mod but there hardly noticeable. 

[z3beemer]

Marty here are a few pics of the unit installed.  The one pic shows two cables. These come from the back of the unit and are for a USB input, the other is for an MP3 input.  The USB is a short cable and MP3 is a female jack.  I had to buy longer cables to come from the back of the unit to the consul area for easier access. The pic showing the small hole below the volume control is an internal mic for hands free operation.  Ralph, the guy who did my upgrade, installed this at no cost.  Not sure if other authorized installers do the same.  The upgrade does come with wired mic that plugs into a jack at the rear, then you can run the wire wherever you want.  I believe it has 6 or 10 ft length.

[Dat.240]

Yeah that came out perfect !

[w3wilkes]

Really nice!