This weekend I decided to treat my 131 to a new ICE system. The existing & original Blaupunkt radio/cassette unit is in excellent condition with super sound reproduction from both cassette and tuner, the latter improved with reception interference suppressors.
The main problem is the absence of RDS capabilty which means retuning regularly on a long run.
I also fancied the ability of being able to play CDs as the novelty of old cassettes has worn off as they need changing over far too frequently - No auto reverse feature in those days!
So I started looking around at options and always liked the look, sound and feel of Alpine/Kenwood/Pioneer units for a car system. However Sony has just launched a system with more power output than I could need (52w X 4) plus Bluetooth connectivity for the mobile phone and an input for the Ipod - All for ?199 fitted. I could see the journey to Belfast ferry port shortening by the minute!?
Well it all went wrong on Saturday morning. The aperture in the "designer" 131 Sport dash is slightly larger than the claimed DIN standard that the Sony unit is constructed to so the mounting cage that is the normal style of fitment for modern radios would only grip the opening on 3 sides leaving an unsecure top edge along with a 1/2mm gap.
The fitter could not guarantee that the system would be securely fitted and could therefore rattle and knock on the road.
Question : Has anyone else encountered this problem when upgrading to a newer radio unit - If so, does anyone have a good solution or recommend a model that fits the opening well??
Cheers