9 replies to this topic

[Usm4n]

Dear All

 

I am restoring my mini and it's a Morris Mini from 1963. I seek your help and guidance to learn what are the period correct radio options to be fitted in a mini? I would love to have the original versions or else something period correct looking modern option too. Thank you in advance for your help and guidance and look forward to hearing from you all.

 

regards

[Mini Waco]

Sounds as though you have a fabulous mini to restore. I’ve contemplated the same ?, but knowing the early minis did not have radios, I chose to do without in my ‘64. With that said, there are quite a few period radios that I found here in the USA that would actually look nice. Perhaps you could find something you like...
https://www.vintagecarradio.com

[mab01uk]

Early Minis did not have radios or a space for one as standard (not that it would have been easy with such a basic dashboard area) and Alec Issigonis is said to have felt they were a distraction to the driver. However many owners and BMC Dealerships fitted a period radio under the passenger parcel shelf and there were also two large holes in the metalwork of the rear parcel shelf to allow a single speaker to be mounted below from inside the boot. Common makes of radio available at the time were Radiomobile, Motorola, Phillips, Pye, etc and by the later 1960's pre-set push button selection of your favourite radio stations was offered in more expensive sets. When static seat belts were fitted it was difficult to adjust the radio but things improved later with the introduction of inertia reel belts.

Edited by mab01uk, 17 March 2021 - 08:08 AM.

[surfblue]

No radio in my '63 mk1, I like to listen to the noises it makes. Bluetooth speaker from my phone if I really feel the need for music.

[Daz1968]

I do same, have a Bluetooth speaker and Spotify, easy to remove and I also fitted a hidden usb charge point, bought one of the kits designed for a motorcycle with inline fuse and connected it behind the binnacle, plug feeds behind trim and is accessible behind the lower dash rail. Next item I need is a discreet phone holder for when I use it for navigation, but as I can’t go anywhere there was no rush to find one.

[Cooperman]

When I bought a new Mk.1 998 Cooper in 1964, I had it delivered with a 'Radiomobile 5-Push-Button' radio which was to the right of the steering column withe the speaker in the middle of the rear shelf.

It might be had to fine one now. 

Later I had a Mk.1 with a Philips radio and a friend always had a Motorola Push Button set in his cars.

[Tremelune]

I've ditched head units forever, as I only ever listen to my phone...but I very much want physical buttons to control volume and skip tracks. This is what I did to my MGB:

 

https://www.mgexp.co...266328.4266359/

 

[beardylondon]

And here’s what I did

https://www.theminif...en-audio/page-2

[62S]

Some 1960's Minis had a factory fitted radio and they were Radiomobile units.

[surfblue]

And here’s what I did

https://www.theminif...en-audio/page-2

Ingenious! 👍