Headunit relocation?

[Chooch84]

Hi,

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. So I've had a thought after seeing many emails regarding in-car audio. If I take my Volvo to work, I tend to use a phone holder as I use my phone for checking the traffic. I was looking at a single din head unit with a pop-out screen that has apple car play built into it.

It would be pointless in it's current position, but it if moved it up where the heater controls are it would be more ergonomic.

Anyone else ever done this?

Kind Regards,


T

[Forrest]

I am not aware of anyone doing this mod. I suppose it would be theoretically possible provided the radio fits in the space the a/c panel comes out of. This space is not designed as a din-e mount and the a/c panel is smaller and shallower than many radios.

You could probably move the cables and vacuum hoses that attach to an a/c or climate control panel. It might be harder with a manual heater controller with rigid rods.

There are many people who do interior mods, for example:

https://www.bynesetcustoms.com/940%20products.htm

Personally, I rarely think they look any better than the Volvo original. However, the single din to double din mod is fairly common and might be an easier way to install a radio with a larger touchscreen.

[360beast]

The centre console of a MK2 760 due to the different layout would allow you to run a double din unit, I'm sure I've seen it done before on garaget.

My 1990 760 turbo even has a stereo and an equaliser thing beneath it so I could easily run a double din in it.

[gpl1968]

You will never find a head unit with a screen as good as your phone.
Personally (with money no object) I would fit a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB (the new one with modern electronics) that would give you phone integration for music and calls and stick with the phone & holder for navigation.
That way you keep it looking old school with the best of modern tech.

[tofufi]

Originally Posted by gpl1968

I would fit a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB (the new one with modern electronics) that would give you phone integration for music and calls and stick with the phone & holder for navigation.
That way you keep it looking old school with the best of modern tech.

I've got one of these in my 80s 560SEL (S Class).

A very nice bit of kit.

Also, most people upgrade their phone every few years, so you'll always have the latest tech for maps while still having a decent head unit...

[Mertz]

Originally Posted by tofufi

I've got one of these in my 80s 560SEL (S Class).

A very nice bit of kit.

Also, most people upgrade their phone every few years, so you'll always have the latest tech for maps while still having a decent head unit...

Wow. That headunit looks incredible! Love the subtle retro looks of it.

[Forrest]

I’ve got one in my Mk2 Scirocco. Looks the part, very practical but not cheap.

[Steve 940]

+1 for the Blaupunkt Bremen, have it in my 940 estate, everything I need although I don’t use hands free on my phone when driving.

Standard speakers are ok ish, but if you’re into your hifi then would definitely benefit from a proper amplifier and quality speakers.

Cheers
Steve

[richiekuk]

Originally Posted by gpl1968

You will never find a head unit with a screen as good as your phone.
Personally (with money no object) I would fit a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB (the new one with modern electronics) that would give you phone integration for music and calls and stick with the phone & holder for navigation.
That way you keep it looking old school with the best of modern tech.

I would highly recommend the Blaupunkt Franfurt 82 DAB.
I have fitted one with 6.5" front door speakers. And its a great bit of kit.
Phone on a quadlock holder showing maps, music etc. And a great retro player blending in

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/blau...IaAnzDEALw_wcB

[baggy798]

Like a lot of brands nowadays, Blaupunkt quality seems to not be what it was...

It's a perfect looking retro style headunit, with the modern features you want, but it's about £150-200 overpriced.

It's certainly not the same Blaupunkt quality that we know from the past, build quality is so so, buttons feel cheap to press. I don't think Blaupunkt is the same company anymore.
Sound is average, I use the built in amplifier, maybe using an external one things would be improved.

I haven't used the USB or SD card input yet, so cant comment on how easy it is to access tracks from those sources. BT and DAB work great.

Phone handsfree operates fine, just the answer call and hang up buttons are a little fiddly to find whilst driving.

Basically, if you want something that looks right in your 80's or early 90's car with modern features, and you can live with the cheap feel, then this is for you. It does, however, come at a price.

I as many before me loved the look and promise of this Blaupunkt retro stereo. The reality of the new quality standards is horrible. Wobbly volume knob and it's a common issue that Blaupunkt know about but still they ship like this. The media cover feels so cheap and has no positive click open or shut. The buttons clack as you push them like a £20 stereo. If you've never used an original Blaupunkt stereo you may not realise just how badly made this unit is. It's definitely worth £80-120 but definitely not the £320 I paid. If you really must have one I'd suggest going to view it in person and see if you can forgive the above issues.

Why does the knob stick out miles? 😂