Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi

Looking to replace my original radio with a DAB classic looking radio.

Has anyone done this ? How do you get original radio out ? And anyone know if this will fit?
Cheers

Dave

Hi Dave

I think it will - it's all a question of depth - a search will get you the definitive answer, but it looks OK.

The dash hole is larger than DIN so you'll need a faceplate adapter that you might already have or could make up?

Generally to remove, pull off the volume and tuning knobs to get access to the large flange nuts. The Radio is usually held in with through-hole brackets.

@+

Vernon

Thanks Vernon

I will get on this at the weekend

I don't think mine is larger than DIN, I have a modern radio installed after changing the heater

I'd love to know how you get on with this Dave, as I would love to have some tunes for longer drives.

Currently I still have the original turnolock, but the reception is rubbish so I don't bother putting the aerial up or turning it on.

Kind regards

Rich

Hi Dave. I am having difficulty with what is meant by the dimensional diagram. If the overall depth of the unit is 177 mm it definitely will not fit in a Plus 2 as it will foul the heater box. If the 101 mm dimension is the unit depth you are good to go. I don't have the stock clearance to hand, but this thread discusses the issue...

lotus-electrical-f38/car-radio-t21183-15.html

There are several threads that show how the heater box can be modified to provide more depth, but even with the modifications, the clearance is tight. Note the DIN dimension standard does not include depth, although I found modern units typically require 7" or more.

One additional issue I had when looking for a modern head unit was that the manufacturers don't necessarily include clearance for the wires at the back of the unit. This can be problematic if your install includes RCA connectors or similar.

HTH

Stu

Retrosound also makes modern stereos

dims:
imensions (radio face)
3.5?W x 1.5? H x 1.05? D
Dimensions (radio body)
3.96?W x 1.98?H x 4.30

I think they sit at lest an inch forward, so the depth is less than it appears

probably same with op unit

The really great thing about RetroSound is that the front panel can be removed from the body and connected via a cable, so you can remotely mount the body in a roomier location.

I'll be putting one in my Plus 2.

Hi Dave,
There are plenty of threads on this forum relating to your question.
I have this in my plus 2:
https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/produc ... 25970.htm#

Fits a treat, no mods to the dash or heater. 40W per channel and has an SD card for all your music.

At the moment it is ?35 at the above car audio centre.
They have others if you fancy them.

Kind regards
Jeff

Hi Dave,
OOPS!
Sorry just checked mine is discontinued,but there are plenty of others....

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/produc ... -33248.htm

Pioneer, Sony etc..

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/catego ... c-2809.htm

Regards
Jeff

Hi Jeff

Great stuff.... will look into this further.
Thanks again

Regards
Dave

If you have the original radio get it adapted to power switch to FM and add mp3 player socket (there are several reputable guys who do this including ChromeLondon and Agenta Audio of Ilkley) for your iPhone or whatever player, I have socket in glove box but also one that sits under the central tunnel trim, works great. My original radio works but sound is awful and it was when I bought car in 1980!

Hi Dave. I've just fitted the RetroSound in the dash, which I went for as it's fractionally shallower than the CCS. No DAB however, but all the other bells and whistles, disguised in something that looks a bit more period IMO.

It *just* fits, with the back pressing hard on the heater box and wiring! The main body is fractionally proud still, but the faceplace (from the original dead Philips that came with my +2) bends around it slightly so it seems to fit reasonably well. I've wired mine up with an internal amplified aerial hidden under the dash which seems to pick up well - one of the advantages of a GRP body!

Very pleased with it so far...
...But completely pointless as I can't hear the thing over the engine noise!

I've got a RetroSound in a Sunbeam Alpine - I can hear that up to about 40mph!!

Don't forget that you can get an "extension" cable for the RetroSound (about 2m long i think), allowing you to mount the "body" away from the face, which should prevent almost all issues with obstruction to the rear:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAaGet9P5RM

Yep I'm definitely going to be using the extension cable, although I haven't yet decided where to mount the body. I've had the radio for about a week now and the body is smaller and lighter than I expected it to be, and having it to hand is definitely giving me ideas for the install. I've got a bit of time before I'll be ready to install it, so by then I'm sure I'll have a good plan. May wind up adding an amp due to the aforementioned volume issues. Plenty of space in the Plus two for hiding amps and such!