We would like to replace the original stereo with a modern AM/FM-CD unit. The old size (est 4"x6")appears nothing like any potential replacement we have seen. The electrical panel is so filled with swithes,etc., it allows virtually no room for modification of the space. Sharing of a successful modification and or replacement experience would be appreciated.
- Status
Need to measure first.
Phyllis: You need to measure your original cutout. Most radios are a standard size. Assuming that your cut out is too large, you may be able to get a piece of plastic or metal to cover the original hole and then make a cutout to fit the new radio. The standard openings are about 2" x 7".
Phyllis: You need to measure your original cutout. Most radios are a standard size. Assuming that your cut out is too large, you may be able to get a piece of plastic or metal to cover the original hole and then make a cutout to fit the new radio. The standard openings are about 2" x 7".
I Did What Steve Suggested
on a V32 that had an odd-size unit. Picked up a regular car stereo. Had a plastic shop make up a thick smoked-plastic frame face-plate with a bevel edge and cut-outs to fit the new stereo. Looked factory. Good luck, Rick D.
on a V32 that had an odd-size unit. Picked up a regular car stereo. Had a plastic shop make up a thick smoked-plastic frame face-plate with a bevel edge and cut-outs to fit the new stereo. Looked factory. Good luck, Rick D.
CD Changer
If you are upgrading your sterio, consider adding a CD changer. Irecently replaced my sterio in a 1995 Hunter with a new Sony and added a CD Changer, which I installed in a locker directly behind the sterio. This allows up to 11 CDs (one in the sterio and 10 in the changer) to be randomly played without touching the sterio unit - also condier buying a sterio with a remote - the changer was only $250.00 Canadian - a bargain, and it's easier to do a complete installation (sterio and changer) at the same time rather than adding a changer later.
If you are upgrading your sterio, consider adding a CD changer. Irecently replaced my sterio in a 1995 Hunter with a new Sony and added a CD Changer, which I installed in a locker directly behind the sterio. This allows up to 11 CDs (one in the sterio and 10 in the changer) to be randomly played without touching the sterio unit - also condier buying a sterio with a remote - the changer was only $250.00 Canadian - a bargain, and it's easier to do a complete installation (sterio and changer) at the same time rather than adding a changer later.
to Steve frm Phyllis
Boat is 1986 H40Legend:Shld have mentioned that; &,also,that we did measure; just don't have the exact #s here at the moment.Problem has been that the width (~6") is too narrow.
Boat is 1986 H40Legend:Shld have mentioned that; &,also,that we did measure; just don't have the exact #s here at the moment.Problem has been that the width (~6") is too narrow.
Do you have ANY room?
Phyllis: I understand that the opening is tight, but would there be enough room to widen the hole by 1/2" on each side? If so, Jensen has a really nice unit in the West Marine Catalog. It takes a 4.1" x 7" opening. Another option is to move the radio to another position and just cover the current opening.
Phyllis: I understand that the opening is tight, but would there be enough room to widen the hole by 1/2" on each side? If so, Jensen has a really nice unit in the West Marine Catalog. It takes a 4.1" x 7" opening. Another option is to move the radio to another position and just cover the current opening.
Consider a GM truck or SUV type radio
Most of the units built for mobile (automotive) applications are DIN dimensions (2" x 7") You may want to look at 1.5x DIN or 2x DIN (sometimes called double DIN) these units are 3" x 7" and 4" x 7" respectively. An example of a 1.5x DIN is the Sanyo ECD-H1340. Look at the Sony XM-475GMX for a 2x DIN format. The later should cover your current opening (see link).
Most of the units built for mobile (automotive) applications are DIN dimensions (2" x 7") You may want to look at 1.5x DIN or 2x DIN (sometimes called double DIN) these units are 3" x 7" and 4" x 7" respectively. An example of a 1.5x DIN is the Sanyo ECD-H1340. Look at the Sony XM-475GMX for a 2x DIN format. The later should cover your current opening (see link).
CD changer option
Instead of a CD changer, consider an MP3 player. They come in various versions, from flash memory (up to 128 mb) to hard drive (up to 20 gb). I have a 10 gb hard drive version and it stores about 180 CD albums. It cost about $200. I use it with my home stereo, and on the boat. It inputs to the am/fm stereo radio through the aux input. You have to spend the time to download your CDs to the MP3, or to your desktop hard drive (as I did), but then you have all your CDs avaialble, not just a few.
Instead of a CD changer, consider an MP3 player. They come in various versions, from flash memory (up to 128 mb) to hard drive (up to 20 gb). I have a 10 gb hard drive version and it stores about 180 CD albums. It cost about $200. I use it with my home stereo, and on the boat. It inputs to the am/fm stereo radio through the aux input. You have to spend the time to download your CDs to the MP3, or to your desktop hard drive (as I did), but then you have all your CDs avaialble, not just a few.
by the way
I have a CD changer for sale, new, never used (since I've since gone to the MP3 player)!
I have a CD changer for sale, new, never used (since I've since gone to the MP3 player)!
Had similar problem
In my 1988 Legend 37 I had a stereo/tape deck that sounds just like yours. Wanted new and upgrade to CD without losing casette tape capability. Nothing at West or other marine units would fit and give both capabilities. FOund a unit by Jansen or Pioneer (both had them) that had both tape and CD for cars in a box that was about as wide as other car units, but just about 3" tall. I was able to squeeze it into the space old one fit, but I did need to make a false face for it out of dark plexiglass (could also use metal). Looks nad sounds great!! Best part of deal--was a lot cheaper than most of the other choices for getting both CD and tape. Sorry I can't give model numbers, etc. I live 4 hours from my boat. jim
In my 1988 Legend 37 I had a stereo/tape deck that sounds just like yours. Wanted new and upgrade to CD without losing casette tape capability. Nothing at West or other marine units would fit and give both capabilities. FOund a unit by Jansen or Pioneer (both had them) that had both tape and CD for cars in a box that was about as wide as other car units, but just about 3" tall. I was able to squeeze it into the space old one fit, but I did need to make a false face for it out of dark plexiglass (could also use metal). Looks nad sounds great!! Best part of deal--was a lot cheaper than most of the other choices for getting both CD and tape. Sorry I can't give model numbers, etc. I live 4 hours from my boat. jim
- Status