SL/R107: Installing aftermarket radio in 1980 450 SL
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1980 450SL
Installing aftermarket radio in 1980 450 SL
Today I had one of my customer's bring in a 1980 450sl for new Radio and speakers. They have the Becker Mexico radio and the 4 inch speakers in the front. They didn't have enough time for me to finish the car since it seemed like it was going to be a project, so I told him I would look some information up and get him back in at a later day. I have a few questions that I would greatly appreciate some help on:
1. Where does the long gray cable attached to the radio run to? This connection does not unplug directly from the radio, but I am assuming it goes to the amplifier.
2. Besides for the gray cable, there is only a brown wire with a ring terminal (ground), and one power cable, which seems like its a switched power source. Where is the best/safest spot to tap constant power off of and is the switched power source already there adequate? I have already ran new speaker wire to the fronts.
3. Is there any way to retain the motorized antenna that is controlled by the button on the dash or at least have it always in the up position?
1. Where does the long gray cable attached to the radio run to? This connection does not unplug directly from the radio, but I am assuming it goes to the amplifier.
2. Besides for the gray cable, there is only a brown wire with a ring terminal (ground), and one power cable, which seems like its a switched power source. Where is the best/safest spot to tap constant power off of and is the switched power source already there adequate? I have already ran new speaker wire to the fronts.
3. Is there any way to retain the motorized antenna that is controlled by the button on the dash or at least have it always in the up position?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
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From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
The relatively thick, long gray from the Becker plugs into the amp. The amp's about a three inch, by three inch by six inch box. It resides behnd the glove box. Speakers emanate from it. It snaps in a wire snap bracket. Gotta pull glove box insert to access. Brown ground is what you say. Cannot help in alternate power. Antenna wire runs from left rear motor set under drivers rocker/threshold and up underneath for insertion directly in the Becker. There are aftermarket power and masts available. Good luck.
Ps-what I have shared is my experience on a 1976 4.5l roadster. The platform didn't change thru the '80 you're dealing with, I don't believe.
Ps-what I have shared is my experience on a 1976 4.5l roadster. The platform didn't change thru the '80 you're dealing with, I don't believe.
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1980 450SL
Em Bee Lover thank you for your information. So there is no way to integrate the factory motorized mechanism into the aftermarket radio? I dont care if the button is functional, but I would like the antenna to go up when the radio is turned on.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
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From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
I cannot speak to the '80 setup. But, the '76 does not power up and down when radio powers on/off. At least mine never has. Mine has a "rocker switch" on the front panel, just up and left of the radio. There are arrows pointing up and down, indicating what to push to do what you want (extend/retract). Look for that on the panel of the one you're working on. If that rocker switch is there, it's likely the up/down is strictly a manual activity. Best I can do from my experience. Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
Sorry, I don't know if the antenna powers up/down w/ the radio unpowered. Don't mean to be lazy, but accessing the power to the radio (besides disconnecting the battery, which would not allow antenna switch to be used) means undoing a fair amount of removal. I am not anxious to do that. Any other way to get an answer?
