Original '72 radio wiring

[Arne]

It's not hard to do. There is a small step in the upper rear mounting ear that is impossible to replicate using ABS, but it's not needed. The slight warp that the lack of the step causes tends to stiffen the mount, so that's actually good.

It's probably worth confirming and re-mentioning here - the factory 240Z radios - both the '70-71 AM and the '72-73 AM/FM - were all monaural. In other words, no stereo, only one speaker output. Connecting a pair of speakers to that single output is tricky, since if the speakers are not selected VERY carefully they can seriously damage the radio.

[rdefabri]

It's probably worth confirming and re-mentioning here - the factory 240Z radios - both the '70-71 AM and the '72-73 AM/FM - were all monaural. In other words, no stereo, only one speaker output. Connecting a pair of speakers to that single output is tricky, since if the speakers are not selected VERY carefully they can seriously damage the radio.

Arne,

This is good advice - so I should only connect 1 speaker / pair to my OEM radio?

I do NOT want to damage it - I got it for a great price and I'd hate to hunt for another one.

FWIW

[Zs-ondabrain]

There is a small step in the upper rear mounting ear that is impossible to replicate using ABS, but it's not needed.

Not impossible at all, I make them all the time. I just use a pencil torch, heat the straight line, put it on the edge of the work bench, and give it a slight twist, then blow on it till it holds form. Doesn't take much heat at all to get it to move. And the bend keeps the speaker from rubbing the panel too much, like the stock plate on the left side.

I'll make you one if you want. $5 plus a buck to ship it to ya.

Dave.

[Arne]

Not impossible at all, I make them all the time.

And this is exactly why I buy stuff like this and wiring additions from you, rather than make them myself. Even though I thoroughly understand wiring and such, you are MUCH better at this kind of fab work than I am!

[Arne]

Arne,

This is good advice - so I should only connect 1 speaker / pair to my OEM radio?

I do NOT want to damage it - I got it for a great price and I'd hate to hunt for another one.

FWIW

To be safe, yes. One speaker, not two.

[rdefabri]

Success! The radio is in, the antenna motor works. I could even hear the radio (although the speaker was not hooked up - I am guessing there was some interference or something). I found the original connector for supplying power to the radio after fishing around a little

Few other q's - can I replace the antenna without swapping out the whole motor assembly? The top of the antenna is cut off, and I also noticed that the antenna doesn't actually raise / lower (although the motor does turn).

Also, anyone know where I can get an OEM speaker? I could mount one of the speakers in the car now, but it's not really correct, so my preference would be to obtain an OEM.

Thanks again!

[Zs-ondabrain]

There is no real such thing as an OEM speaker for a 36 year old car. BUT Pioneer and Kenwood make an excellent option. The both have a slim style speaker that work great on low wattage radio's. And being thin, they will fit on both sides of the 240Z's rear, even with fuel hoses in the way.

Your other option is a "Walmart" generic speaker. Under $10 and low wattage. But it's a generic versus a Pioneer or Kenwood, No warranties implied on how long the Generic will last. So ask yourself this.... "Do I want to have to tear into the rear panel every time the Generic speaker craps out"??

Dave.

[Arne]

After consulting with Dave recently, I ordered a pair of the Kenwoods that he recommended. I expect to get them next week some time. They were all of $21/pair from Amazon.

[rdefabri]

Yep, you guys convinced me I should go with the better speakers. I may actually see if the speaker in the speaker box the PO made will fit.

[Arne]

The original was 5 1/4" round. If you are building your own bracket(s), other sizes may fit. But they can't be too deep nor have too much protrusion to the front (tweeters and such).

[TexasRider260Z]

After consulting with Dave recently, I ordered a pair of the Kenwoods that he recommended. I expect to get them next week some time. They were all of $21/pair from Amazon.

Arne & Dave:

Were these the 5 1/4 20 watts? Or do you have an Amazon Kenwood number for the speakers?

My car has arrived and of course I have a list of things to do. But somewhere here early on once I get some of the things out of the way I want to get some sound into the car. I think installed radio with 8 track player in the dash is as it was delivered from the dealer. It does not work of course and the speaker(s) have to be shot as well.

I am going to look for a radio shop to restore the radio if it is indeed original.

But I am going to go under seat or somewhere with a cassette as I had that in the last 260 and I still have cassettes. Click in Boston into the cassette and go ride.

Dave please add the speaker mount x 2 to my list .

Many thanks to Arne and Dave for helping everybody on this forum. When you are in Houston area all Mexican food, adult beverages, and fishing are on me for you guys.

[Arne]

The Kenwoods I have coming are KFC-1351S.