Berlina 2000 radio

Jeannette Hardy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 07:42 PM

The radio in my 1972 Berlina sedan groaks out only one high-powered station in New Orleans. The radio appear to be connected to a motorized antenna that does not go up. Any advice on ways to get this little machine going? Thanks, Jeannette

Jeannette Hardy · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 07:43 AM

The radio in my Berlina is made by Hitachi. It offers am band only. Do you think this is an original radio? The car's been in Italy until 3 months ago. (I bought the car from Billg). The radio doesn't work, I think because the motorized antenna won't go up. Is there a switch in the car to activate the power antenna? Were radios commonly put in after-market by dealers?
Jeannette

**101/105guy** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 11:36 AM

Sounds like an original radio to me. My '70 1600 S was just bought from the original owner in Florence and has a Mitsubishi AM cassette with electric antenna. Mine works fine.
The radio should be connected to the antenna so that when you turn on the radio, the antenna goes up. If you can, check that 12 volts is going to the antenna when the radio is on and check the connection to ground at the antenna. If this is good, then the antenna motor is broken. Easy to replace the whole thing.

**Bill S** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 11:44 AM

Hi Jeannette,

Welcome to the alfabb and congratulations on your purchase of such a great car. I doubt that your Hitachi radio was original equipment although it may be period correct. I can't remember whether aftermarket motorized antenna were even available in 72 so I imagine that would be a later addition. A reputable local stereo store that does auto audio installations may be helpful in figuring out your system. What you don't want them doing is hacking up your dash to put in one of the large flashing LED stereo faceplates common now. Do a search of this website of "radio" and you might find some options for a more vintage look. If you write down the wire colors going to your antenna motor and the model and brand, if available, perhaps one of us can make a suggestion for you to try to operate your antenna. Do you have a voltmeter?

Bill Sinclair
67 Spider, 69 Berlina, 67 Super

**101/105guy** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 02:24 PM

Bill, I think that when talking about radios in old Alfas the term 'original' and 'period' are interchangable. The cars didn't come from the factory with radios or antennas, but were either dealer installed or owner installed. Below is the one in my 1600 S, 33,000 mile car, all original.

In either case, an AM only radio is right for the year and electric antennas were available then. I think that with a working antenna her system would be fine.

Jeannette Hardy · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 05:15 PM

Thanks for helping solve the mystery of the radio. I'm going to take mine to someone who can help get the motor going or, perhaps, replace it. I'll let you know how it goes.
Best,
Jeannette

Giorgio68 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2006, 07:38 AM

Jeannette,

The music for an Alfa is the sound of the engine, I never listen to a radio while driving my Alfa's, anyway thats my opinion...
And welcome to the Alfa family if this was your first.

Giorgio

**Andrew** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:14 AM

Jeannette, if I haven't already communicated with youyou haven't sent me about the VIN of your Berlina for the Berlina Register, please send it to me. Is this the blue car in NO that was just on ebay?

Andrew Watry

**Ish-Man** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 03:14 PM

Here's a great source for proper period radios. A bit pricey, but good product. I went with a Becker Europa II for looks, but feel the Blaupunkt Frankfurt makes more sense. Easier install, and in my opinion, more reliable.

http://www.koenigs-klassik.de/indexe.html

I was able to source a Hirschmann, manual, flush mount antenna for about $50 plus shipping. Ranier sells these for over $100. Hirschmann also imports a lesser quality, chinese unit which sells in the $15-$20 range.

While I love my Alfa's sound, I installed 2-way, Infiniti Kappa speakers. 4" plate speakers in the rear, and similar coaxial speakers in the front, console location. Period sound is really great, especially on classic FM stations with 60's to 80's music.

There are other classic radio sources in the US, if you look about on the internet.