As usual, faced with what appeared to be a simple task, I used my standard tactic of “ready, fire, aim”.
The Blaupunkt fitted to this 76/77 115.02 had lost its display. It appeared to be fitted either at the factory, or more likely at the dealer, as the unit recommended for these cars. The radio design fits into the narrow time between purely shaft-mount and DIN1. Thus, very limited choices for a no-cut retrofit.
I use a Woodys Custom Shop in my 59 2000. Looks right, and with the addition of a Sound Ordnance, Sub sounds ok. Up to a point. So, I decided to see what the market offers in the way of hidden remote Bluetooth system.
After brief research, I ordered a JBL GTR-102. 50+50W two-channel remote amp with cable remote. I assumed I would stash the tiny remote in the glove box like with my Woody’s unit.
For reference, I spoke with a Crutchfield tech rep about the numerous complaints of the “Power Protect” triggering. She persisted in wanting to know what speakers I had as “they must be matched with the power output of the amp”. I finally gave up, and ordered a unit via Amazon Prime, which was fulfilled by.... Crutchfield. Mine cost me $130, with free freight. I just spotted one on EBay at $90.
Upon receipt and inspection I immediately noted that the remote is pretty big, and offers features beyond what can be controlled via a Bluetooth. The remote comes preattached to a fairly thick, and very long cable, suitable for mounting the amp in the trunk of your Eldorado and installing the remote in your dash.
With a bit of quick on-the-fly engineering, I mounted the amp vertically behind the console, using four folded aluminum tabs, two screwed to the trans tunnel, and two coming forward at the top to provide a screw-attachment for a new faceplate holding the remote.
I made the faceplate from 3/16” acrylic, with a bandsaw, handheld belt sander, drill press, and dremel cutoff tool. Painted black on the backside, leaving a nice shine in the front.
JBL recommends the use of 10AWG wire for power. Well, OK, why not? I picked up the full-time power from the relay forward of the firewall. I just remembered they advise a 60A fuse at the feed end, so I’ll need to fit that in. The amp has its own internal fuse, so we’ll assume the 60A fuse is to protect against a short to the chassis, and not an amp internal issue.
The dash-mounted remote offers an on-off button, or one can wire a remote trigger, which I did from the ignition key switched power. Thus, when I start the car, the amp comes on. I have tested it, and if you use the remote trigger-zone, the panel mounted remote on/off no longer works, once the car has started. I have not yet tested whether the panel control allows on/off with the ignition switch off.
The body of the amp offers a range of set-once controls, such as gain and tone equalizer. The amp can be configured for full range or sub use, among other esoteric uses.
Once paired with up to Eight Bluetooth sources, three simultaneously, having the GTR102 function in auto-on mode results in it waking up already paired, at least to my IPhone.
The system also supports hands-free telephone function, but I’ve not gotten there yet.
Took a total of about five hours to install, but whether my “skip-the-planning” style increases or decreases the time is open to debate.
I’ll get a finished-product picture shortly.