Becker Mexico Sound Quality / Amp Upgrade

[Alex]

I think at this stage, the best option with the least compromise is to retrofit a modern amp to the Becker.
How does one do this? Good question I don't know.

But I guess that's what this forum is for; if I do go ahead with this plan, I will aim to document the process for future readers.

[Taha]

Hi,

Regarding the speaker size as much as I know rears are 10cm (4") and fronts are 10cm x 15cm (4" x 6"). I bought a pair of Sony speakers for the rear and for the front I bought a pair from koenigs. The actual size of koenigs speakers is 8cm and the brand is Visaton as you see in the picture:

[Alex]

Hi,

Regarding the speaker size as much as I know rears are 10cm (4") and fronts are 10cm x 15cm (4" x 6"). I bought a pair of Sony speakers for the rear and for the front I bought a pair from koenigs. The actual size of koenigs speakers is 8cm and the brand is Visaton as you see in the picture:

4"x6" is for the little front speakers? or the later style where they are on top of the dash?

[Taha]

On top of the dash. For the earlier models I guess it should be 8cm.

[raueda1]

On top of the dash. For the earlier models I guess it should be 8cm.

I can't recall if they're exactly 8cm or not, but I do remember the challenges of the upgrade.  To begin with, there just aren't many speakers that size.  But the larger issue is that speaker magnets have grown dramatically since these cars were built.  The install problems arise from jamming the magnet in too small a space.  Look for a speaker with the smallest magnet you can find and make sure that you can return or exchange them if need be.  they'll still be better than the transistor radio OE units.  I tried several speakers before I found one that would fit, and it still didn't fit very well.  I had to kludge it somehow - wish I could offer specifics, but too long ago.  Cheers, 

[Alex]

I'll try replacing those rear speakers and seeing how I go.
Anyone got any advice for decent cassette adapters? I currently use a jay car one that is pretty rubbish and doesn't work properly, the idler gear trips the auto eject mechanism, so it doesn't play correctly.

Thoughts?

[ptashek]

Fronts, where mounted at the bottom of the dash, are 100mm. For that setup I can recommend JBL Club 4020, which fit very well.

https://mm.jbl.com/car-speakers/CLUB4020-.html

[ethanrmerc]

ive posted this one before Alex,

this is my 6.9 with the Becker basically acting as the power source. you turn on the Becker, it turns on the hidden unit.  then the infrared repeater is located behind the Becker face so lights up when you click the remote.  so using a new deck you have bluetooth music, phone, radio and whatever else the new one has.  all it required was an infrared repeater from a hobby shop and a days work.

https://youtu.be/iSOtJ-sal5E?si=bomvWRuss43xsF6-

Yes, I do recall sorry.

As much as I like this setup, I dislike the modifications to the Becker, and (assumption here) how you cannot use the Becker for casette and normal am/fm playback anymore.

For me at least, this setup may not suffice.
Currently I am leaning towards upgrading the original speakers, seeing how much that helps, and finding a way to interface bluetooth audio into the unit on the cheap.

If somebody has a wiring diagram for the rear DIN port that would be majorly helpful.
Perhaps a small bluetooth receiver board with a relay may be all I need to make this work.

Brother are we aligned on working on this project. Conversion to AUX is straightforward, but adding the bluetooth module requires a few extra components to isolate the audio ground and supply ground, otherwise you will have this super annoying constant noise. I plan on finalizing my conversion this weekend and will post the circuit diagrams, components used with links, and some tips on doing it yourself. I think all and all it is around $17 to do it yourself.

[Alex]

ive posted this one before Alex,

this is my 6.9 with the Becker basically acting as the power source. you turn on the Becker, it turns on the hidden unit.  then the infrared repeater is located behind the Becker face so lights up when you click the remote.  so using a new deck you have bluetooth music, phone, radio and whatever else the new one has.  all it required was an infrared repeater from a hobby shop and a days work.

https://youtu.be/iSOtJ-sal5E?si=bomvWRuss43xsF6-

Yes, I do recall sorry.

As much as I like this setup, I dislike the modifications to the Becker, and (assumption here) how you cannot use the Becker for casette and normal am/fm playback anymore.

For me at least, this setup may not suffice.
Currently I am leaning towards upgrading the original speakers, seeing how much that helps, and finding a way to interface bluetooth audio into the unit on the cheap.

If somebody has a wiring diagram for the rear DIN port that would be majorly helpful.
Perhaps a small bluetooth receiver board with a relay may be all I need to make this work.

Brother are we aligned on working on this project. Conversion to AUX is straightforward, but adding the bluetooth module requires a few extra components to isolate the audio ground and supply ground, otherwise you will have this super annoying constant noise. I plan on finalizing my conversion this weekend and will post the circuit diagrams, components used with links, and some tips on doing it yourself. I think all and all it is around $17 to do it yourself.

Your project is full bluetooth with a relay to prevent hum?
If so, count me in on that!

P.S. I have been sidetracked by other projects and life endeavours, hence my inactivity and lack of progress. I added a few more jobs to the list on the car, most notably: Fuse Box Rust (and leak), floor pan rust, exhaust leak.

Regardless, I will try and stay in the loop.

[Alex]

So, to kill two birds with one stone.

My ciggie lighter was jammed, constantly glowing not good.

Unplugged that from behind. Stole the 12v from that, and soldered on an extension up to the glove box.
Drilled a tiny hole in the back, soldered on a cigarette adapter FM transmitter. Temporary solution, but works a treat for the time being.