85 Clarion unit replacement?
 

what are you guys replacing the original Clarion unit with?

Our radio works but not the cassette - would to have it repaired but not sure that can happen these days


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d2d61cd45d.jpg

You can try these guys if you want to keep it looking stock.

Home - Radio Restoration

Thanks TG this I will look into!

th company is called METRA... thy make kits to install a DIN or double DIN stereos in a gen 1 Rx7, like ours. pretty easy to fit in
to the car... mine looks great... has small pocket under the stereo where You can fit double DIN or use the pocket... only costs like $20..... don't get ripped. LOL...

I still have my leftover clarion wiring & amplifiers.... but no head unit , is any one is interested init.... Free, just pay the shipping.

Same here, I tried to have mine fixed 15 years ago, but couldn't find any takers. I am on my second double DIN replacement radio since, the latest with full bluetooth + HD Radio. I still have my old Clarion, but not putting it back in...

I am running about the best spec KenWood single DIN head unit.. ( I think there is one, next better model offered) . it cost about $175, give or take....( I thought, pretty reasonable) .. its pretty dang nice ... totally adjustable, as far the frequency equalizer goes, it even wants to know the speaker size from ea. channel, sound delay--how far the speaker is from Ur ear!! LOL... & so on... really capable... the double DIN model.... my buddy got that one... we bought our stereo junk at about the same time... I am planning to install three small gauges under the single DIN stereo, in the little 'pocket' area... I believe 3 of the 52mm gauges will fit just fine. His KenWood has about the same functions and adjustments as mine, perhaps a few more, nothing spectacular....Oh, he's got GPS....LOL.. however, the manipulation of his controls is easier with the Double DIN size...You can see the graphic EQ, where as on mine You can not. Not a big deal... but pretty cool. However, like I said, they seem to have very similar functions...

I can provide the model numbers.... if Ur interested.

Sam

how are you handling all the empty space from the gone equalizer and cassettedeck

I toy with the idea of upgrading the stereo to something from this century, but keep thinking that the stock unit just 'fits' the car. Are there any options that are similar in color, at least? Something that would appear period correct, yet have updated features (like, at least usb input)? Thoughts?

what jb said ^^^^^^^^

Metra srereo install kit
 

As I said before, use the METRA install kit.... easy as cake & fits very nicely.... almost like factory... or a factory not as good as Mazda's...LOL...

now-a-days there are some more service centers for these older radios... IDK where they are... I just know this part of the industry has a few more entries than several years ago , as people are trying to restore they older equipment, that has failed.

I would love to have it repaired - the radio works, the cassette deck does not - I think it comes pout as a whole unit? radio, cassette and eq

I'm old and still have a load of cassettes and cassette carry cases that would look good lying on the front passenger seat at the weekend shows

LOL.... I live in S. Florida..... all of our cassette tapes have already melted...LOL...

electronics...
 

I have the electronics... basically everything besides the head unit... no guarantees.... however, I'll give it for free... YOU PAY SHIPPING... & it's Ur's or anyones? LOL... I just have trouble throwing away a sorta rare part, that someone may need... So, its up for grabs...

what do you mean by the "electronics" ? any phtos? as asked above do these cone out as one unit - radio/cassette/equalizer?

I have all of the wiring (looks like DIN plugs), the amps (2), the joystick thingy.... & all of the associated wires & harness... I DO NOT HAVE THE HEAD UNIT... ONLY the wiring...

txt me Ur number & I'll send You a pic...

Sam
[954] 551 8536

ok Sam thanks anyway - Id be lost trying to build it :-)

well, it's pretty simple... really just plug & play...

I second trying to get it restored.

The other options are:

1. get a 2nd, modern aftermarket head unit that works via Bluetooth and install in the glovebox. The original will sit as a non-functioning dummy stereo. This is what is done by a lot of guys running much older cars with 8 track players etc.

2. the factory headunit actually runs through an external amp via DIN cables. You can get DIN to RCA convertors thereby allowing you to plug the factory stereo into a modern aftermarket power amplifier. This in turn allows you to:
* wire in a Bluetooth adapter to play music through the amplifier
* get an amplifier that has a Bluetooth aux input built in. I've seen a few amps that have this - primarily designed for boats etc that don't have headunits.

Do they even make cassette stereos anymore?

Luckily mine still works but I actually found a way to pipe in Bluetooth. It's a modular bus system that is quite easy to figure out and add your own AUX input that works the same way the cassette deck works, by cutting power to the radio when it is active. There are a few write ups on it and I'm sure I posted some photos of how I did it in my build log (just search for threads created by me).

Whatever you do, don't cut the surround! And be careful removing it. You need to remove the heater knobs and unscrew some nuts on the shafts...people always forget that part and snap the bezel in half.

Clarion unit
 

There should be two amplifiers in the 84-85 GSL ad GSL-SE trims that came with an equalizer, one behind each of the storage bins. There's also a cruise control module back there. I suggest spending some time reading through the workshop manuals at Foxed.ca to acquaint yourself with the electronics and wiring diagrams.