Perfect retro headunit for the Mk1....

My recently acquired Mk1 GTI came with a modern(is) headunit. As I understand it, it would have been up to the original dealer to supply and fit an appropriate stereo, so there is no specific 'correct' model for the Mk1.

Since purchasing I've been on the lookout for something period appropriate, which I can then rip apart and upgrade with "hidden" bluetooth for both audio streaming and handsfree - giving the appropriate retro look complemented with modern functionality (I'll do a write up / how to if anyone is interested).

I have now purchased the headunit, and I think it may be perfect for the MK1. I hope it's a good fit when it arrives… but here it is:



The red surround seems very reminiscent of the iconic front of the MK1 GTI, and emphatically calling out all of the (then) new technologies, such as the Quartz synthesiser and micro processor also adds to the highly retro look and feel.

I am sure I am not the only one with a nostalgic approach and obsession over the small details…. what do you think? What headunit / audio set up have you gone for?
 

I have been thinking about this too

I was on ebay and found a few old pull out pioneer stereos and thought how cool

but I would also like to add Bluetooth and streaming how do you plan on doing that ?

DANBOY said

I have been thinking about this too

I was on ebay and found a few old pull out pioneer stereos and thought how cool

but I would also like to add Bluetooth and streaming how do you plan on doing that ?

I've done a few old headunit upgrades in the past, and the process varies slightly per headunit.

What I will do with this is use the tape "aux in", by soldering an auxiliary input to where the tape connects, then you have to figure out how to "activate" the tape and replace the tape insert-tape-activation with something else to switch to the bluetooth.

Using a board like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Mini-CSR8645-APT-X-Hifi-Bluetooth-4-0-Receiver-Board-DIY-f-Amplifier-Speaker/131583501827

should make the process really simple.

I'll do a full write up and take pics when I do it… should be easy enough to follow.

there is a company on eBay that sells pre-converted headunits, if you're interested (but where is the fun in that?)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blaupunkt-Coburg-SQR-49-Bluetooth-installed-classic-newtimer-CAR-RADIO-VW-MB-BMW/273008762701

I never knew that could be done that's a quality mod

do you know of any write ups online now ?

I will look out for your install

There are a few videos on Youtube… This one is OK, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRMmth6itGc but the visual effect the guy achieves is awful (IMHO). you can hide or re-use other switches to achieve the same thing.

I have a standard blaupunkt hamburg radio on the shelf for the blue gti when it's complete
This would have been a dealer fit radio in mk1s back in 83 and it has an aux lead in the back so I can plug my phone in for music (I presume it was for Walkmans )

I'll get a pic when I next go in the garage

I bought a Becker Mexico MD player for mine! I had a mk1 in the mid 90's and used minidiscs, and could only dream of a Becker, or a md player in it. I like the OE look of the beckers, though I'm sure there are superior units out there. I've got an iPhone cable for it, though this Bluetooth stuff sounds interesting.

as promised, I have started a howto for converting the headunit to bluetooth.

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=how-to_2%2Fhow-to-add-bluetooth

I still have things to do, but have done the basics, so thought I would add to the write up as I go.