Car Radio FAQ & Technical Knowledge Base
Process & Shipping
How Our Repair Process Works?
Every radio is different. Some need a simple service, others turn into full restoration projects. That's why we never guess from photos alone.
Our process is simple:
- Contact us with your radio model and a description of the issue
- We discuss the project and whether it makes sense to proceed
- You ship the radio to us
- The unit is inspected and tested on the bench
- We provide a repair estimate based on what we actually find inside
- Work starts only after your approval
- Once finished, the radio is fully tested, packed, and shipped back
We never carry out additional work without your permission, and we're always upfront about costs, risks, and whether a repair is actually worth doing.
We ship worldwide and work with customers across Europe, North America, Australia, and many other countries.
For a more detailed explanation of our workflow, you can read the full process overview here.
→ How It Works
How much does return shipping usually cost?
Since vintage radios and repair work are valuable, we do not use standard postal services. Instead, we ship through trusted carriers such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx.
For a standard single-DIN radio weighing up to 2 kg, shipping within the European Union is typically around €25. Shipping to the USA, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries is usually between €40 and €60.
Do you accept radios from the USA, Canada, and Australia?
Yes, all the time.
However, imported items are subject to import taxes and customs charges. To help minimise these costs, we recommend declaring a realistic low value and informing us of the shipping amount you paid.
For example, if the radio is declared at $20 and shipping costs $80, customs may calculate taxes based on the total value of $100. In most cases, import charges end up being around €25–30.
Bluetooth Retrofit Questions
Will Bluetooth audio quality be better than an FM transmitter?
Yes. Bluetooth module are connected directly into the radio's audio circuitry. Sound quality is significantly better than FM transmitters.
Can Bluetooth be added to any radio?
No. Every Bluetooth retrofit is performed manually and requires finding a suitable audio path inside the radio. Some radios are designed in a way that leaves no practical option for Bluetooth integration. If we have never worked on a particular model before, there is always a possibility that a retrofit may not be possible.
Does Bluetooth affect originality?
No visible modifications are made to the radio. The Bluetooth module is installed internally, and the original appearance remains unchanged. In most cases, nobody will know Bluetooth has been added unless you tell them :)
Can I keep cassette or CD functionality?
Usually, yes. However, some radios are designed in a way that the only suitable audio path is through the CD changer input. In those cases, we will always discuss the options with you before starting work. If required, the CD changer function may need to be sacrificed in order to add Bluetooth.
Can I control music tracks from the original radio buttons?
No, tracks can only be changed from your phone.
All other radio functions stay the same though, including volume, bass, treble, balance, and the rest of the original controls.
Does hands-free calling work?
In most cases, we do not recommend hands-free functionality. For hands-free calling to work properly, Bluetooth must remain active at all times. However, when listening to FM radio, cassette, or CD, the Bluetooth module is normally inactive. Because of this limitation, hands-free calling often makes little practical sense in classic radios. We can still provide it if specifically requested.
How long does the retrofit take?
If there is no waiting queue, the retrofit usually takes 1–3 days. Once work begins, we normally complete it the same day.
How much does Bluetooth retrofit cost?
At the moment, our standard Bluetooth retrofit costs €100, provided no additional repairs, modifications, or custom solutions are required.
Repair Questions
How long does a repair take?
This depends on the fault and our current workload. Standard repairs usually take 1–2 weeks. Larger restoration projects can take a month or longer, especially if rare parts need to be sourced.
Do old capacitors need replacing?
In most cases, yes. Even if they have not leaked yet, many capacitors in vintage electronics are already operating well below their original specifications. Replacing them helps improve reliability and prevents future failures.
Can leaking capacitors damage other components?
Absolutely. In fact, they often do. Leaking capacitors can damage circuit boards, tracks, and nearby electronic components if left untreated for long periods.
Can you repair a radio that another shop could not fix?
Sometimes. It depends on the model and what work has already been carried out. In some cases, previous repair attempts can make further repairs much more difficult.
Do you provide warranty?
We provide warranty on our workmanship. However, vintage electronics contain many original components that can fail independently of the work performed. Because of this, we cannot offer the same warranty coverage that would be expected for modern electronics.
Can you repair LCD displays?
For modern radios, usually yes. For vintage radios, it depends entirely on the model and whether replacement parts are still available.
Can you repair missing pixels?
Pixel repairs depend on the model and parts availability. If replacement components are still available, repair may be possible. If parts have been discontinued, a reliable repair is often not possible.
Can you restore heavily corroded radios?
Generally, no. Severe corrosion often affects multiple areas of the circuit board. While some damage can be repaired, long-term reliability cannot be guaranteed, so we usually do not accept heavily corroded units.
Why are vintage radio repairs expensive?
Because vintage electronics are rarely simple repairs. Before proper diagnostics can begin, many aging components often need to be replaced. Capacitors, rubber parts, bulbs, switches, belts, and other components may all have deteriorated over time.
Unlike modern electronics, where a single faulty component can often be replaced, vintage radios usually require professional repair and restoration services alongside the repair itself. Every project is different and often involves significant diagnostic time, specialist knowledge, and patience.
A simple repair on a 10–20-year-old radio may be straightforward. A simple repair on a 30–50-year-old radio is extremely rare.
Technical Resources
Pinout Guides & Catalog websites
A massive thanks to them for existing. We use these websites ourselves every single day to find information about some radios. I do know that they are a bit messy and not in English, but hey - they are here!
Here are catalogues for aftermarket radio brands:
https://antique-autoradio-madness.org/page-liens/autoradios-eur.htm
And here are catalogues for original radios by car brands
https://antique-autoradio-madness.org/1autos/liens_autosdef.htm
This one is also very helpful for finding models using a search engine
PINOUTS
The best two websites for car radio Pinouts by makers, thanks to them for keeping all this information.
https://connector.pinoutguide.com/
and