radios

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  • Bezels
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Through 1984 the radios weren't DIN-sized, but as of 1985 Ford adopted DIN standards for the radios.  So, when adding a later model radio people ask what bezel to use.  And basically you are fairly well stuck with using the later model, meaning 1985-86 DIN bezel if you want the radio to fit fairly well.  But, in doing so you then are limited to the types of finishes available for those years and, as explained here, that means the medium gray metallic finish or burlwood.

​Here's a picture of an early Rosewood bezel on the left vs a late medium gray metallic bezel on the right:
1980-84 Rosewood on the left vs 1985-86 medium gray metallic on the right.
1980-84 Rosewood on the left vs 1985-86 medium gray metallic on the right.
But, if you are still pondering your options, here are some dimensions to help you decide:
1980-84:
  • Radio bezel openings are 4.2" wide by 2.5" high
  • The beaded area is 7.4" by 2.66"

1985-86:
  • Radio bezel opening are 7.1" wide by 2.25" high
  • The DIN standard is 180mm x 50mm, which is 7.09" by 1.97"

So, you can see that there's no perfect way to cut out the early bezel to accept a DIN radio.  Yes, you could cut the beaded area out, but it would be too big for the radio and you would have an extra 1/4" in width and .66" in height.  In fact, Ford's "DIN" bezels are already too tall at 2.25" vs the radio's height of 2" - as you can see in the picture below of Big Blue's true DIN radio in the later model burlwood bezel.