The Midget radio console provides a housing for an aftermarket radio or media player, mounted beneath the dashboard in the central area of the fascia. The original specification UK-market Midget was not fitted with a radio as standard, and the dashboard on most models does not include a factory radio aperture, the console provides a purpose-made housing that fits neatly below the dashboard, secured by screws to the lower dash panel.
Console Options
Two console types are available: an original-style vinyl-covered console that matches the interior trim for a period-correct appearance, and a fibreglass console that provides a lighter, more rigid alternative. Both accept a standard DIN-sized radio or modern media unit. The console includes a speaker grille aperture, the speaker grille itself is available separately.
When selecting a console, the correct version for the car's dashboard profile (1275cc or 1500) should be confirmed, as the lower dash panel profile differs between the two.
Aerial and Speaker Installation
When fitting a radio, an aerial must also be installed. Wing-mounted chrome aerials provide a traditional appearance. The radio power supply should be wired through the accessory circuit on the fuse box and should include an inline fuse to protect the circuit. Speakers can be mounted in the console grille aperture for a simple installation, or in the door cards or on a parcel shelf behind the seats for improved sound quality, the console-mounted position places the speaker low and forward, which is not ideal acoustically but is the simplest installation.