Custom audio on 70-73 Vette
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Los Gatos California
Custom audio on 70-73 Vette
Has anybody done or had done a custom audio install on a 70-73 convertible?
I am looking to upgrade my system and would like some ideas.
As you may know the head unit will be the most trouble as I have not seen a single new deck that will fit into the dual **** location.
I currently have one 4 x 25 amp mounted to the back of the passenger glove panel that drives the four dash and kick panel speakers and one 2 x 50 mounted in the jack well that drives a wedge box with 2 10s. I would like to go with the biggest amps that will fit in those areas. The wedge box I made takes up the entire rear compartment but still provides room for the folding top and the three small compartment doors to open. What that means is there is no place to mount the amp in the compartment except for the jack well. The good thing about this is that the power leads are only about 1.5 foot long!
I am looking to upgrade my system and would like some ideas.
As you may know the head unit will be the most trouble as I have not seen a single new deck that will fit into the dual **** location.
I currently have one 4 x 25 amp mounted to the back of the passenger glove panel that drives the four dash and kick panel speakers and one 2 x 50 mounted in the jack well that drives a wedge box with 2 10s. I would like to go with the biggest amps that will fit in those areas. The wedge box I made takes up the entire rear compartment but still provides room for the folding top and the three small compartment doors to open. What that means is there is no place to mount the amp in the compartment except for the jack well. The good thing about this is that the power leads are only about 1.5 foot long!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
Since your car is not "stock" you might want to try this great idea from my installer who redid my interior trying to figure out how to conceal/mount an Alpine F450 amp. Buy a later model 2 door unit vs. 3 door from Wilcox completely assembled with carpet/door/etc. for around $150. Then mount the amp on the "underside/back" of the larger second door. This worked out great and still allows me to use all 3 compartments taking up hardly any space and also adjust the amp as needed. The wires were left just long enough so that when I open the door there is no problem, etc. I also got a large 6x9 speaker box in the rear that fits snug under my convertible top assembly.
email me your email addy and I will send you a pic
email me your email addy and I will send you a pic
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park FL
I've been looking into this myself. I found that some of the Corvette parts vendors have new technology systems ( i.e. Kenwood) that are designed to fit the existing bezel. I have no idea what the quality is on these. Maybe someone else has one and will let us know.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Originally Posted by psw5940
I've been looking into this myself. I found that some of the Corvette parts vendors have new technology systems ( i.e. Kenwood) that are designed to fit the existing bezel. I have no idea what the quality is on these. Maybe someone else has one and will let us know.
Got a link to that Kenwood unit?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Use existing bezel & modify
On my '70 I took the original center bezel - used a bezel modification
kit at $65 - then cut out the size for a din radio (new types of
radios) - then put in a radio/CD player for about $99 at the auto
store. Connected to 4 speakers and sounds great.
The bezel kit already has the cutout for a stock radio - in the early
days when Vettes were ordered without a radio - I believe it was
called a blanking plate - this same type of plate was put over this
section where the radio would go.
PS - As I understand it - all the good looking chrome around the
distributor is to avoid static fro AM radio. Looks nice but you don't
need it.
Peter
kit at $65 - then cut out the size for a din radio (new types of
radios) - then put in a radio/CD player for about $99 at the auto
store. Connected to 4 speakers and sounds great.
The bezel kit already has the cutout for a stock radio - in the early
days when Vettes were ordered without a radio - I believe it was
called a blanking plate - this same type of plate was put over this
section where the radio would go.
PS - As I understand it - all the good looking chrome around the
distributor is to avoid static fro AM radio. Looks nice but you don't
need it.
Peter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Carmel NY
This might sound strange to some, but I thought I kick it out there.
Don't use a radio at all. Power amps take RCA inputs, So take you IPOD or mp3 player, Sirius, or XM radio. etc. and instead of headphones use an male mini to male RCA adapter, they are available in many different lengths, and plug that directly into the amp. Your Done. and you remain that great stock look with hours of your favorite 70's music.
There are a few down sides, there is no fader adjustment, however you could split the output to power front and rear. Volume adjustments, could be a bit tricky. and FM reception would most likely be poor with an ipod fm adaptor. However with a little bit of though those can be worked out also.
any comments?
PS: Ed T that id a great custom unit!
Don't use a radio at all. Power amps take RCA inputs, So take you IPOD or mp3 player, Sirius, or XM radio. etc. and instead of headphones use an male mini to male RCA adapter, they are available in many different lengths, and plug that directly into the amp. Your Done. and you remain that great stock look with hours of your favorite 70's music.
There are a few down sides, there is no fader adjustment, however you could split the output to power front and rear. Volume adjustments, could be a bit tricky. and FM reception would most likely be poor with an ipod fm adaptor. However with a little bit of though those can be worked out also.
any comments?
PS: Ed T that id a great custom unit!
