As the title says, I've finally found the solution to my lack of a decent stereo in my cars. This may get a little winded, so bear with me. I'm also saving the real good news for last, so if you are impatient, head for the bottom of the post.

I'm was one of those kids who always envied the rich kid in High School who always had the new cool car. It only took me 18 more years after graduation to finally get my car, a 1970 L46 Coupe. I was used to crappy stereos, so the factory radio really didn't bother me. I eventually put a Panasonic head unit with a aux input under the heater box to use the new mp3 player my kids gave me. The remote allowed me to play with the volume and a few other functions, while I used the mp3 player to select the music. I still missed the factory radio location however.

I thought of cutting the factory gauge bezel, but decided against that. I even bought a center bezel already cut out for a din radio install, but never could find a stereo I thought looked good in a '70 classic dash. The next step was an aftermarket head unit that fits in the factory opening. After some research, it still didn't quite do it for me.

Ok, now on to the hidden audio units, along with a mp3 hooked up to a separate amp. We were getting closer, but I'd have to control everything from the mp3 player. Not real good for separate speaker control, or other functions.

I restarted my search again a short while ago, and for some reason I searched the internet for "hidden" car audio, and hit on a couple of foreign car forums. One of the posts suggested a Sony unit that was a bit pricey, but sounded interesting. I found the unit on Sony's website. This unit was designed to upgrade a factory head unit's sound and also allow Ipod or Iphone input, but it was discontinued. One more search and I found much more information on Crutchfield's site, along with this suggestion.

Other uses

If you own a classic car and you don't need AM/FM reception, you should take a look at this system. You can install the hideaway module somewhere out of sight, and mount the cradle in a convenient spot. You'll be able to play your iPod through your car's speakers, and adjust your settings with the remote. Best of all, the original radio stays in place, so your car shows well and maintains its value. This system would also work well in buses, recreational vehicles, and many other applications where you don't need an in-dash receiver.

Here was a unit I could hook up an Ipod to with a remote that would control volume, fade, balance, treble, bass, source, sub level and power. The Ipod is removable of course, the rest is hidden, and I still keep my original radio in the dash (yes it still works). What's not to like here I'm thinking.

Well, I ordered one, and have already bench tested it. I'm very impressed, so much so I've ordered several more. One is going in each of my Corvettes, and one in my daily driver. I understand the forum's policy for non-sponsored links, so I'll just do this. You already know where to look, and the model number is Sony XDP-MU110. The best part is the price. These used to sell for $249.00. Now on sale for $49.99. NO, I'm not connected in any way with either company, just passing along some info on a good deal. If I've helped some of my friends on here, even better.........


Here's some pics of the unit

 

Looks like a great idea, just need to know where to put the hit in my 74, what are the dimensions?

 

Id be interested as well , very cool!

 

The dimensions of the dsp (amp & control unit) is 8-3/8"W x 1-5/8"H x 7-1/16"D. The cradle lead is 8 foot long, so you could put it almost anywhere. I'm going to try it behind the right side dash area, lots of room back there. It could go under the seat, or in the storage areas behind the seats.

 

For $50 it's worth a try

 

I agree , 50 bucks is a great deal!
Gonna do some reading up on this unit tonight!
Thanks for the info

Ps , let us know how it sounds and functions once ya got it all hooked up.

 

I ordered one first just to bench test because I have 4 vehicles this could go into, plus my camper. I have more on the way. I hooked 4 speakers up to it and my new Ipod 4. I have Polk DB651's and the sound is Amazing. I have full control of volume, balance and fade, track forward & back, bass & treble, source, sub woofer, and on/off on the dock. The volume control is a wheel making adjustment almost instant. I've a few months left before I have this fully installed with the other work I have to do while I have stuff apart. They will be gone by then.........

I think Sony really blew it marketing this unit. They should have sold it as a classic car audio unit.

p.s...Pay attention to the models of Ipods & Iphones this will dock with. Will not work with the 5th gen units.

 

I've been wanting to replace my old Custom Autosound unit and CD changer, never was that happy with them. This looks like a very interesting option, please keep us updated!

 

Thanks for the audio tip, Dave J. I just ordered 3 units from the previously mentioned internet outlet and we'll see how they play out, literally.

Like you, I'm going to apply one to my mule Corvette, one to my DD (Dodge Ram 4x4) and save one for my '72 Z-28 project. I hope to get some work re-started on that car later this summer.

For the price of each unit and ordering today, they allowed free ground shipping so I couldn't beat that deal with a stick. Sweet.

 

According to the manual you also need an amp for this to work.
I found something a lot easier that I might go with, I found something called Redirad FM
Looks very simple to hook up.

 

I don't know what manual you're looking at my friend, but here's a quote from the vendors site. Trust me, this thing cranks out some sound.

Digital Link Sound System: The Sony Digital Link Sound System (XDP-MU110) allows you to integrate select iPods or iPhones into your vehicle's existing factory audio system. You can enjoy great sound from your factory car stereo and compatible iPod/iPhone via the Digital Link Sound System, which features sound settings optimized for your vehicle by using Sony digital sound technology. The Sony Digital Link Sound System (XDP-MU110) consists of a hide-away DSP master unit & iPod/iPhone cradle, plus installation wiring harness and cable.

DSP Master Unit: The hide-away DSP master unit features a built-in 17 watts x 4 channel amplifier and also includes 6-channel 2-volt preamp outputs to enhance your car stereo sound. The DSP master unit offers internal DSP processing for improved car audio sound suited for your type of vehicle.

iPod/iPhone Cradle: The iPod/iPhone cradle connects to the hide-away DSP master unit via an 8' cable. The iPod/iPhone cradle fits the iPod touch and iPhone, but the connector also supports the iPod classic and iPod nano. The iPod/iPhone cradle is fitted with a suction-cup mount that adheres to your vehicle's dashboard.

 

Awesome looking box. Thanks for sharing!

 

If you look at the wiring diagram it shows it needs to be hooked to an amp. I call a stereo installation place today to ask about installing it for me and he told me it needs an external amp. Here's a link to the diagram

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/XDP...l_EN_FR_ES.pdf

 

Those connections are optional if you'd like to hook an amp up to the unit. It's kind of a neat effect, but ultimately what this box is is a high level input converter so that you can run an amplifier and also install the iPod inline. If someone is really trying to drive a high end audio system out of an older car, I wouldn't look at this as the solution.

Definitely a great tool to have for a classic car that you don't want to hack on!

 

Has anybody checked out Redirad FM, plugs into antenna port on old radio, antenna plugs into it, positive, ground, and away you go. Plug into the 3.5 mm jack on any iPod. Tune radio to a certain frequency and it works.
I'm leaning towards it just because its easier to hook up

http://www.rediscoveradio.com/NewVer...&products_id=6

 

Different principle entirely from what I was looking for. I wanted a separate system with modern electronics to hook up a good set of speakers to, plus control at my fingertips. I looked at the Redirad system, but I'm handcuffed with the 43 year old radio in my dash it would hook into. I'm also very limited by the original radio's need for 10 ohm speakers.

Good luck in your search........

 

You can have the original radio upgraded with modern electronics with choice of outputs to connect to iPod, iPhone etc. You will have original functionality and look with a ability to add whatever you want to get the sound you are after. Even the AM/FM signal processor will be updated to more current technology.

Bill

 

That's my vote, if you're willing to pay the cash. The sony box is quite a great deal if you're only interested in iPod.

I'd definitely buy a retro radio if they made one for my 78...

 

Looks real cool except the antenna plug on my factory radio is jacked up.
Both very cool options for sure
Thanks

 

So this will work even if your factory radio does not? My radio in my 73 does not work.

Also, you need an ipod for the to work correct? Will it hook up to anything else?