Hey guys I'm kinda new to this whole thing but I'm just wondering if you all could tell me the best aftermarket radios. I'd prefer one IPhone/IPod compatible as well as Bluetooth.

Also I've seen a Bluetooth one that's classical looking, it said it was iPod compatible but..I didn't see a place to plug it in at, like I said I'm really new to this so any help is needed. Thanks!

 

I'm not trying to hijack your thread, I wanted to offer an alternative choice I've seen here on the forum as well as ask for information from others about this particular solution.

The http://www.outofsightaudio.com/mark-ii.html - adds bluetooth connectivity without compromising the existing radio. I was wondering, to those that have experience with it, what other components are needed for the installation? Any kind of sound proofing or other audio components needed? Or is it plug & play with satisfactory performance in any C3?

Now on to the original question. My personal preference is a Pioneer model with iPod connectivity, bluetooth & HD radio. I like the ability to change the color of the display and the various audio setting features. There are a handful of models available. My advice is to look online at the Best Buy open box specials. Their open box stereos look brand new to me and include a nice discount. Unless you're looking for a DIN radio with an expandable LCD screen you should be looking at $89-$170. The speakers, amp and custom cut boxes are the items that tend to really set people back - but not everyone is an extreme audiophile.

If your C3 still has the stock radio you will almost certainly want to buy a used or new instrument bezel, cut that (or buy one that is cut) for modern DIN radio and store the original center panel & radio for the future.

Finally a word of warning - I've seen C3 radio installs kill certain gauges, drain batteries and cause the AC to stop blowing directly from the center panel. Proceed with caution and opt for a Corvette specialist over a non-experienced audio tech (college student working at Best Buy) if you're outsourcing the work.

 

Squid- you did not say what year your car is.....but- if you cut your existing radio trim/bezel you will probably regret it later. You will pay $$$$$$ to get an ill-fitting, crappy looking replacement or pay top dollar for an original one from a parts car. Check out the Corvette parts catalogs- either online or hard copy- Ecklers, Zip, Corvette Central, Willcox, Paragon and others and look at the radios available that will fit the correct original dash bezel. I got one for my 68 convert that has AM/FM seek/scan, CD, USB and SD all with access on the removable front panel without running a cable to your glove box (68 Vettes do not have a glove box) or some other location from the back of the radio. Couple hundred watts, four channels, digital readout, easy to install with all wires clearly labeled that match the instruction sheet. You get to keep the stock look of your car, but have all of the modern features. Or- you can turn down the radio and listen to that sweet sounding exhaust. RA

 

If your looking at a din radio. I have a 68 with a repaired console that is original otherwise. Not wanting ti cut it I found one that was broken and din cut on ebay for 12$ and 14$ shipping. Repaired and painted and stuck an Alpine CDE-HD149BT. It was $205 plus shipping. Added remote wiring and remote. Does everything you want and more.

And just got thedin faceplate too. Havent put that in yet. Also has a remote wired mic for handsfree phone. Pay no attention to any electrical tape you see around the frame. I was trying to make it look good for pics until that trim piece came in.

 

I did the same thing but used a thin piece of sheetmetal bent and trimmed at the ends to make a better presentation.

 

Here's a dress up plate that works with the din or **** radios.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Corvet...ZTOhCU&vxp=mtr

 

I have that plastic one. Im painting now to put a shine on it.

 

Installed with ugly gaps





This is the ugly hole





Trim piece painted. It just rests there and is held in with the radio sleeve





Installed

 

Here is what I put into mine....http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/

Quality chrome plated faceplate and ***** exactly match the original

AM or FM 'roll over' dial looks
and works like the original

AM or FM band selected with slide bar like the original

10 presets (5 AM, 5 FM)

Analog controls look and feel like the original radio

All controls easily accessible. Volume, Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader and Tuning from original-looking controls

Maximum power = 180 watts RMS (45 watts x 4 speakers 4Ω, 14.4V, 1kHz)

Do not use original speakers

Uses original antenna

Fits in dash without any modifications

Digitally tuned AM/FM stereo front end provides stable, high quality reception

Convector and/or Multiplexer not needed

7/16" shafts on controls for mounting (same size and thread as original shafts)

Memory retention for user settings more than 40 years

LED dial lights never need replacing

3 RCA jacks for left channel, right channel and sub-woofer line outs

3.5 mm phone jack for input from iPod, satellite radio or MP3 player

Switch selectable for 1,2,3 or 4 speakers

Switch selectable for North America or Europe mode

Includes a 6 foot 3.5mm male-to-male auxiliary cable with every radio

You can add our Bluetooth adapter kit option to this radio!


Part # 992201B
1972-76 Corvette AM/FM Stereo Radio

$595.00

Hope this helps....



Fred