Replacement radio?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Replacement radio?
The left hand channel of my radio is dead and unless I can repair it, will need a replacement.
I want to retain the original fitment and not cut for a DIN opening - what is the original fitment referred to as so I can search for alternatives?
Any recommendations for those who have needed replacement units?
I want to retain the original fitment and not cut for a DIN opening - what is the original fitment referred to as so I can search for alternatives?
Any recommendations for those who have needed replacement units?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I take it you have a Stereo unit. If so, the most likely problem is the power transistor for that channel which is on the "convector" unit mounted to the firewall, behind the passenger's dash pad. It is a DS-501 (or something like that). Do some Google-ing for substitute transistors for the Model number stamped on the case and with the same type of case design. If I were you, I would replace them BOTH, so there is no difference in performance.
I stated that this is the most likely possibility. But, there could be a problem with the speaker, the speaker wiring, or some faults with the internal electronics of the radio for that 'problem' channel. But, that's what I would try first.....if I chose to work on it myself. In fact, it might be best to send it to Jerry_the_Radio_Guy who frequents this Forum occasionally.
I stated that this is the most likely possibility. But, there could be a problem with the speaker, the speaker wiring, or some faults with the internal electronics of the radio for that 'problem' channel. But, that's what I would try first.....if I chose to work on it myself. In fact, it might be best to send it to Jerry_the_Radio_Guy who frequents this Forum occasionally.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
I take it you have a Stereo unit. If so, the most likely problem is the power transistor for that channel which is on the "convector" unit mounted to the firewall, behind the passenger's dash pad. It is a DS-501 (or something like that). Do some Google-ing for substitute transistors for the Model number stamped on the case and with the same type of case design. If I were you, I would replace them BOTH, so there is no difference in performance.
I stated that this is the most likely possibility. But, there could be a problem with the speaker, the speaker wiring, or some faults with the internal electronics of the radio for that 'problem' channel. But, that's what I would try first.....if I chose to work on it myself. In fact, it might be best to send it to Jerry_the_Radio_Guy who frequents this Forum occasionally.
I stated that this is the most likely possibility. But, there could be a problem with the speaker, the speaker wiring, or some faults with the internal electronics of the radio for that 'problem' channel. But, that's what I would try first.....if I chose to work on it myself. In fact, it might be best to send it to Jerry_the_Radio_Guy who frequents this Forum occasionally.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
I haven't heard of any really good replacement radios that fit the stock location (this is old data, perhaps there are new options). If you don't mind the look of the current radio, you may want to consider a remote head unit mounted in the rear storage tray. Just run new speaker wires, and leave the current radio for looks. Bluetooth for your phone, perhaps play MP3s off a USB stick. Do you actually listen to the radio?
My wife's 79 has a 1 DIN Kenwood. Sounds great, looks horribly out of place. No radio antenna, so USB and BT only. What I describe above will be the replacement path at some point.
My wife's 79 has a 1 DIN Kenwood. Sounds great, looks horribly out of place. No radio antenna, so USB and BT only. What I describe above will be the replacement path at some point.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
I was wondering about either of these....?
https://www.zip-corvette.com/77-82-u...-fm-radio.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/77-82-k...etro-look.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/77-82-u...-fm-radio.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/77-82-k...etro-look.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 337
From: "ɹǝpunuʍop", Adelaide, South Australia
i have had a couple of "aftermarket" radios, including a "custom crapsound" which ended up in the round filing system...
have been using a Kenwood KAC-M1824BT bluetooth amp mounted under the dash to play mp3's etc from my phone for many years.
one of my replacement radios is still in the dash for looks...
have been using a Kenwood KAC-M1824BT bluetooth amp mounted under the dash to play mp3's etc from my phone for many years.
one of my replacement radios is still in the dash for looks...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Having an original radio head converted via the Aurora module would seem to be the 'best' method of getting modern convenience with 'original' appearance. Pretty pricey, though. Maybe the bluetooth route is a good way to go for some good performance but less cost.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 352
Likes: 42
These guys have a better radio than that at a lower price.
https://www.crutchfield.com/m_266150/Car-Stereos.html
Check out the RetroSound radio, AM/FM and bluetooth in a radio that looks like the original.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_068HRM....html?tp=72310
https://www.crutchfield.com/m_266150/Car-Stereos.html
Check out the RetroSound radio, AM/FM and bluetooth in a radio that looks like the original.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_068HRM....html?tp=72310
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Thanks all.
I really want to avoid bluetooth, as that requires phone interaction which they are super red hot on in the UK and two offences will result in a driving ban so not really an option.
I really want to have USB interface for my music and DAB radio, as in the UK we have even numbered FM frequencies, rather than odd numbered only as per the US.
That Crutchfiled one you specifically linked to looks the ticket, although I'll have to set up a remote usb cable to the rear so I can add/remove at will.
Is the output any good, as the sound from the Custom Autosoud, whilst very old, is utterly woeful with tone that just rolls off bass or treble - oh how I hate that!!!
Think I like the one with the black buttons...https://www.crutchfield.com/p_068HRM...s.html?tp=5684
I really want to avoid bluetooth, as that requires phone interaction which they are super red hot on in the UK and two offences will result in a driving ban so not really an option.
I really want to have USB interface for my music and DAB radio, as in the UK we have even numbered FM frequencies, rather than odd numbered only as per the US.
That Crutchfiled one you specifically linked to looks the ticket, although I'll have to set up a remote usb cable to the rear so I can add/remove at will.
Is the output any good, as the sound from the Custom Autosoud, whilst very old, is utterly woeful with tone that just rolls off bass or treble - oh how I hate that!!!
Think I like the one with the black buttons...https://www.crutchfield.com/p_068HRM...s.html?tp=5684
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Of course, getting one in the UK without bleeding through my eyes for shipping might be a challenge!
Ah.... just noticed.... "This item ships directly from the manufacturer and can only be delivered to a street address within the 50 United States"
Ah.... just noticed.... "This item ships directly from the manufacturer and can only be delivered to a street address within the 50 United States"
Last edited by Last Triumph; Sep 12, 2021 at 05:36 AM.