Replacement Stereo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 117
Likes: 17
From: Glenville NC
Replacement Stereo
Looking for any ideas for the giant hole where the stereo went. I like the reproduction ones but at this point they are a little pricey. Anybody have an aftermarket stereo from Crutchfield or something that won’t break the bank and will fit? Thanks, Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Doctors Inlet Florida
I paid big money to have my factory radio converted with modern electronics. If I had it to do over again I would do a bluetooth amp hidden in the back. Place a want to buy ad on the forum here for a stock radio to fill the hole and use the bluetooth amp.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Lots of options here, depending on how much you want to spend. From the sound of your post, you want to limit the $$$$ somewhat.
One approach would be to purchase a period correct unit that looks OK on the front (what you see) but DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. That shouldn't be too much money and will fill the hole to LOOK original. Then you can buy an inexpensive, modern head unit with Bluetooth capabilities for your tunes (hide it behind the RH dash pad??) and replace the stock speakers with decent 4x6 mid-range/tweeters (in the dash); you may also want to put some bass/mid-range speakers in the kickpanel areas to enhance the sound. The new radio can be operated from your phone or a remote module. Sounds will be better (the stock radios were good at receiving and creating good pre-amp signals...but the ouput amps were weak and generated poor sound quality) and you won't have an ugly hole in the dash.
One approach would be to purchase a period correct unit that looks OK on the front (what you see) but DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. That shouldn't be too much money and will fill the hole to LOOK original. Then you can buy an inexpensive, modern head unit with Bluetooth capabilities for your tunes (hide it behind the RH dash pad??) and replace the stock speakers with decent 4x6 mid-range/tweeters (in the dash); you may also want to put some bass/mid-range speakers in the kickpanel areas to enhance the sound. The new radio can be operated from your phone or a remote module. Sounds will be better (the stock radios were good at receiving and creating good pre-amp signals...but the ouput amps were weak and generated poor sound quality) and you won't have an ugly hole in the dash.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 117
Likes: 17
From: Glenville NC
Lots of options here, depending on how much you want to spend. From the sound of your post, you want to limit the $$$$ somewhat.
One approach would be to purchase a period correct unit that looks OK on the front (what you see) but DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. That shouldn't be too much money and will fill the hole to LOOK original. Then you can buy an inexpensive, modern head unit with Bluetooth capabilities for your tunes (hide it behind the RH dash pad??) and replace the stock speakers with decent 4x6 mid-range/tweeters (in the dash); you may also want to put some bass/mid-range speakers in the kickpanel areas to enhance the sound. The new radio can be operated from your phone or a remote module. Sounds will be better (the stock radios were good at receiving and creating good pre-amp signals...but the ouput amps were weak and generated poor sound quality) and you won't have an ugly hole in the dash.
One approach would be to purchase a period correct unit that looks OK on the front (what you see) but DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. That shouldn't be too much money and will fill the hole to LOOK original. Then you can buy an inexpensive, modern head unit with Bluetooth capabilities for your tunes (hide it behind the RH dash pad??) and replace the stock speakers with decent 4x6 mid-range/tweeters (in the dash); you may also want to put some bass/mid-range speakers in the kickpanel areas to enhance the sound. The new radio can be operated from your phone or a remote module. Sounds will be better (the stock radios were good at receiving and creating good pre-amp signals...but the ouput amps were weak and generated poor sound quality) and you won't have an ugly hole in the dash.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 70
Likes: 9
From: Massachusetts
One piece of advice, don’t buy one of those ” retro-look” stereos. They are basically a $69 Walmart stereo that costs way more because it looks cool.
I agree with the others, put a stock unit in, and then hide some sort of modern stereo.
I agree with the others, put a stock unit in, and then hide some sort of modern stereo.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 117
Likes: 17
From: Glenville NC
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