Stereo Options For C3
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
Stereo Options For C3
I'm looking to install a really good stereo - AM/FM receiver, amp and cd changer - in a 72 convertible I'm restoring. So far it appears that the only option for a receiver that will fit into the 4 1/8 by 2 1/8 radio opening is from Custom Autosound. I would like to know if anyone has fitted any other manufacturers receivers in a C3 dash and ended up with something that looks good.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough MA
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
Do a search, there was a link to an online store selling a DIN sized conversion panel for the console. Then you can use whichever new stereo you want. Especially nice if someone already hacked your console before you got your car :mad
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
Check this out, I haven't tried it myself but I am looking for a change in my 72 vert. Fred. http://www.vettespecialties.com/simp...CategoryID=141
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
My idea of a good stereo system in a C3 is open headers--this is the best sound you can expect from a V8! :lol:
On the serious side, make sure you pick a good system and think about the where the sound is coming from.....the idiot who installed the system in my car not only cut up the console, but put the speakers behind the convertible top! With the top down, I think the original AM/FM would sound less tinny!!!!!
Good luck in your search and don't forget to post your results here.....I may get tired of uncorked headers!
On the serious side, make sure you pick a good system and think about the where the sound is coming from.....the idiot who installed the system in my car not only cut up the console, but put the speakers behind the convertible top! With the top down, I think the original AM/FM would sound less tinny!!!!!
Good luck in your search and don't forget to post your results here.....I may get tired of uncorked headers!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (frC3)
This is the bezel I plan on using in my car. I want to put an Alpine MP3 player in the car when it gets back from the shop.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Springfield MA
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Sigforty)
I cut the original bezel in my 76 and used epoxy to make a plate and have it look stock. (Car totalled)
On my 73, I am about to cut the bezel and use the prefab adaptor plate that I bought for $9.99 from You-Do-It electronics in Mass.
I'll take photos of how I do it and post them.
THere are a lot of people who have done this in the past with varying degrees of quality. Here are a couple photos of the one I did on the '76.
On my 73, I am about to cut the bezel and use the prefab adaptor plate that I bought for $9.99 from You-Do-It electronics in Mass.
I'll take photos of how I do it and post them.
THere are a lot of people who have done this in the past with varying degrees of quality. Here are a couple photos of the one I did on the '76.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
Since you want to add a changer, look into a Kenwood or Pioneer cassette w/ CD changer controls if you don't want to cut console. Direct connection is best so the FM modulator type is not rec..
Cutting a console & adding a cd player adds the least wt.
Have Kenwood eXcelon mask, normally only carry 1 CD (in it) & rarely run it.
The engine makes enough music for me.
:cool:
[Modified by Ganey, 8:45 AM 2/25/2003]
Cutting a console & adding a cd player adds the least wt.
Have Kenwood eXcelon mask, normally only carry 1 CD (in it) & rarely run it.
The engine makes enough music for me.
:cool:
[Modified by Ganey, 8:45 AM 2/25/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 41
From: Conn.
St. Jude Donor '21
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
I have a Kenwood in mine, no cutting, but is not quite the custom look either. You can see a pic on my home page#2. I will be selling this stereo very soon if interested. :flag
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
Here is my set up in my 69 vert. I didn't want to cut the dash so I installed a shaft style cassette player with a cd changer in the rear. I have two amps installed under the seats (one under each seat). The first pic show the clearance with the top down.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Steve Adkins)
Here is my set up in my 69 vert. I didn't want to cut the dash so I installed a shaft style cassette player with a cd changer in the rear. I have two amps installed under the seats (one under each seat). The first pic show the clearance with the top down.
Do you also have front speakers or are you doing all the music pounding from the rear compartment? I've got a pair of Alpine APR-694A aluminum cone 6x9's & Alpine amp in the back that really rock with the seats leaning forward, but there's probably only 2 sq ft of area between the seats for it to flow to the front with them up. It's like the music has no where to go but rattle around in the rear compartment. Granted... the sidepipes kinda blow the heck out of crisp music.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Texaggie)
If you're thinkin about cutting your console then your options are open to just about anything you want. I did and don't regret it but then again mine wasn't stock when I got it soooooooo....
Here's a few pics.
It's not a vert but maybe you can use something.
Good Luck.
[Modified by Armstrong, 9:04 PM 2/25/2003]
Here's a few pics.
It's not a vert but maybe you can use something.
Good Luck.
[Modified by Armstrong, 9:04 PM 2/25/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Stereo Options For C3 ('71vert)
It's wasn't easy. I built the box and ended up taking it back out and redoing it because of clearance issues. You can't tell from the pics but the bottom of the box is alot bigger than the top, that puts the speakers on an angle. No I didn't recess the sub in the rear wall. I had just enough air space for the sub that I didn't need to alter the wall. I sealed the inside of the box with fiberglass to seperate the 6x9's and changer from the sub. As far as the sound with the top up or down, it doesn't make a difference. This system hits hard and sounds unbelievable!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (Steve Adkins)
Steve what size amp are you running to drive your system? I really like your rear setup, nice and clean and still leaving some storage room. :cool: :thumbs:
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Stereo Options For C3 (gdh)
gdh, thanks! I have a 750 watt running through a crossover driving my rear sub and 6x9's, and a 200 watt running through the same crossover driving my front 5-1/4's.