What stereo to use in uncut dash ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RShaips · 05-31-2005, 09:49 AM

What I want is the original look with good sound, Don't need the CD player since I don't really drive my truck that much, but I want good sound quality. I bought the double cone speaker from LMC for under the dash and will also add speakers in the Kickpanels or corners of the cab. My gas tank has been moved. I have seen the USA-1 stereo and it seems ok, I may buy it. Anybody else have any feedback on these units? I also see that Brothers offers a similar stereo, not sure if its the same or not? Or should I just go and buy a cheap cassette from any car or stereo shop? Thanks

jtminton · 05-31-2005, 10:12 AM

It's hard to find a cheap post style cassette player. There are some "Rampage" (Jensen I think?) brand ones down at the pawn shop by my house, but that's about it. They were $30, compared to the hundreds that the USA-1 costs.

formerfordguy · 05-31-2005, 12:18 PM

cheap am/fm cas and a cd changer under the seat oh i see now you dont need a cd hummm..i need more coffee i had for a long time a am fm cass and two small speakers in the stock location love old country music on that

shifty · 05-31-2005, 04:03 PM

This is something neat I saw on the way back from Vegas this weekend and it's only $30 bucks. It costs $30 and it can play MP3's using a USB memory stick ($15-30), iPod Shuffle or other similar devices. All you do is tune your radio to a specific frequency:

Details: http://www.gizmosforgeeks.com/index.php/god/849

Link to purchase @ Wallyworld: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...10364070514793

Not a bad idea...all you need is a radio with FM receiver. Jensen has a nice one (hard to find - model #CR-225X) or the Sanyo MAR-B1021 is another choice. If you want to play with the radio first, go to Pep Boys or another similar store - they usually have lots of radios to look at, lots of stuff in the Audiovox line.

**Palf70Step** · 05-31-2005, 07:33 PM

Kenwood sells two AM/FM Cassette units Model 601 and 801. Both are very decent units and fit without any cutting. Tim Christian and Chevy duty stock them. Not sure where else you might find them.

RShaips · 05-31-2005, 07:33 PM

Thanks , I was going to check Auto Zone and Advance Auto for stereos, I was just wondering about the sound and quality of the USA-1 models.

hgs_notes · 05-31-2005, 10:37 PM

Here is something slightly different. I have a cut dash, its just not the radio area thats cut. I removed the ashtray (non smoker) and had to cut some to get a booster/equalizer to fit in. I did this back in highschool (1985?) and I still kind of like the look of it. I plan on covering the dash steel with some vinyl or something to give it all a more finished look.

HG

cdowns · 05-31-2005, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RShaips

Thanks , I was going to check Auto Zone and Advance Auto for stereos, I was just wondering about the sound and quality of the USA-1 models.

i had a usa#1 from custom autosound and was very happy with the quality of the music. the only thing i didn't like was they had too many small buttons on the control panel and i really couldn't make out what was what when driving i really had to be at a stop with flashlight and mag glass too make out the different buttons
I'M OLD WITH POOR EYESIGHT (BIFOCAL CITY)
but besides that it played tapes and auto reversed them and the radio quality and reception were excellent

barn9 · 06-01-2005, 12:38 AM

I have the Custom Autosound also, and am happy with it.

**pjmoreland** · 06-01-2005, 12:59 AM

It would be nice if USA#1 made a stereo that didn't have all the bowties all over it, so it would look more stock. Personally I think the bowties all over look tacky.

**special-K** · 06-01-2005, 06:01 AM

I wish they could make them look "really" original.

byrd · 06-01-2005, 07:15 AM

got a two knob JVC from a fellow board member, Lamar and it works great fits perfect and sounds good. Give hima shout maybe he has got another he would part with.oh and it was resonable like about $75 shipped and the radio is mint!!! Randy

Putter · 06-01-2005, 09:06 AM

Naturally, I will have to save up for SEVERAL months, but here is what I am going to do in my truck. They take your factory 'original' AM radio, and convert the guts to state-of-the-art AM/FM technology. Looks 100% factory on the outside, but you get more power, standard & RCA outputs, connections for CD changers, connections for XM radio, etc....all for $399.00. Be sure to click on the "STEREO CONVERSIONS" link on the left side to read all the features that you get.

Here is the link: AntiqueAutomobileRadio

Hunter · 06-01-2005, 09:31 AM

Checked out the Antique Auto Radio link Putter posted. That is a VERY cool idea and the ultimate solution for tunes. Regarding the cost, I've always told my wife: "There ain't nuthin' wrong with that truck that a helluva lot of money won't fix!"
H.

Terry Peerson · 06-01-2005, 10:19 AM

Personally, I would recommend NOT buying a am/fm/cassette. Cassettes are obsolete! Just because it fits the dash opening? I think someone needs to make a "shaft-style" am/fm stereo controller. No tape, no cd, just the head unit/tuner. But, capable of controlling auxilliary equipment that can be mounted anywhere. That way, no one needs to cut up their dash (unless they just have to have their cd-player in the dash). It just doesn't make sense (to me) to cut up your dash to install a cd-player when cd's will become obsolete just like cassettes did.

Just my $ .02

T

RShaips · 06-01-2005, 10:52 AM

I agree with that, but I don't know where to find one. That is a cool site on the Antique automobile radios kinda pricey though.

05-31-2005, 10:12 AM	#2
jtminton II Timothy 4:2 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 361	It's hard to find a cheap post style cassette player. There are some "Rampage" (Jensen I think?) brand ones down at the pawn shop by my house, but that's about it. They were $30, compared to the hundreds that the USA-1 costs. __________________ 72 C-20 2WD LWB Custom Camper Deluxe 350 4 Speed "Project Lazarus" MY TRUE PRIDE AND JOY "Dangit, Bobby, people will see that oil stain and think I'm a drunk."

05-31-2005, 12:18 PM	#3
formerfordguy 72 GMC SWB Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado City, tx Posts: 105	cheap am/fm cas and a cd changer under the seat oh i see now you dont need a cd hummm..i need more coffee i had for a long time a am fm cass and two small speakers in the stock location love old country music on that Last edited by formerfordguy; 05-31-2005 at 12:22 PM.

05-31-2005, 04:03 PM	#4
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	This is something neat I saw on the way back from Vegas this weekend and it's only $30 bucks. It costs $30 and it can play MP3's using a USB memory stick ($15-30), iPod Shuffle or other similar devices. All you do is tune your radio to a specific frequency: Details: http://www.gizmosforgeeks.com/index.php/god/849 Link to purchase @ Wallyworld: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...10364070514793 Not a bad idea...all you need is a radio with FM receiver. Jensen has a nice one (hard to find - model #CR-225X) or the Sanyo MAR-B1021 is another choice. If you want to play with the radio first, go to Pep Boys or another similar store - they usually have lots of radios to look at, lots of stuff in the Audiovox line. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

05-31-2005, 07:33 PM	#5
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Kenwood sells two AM/FM Cassette units Model 601 and 801. Both are very decent units and fit without any cutting. Tim Christian and Chevy duty stock them. Not sure where else you might find them. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

05-31-2005, 10:37 PM	#7
hgs_notes GEARHEAD Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 6,126	Here is something slightly different. I have a cut dash, its just not the radio area thats cut. I removed the ashtray (non smoker) and had to cut some to get a booster/equalizer to fit in. I did this back in highschool (1985?) and I still kind of like the look of it. I plan on covering the dash steel with some vinyl or something to give it all a more finished look. HG Attached Images __________________ If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 Long Fleet C/10 72 Jimmy 4x4 (Junkyard Jimmy) HG's Plow Truck '78 K35 Dually Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff

05-31-2005, 09:49 AM	#1
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	What stereo to use in uncut dash ? What I want is the original look with good sound, Don't need the CD player since I don't really drive my truck that much, but I want good sound quality. I bought the double cone speaker from LMC for under the dash and will also add speakers in the Kickpanels or corners of the cab. My gas tank has been moved. I have seen the USA-1 stereo and it seems ok, I may buy it. Anybody else have any feedback on these units? I also see that Brothers offers a similar stereo, not sure if its the same or not? Or should I just go and buy a cheap cassette from any car or stereo shop? Thanks

06-01-2005, 12:38 AM	#9
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	I have the Custom Autosound also, and am happy with it. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

06-01-2005, 12:59 AM	#10
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,791	It would be nice if USA#1 made a stereo that didn't have all the bowties all over it, so it would look more stock. Personally I think the bowties all over look tacky.

06-01-2005, 06:01 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	I wish they could make them look "really" original. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-01-2005, 09:06 AM	#13
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Naturally, I will have to save up for SEVERAL months, but here is what I am going to do in my truck. They take your factory 'original' AM radio, and convert the guts to state-of-the-art AM/FM technology. Looks 100% factory on the outside, but you get more power, standard & RCA outputs, connections for CD changers, connections for XM radio, etc....all for $399.00. Be sure to click on the "STEREO CONVERSIONS" link on the left side to read all the features that you get. Here is the link: AntiqueAutomobileRadio __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket** Last edited by Putter; 06-01-2005 at 09:08 AM.

06-01-2005, 09:31 AM	#14
Hunter Lovin' Arizona Since 1961 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Camp Verde, Arizona Posts: 173	Man, That's SLICK Checked out the Antique Auto Radio link Putter posted. That is a VERY cool idea and the ultimate solution for tunes. Regarding the cost, I've always told my wife: "There ain't nuthin' wrong with that truck that a helluva lot of money won't fix!" H. __________________ "Religion is like a toothbrush: Everybody should have one, but I don't want yours" - Will Rogers

06-01-2005, 10:19 AM	#15
Terry Peerson Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bonner Springs, KS Posts: 311	Personally, I would recommend NOT buying a am/fm/cassette. Cassettes are obsolete! Just because it fits the dash opening? I think someone needs to make a "shaft-style" am/fm stereo controller. No tape, no cd, just the head unit/tuner. But, capable of controlling auxilliary equipment that can be mounted anywhere. That way, no one needs to cut up their dash (unless they just have to have their cd-player in the dash). It just doesn't make sense (to me) to cut up your dash to install a cd-player when cd's will become obsolete just like cassettes did. Just my $ .02 T

06-01-2005, 10:52 AM	#16
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	I agree with that, but I don't know where to find one. That is a cool site on the Antique automobile radios kinda pricey though.



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