Radio for 72 Vintage look - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

billtoothaker · 07-25-2007, 08:31 AM

I want to keep the vintage look with the analog style dial but get a radio (AM/FM) that would sound clearer than the original and have a better output. Cassette and CD Player are not required but a place to plug in my Ipod would be a bonus, anyone had any experience with this. I am doing a full frame off restoration and don't want an electronic gadget in the middle of the dash.

mvfd70 · 07-25-2007, 08:52 AM

There's someone that rebuilt their AM radio to accept a mp3 player. The radio part didnt work anymore but it still looked factory. Myabe someon can chime in if they have that topic saved

rcheesem · 07-25-2007, 08:55 AM

I have one of these, and it works great.

http://www.customautosound.com/

rcheesem · 07-25-2007, 08:58 AM

Here is a pic from the website.

**special-K** · 07-25-2007, 09:06 AM

I save various am/fm/cass units whenever I see them.The fm always works.There`s a place in Sterling Heights,MI(I think)that adapts old radios.They advertise in Hemmings Motor News under "Services".I have an Olds am in my GMC and it sounds real strong.The big cars radios had better sound.

Hook'em · 07-25-2007, 09:35 AM

Frizzle Fry did the AM to MP3 coversion and there is a thread in the audio forum.

The Custom Autosounds have RCA jacks in the rear. I am unimpressed with the quaility of the radio, but it is nice to be able to plug in my XM Radio.

cdowns · 07-25-2007, 10:10 AM

quite a few members (me included)who have spent great deals of money on autosound equipment have had numerous problems and less than satisfactory sound and short lifespans

**special-K** · 07-25-2007, 10:28 AM

I`m one,`65 Biscayne am/fm/cassette.Not impressed,then broke...

Dingfodgy · 07-25-2007, 10:56 AM

Here's another alternative. Use a stock radio simply for aesthetics and install a modern digital unit in the glovebox. Or I think Sony makes a modular set up where the tuner and all the "gagetry" is housed in a slim black box you can install under the seat and the only visible part is a small, wired controller that you can tuck away when not in use.

ddp · 07-25-2007, 11:06 AM

I haven't seen anyone on here mention having a stock AM radio converted to AM/FM stereo using the original shell, as described here:

http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/

Or one of their dealers:
http://www.vintageautoradio.com/

I picked up a donor radio (to keep my original intact) and have been meaning to send it in. Unfortunately, I just haven't had a spare $400 laying around lately. Has anyone done one of these conversions?

ChevLoRay · 07-25-2007, 11:49 AM

Good question. I have a Pontiac AM/FM that originally had a Multiplexer beneath the dash....the thing with 3 or 4 knobs on it. I don't have the multiplexer, but surely the radio can be made to play and the spacing on the knobs is old-school so it should fit my opening. All I will need are the truck knobs and it should look stock-ish.

bcanini · 07-25-2007, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dingfodgy

Here's another alternative. Use a stock radio simply for aesthetics and install a modern digital unit in the glovebox. Or I think Sony makes a modular set up where the tuner and all the "gagetry" is housed in a slim black box you can install under the seat and the only visible part is a small, wired controller that you can tuck away when not in use.

That's what I'm gonna Do!!!

B

Dragster66ss · 07-25-2007, 02:09 PM

Anyone have a link or Part # for some of the hidden units? My AM/FM is busted. Not really wantin to go the cstm autosound route.

Thanks in advance.

**truckdude239** · 07-25-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcanini

That's what I'm gonna Do!!!

B

there was a guy that was making glove box mounting kits for cd players but i don't remember his name and cant seem to find the link

raoul.duke · 07-25-2007, 05:04 PM

I've got my head unit mounted in a box below the a/c controls and a stock unit in the dash. Not 100% clean and stock looking as I'd like but it's pretty much out of the way, easy to get to the knobs too. Probably not a good idea if you left your truck outside at night though...

billtoothaker · 07-25-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raoul.duke

I've got my head unit mounted in a box below the a/c controls and a stock unit in the dash. Not 100% clean and stock looking as I'd like but it's pretty much out of the way, easy to get to the knobs too. Probably not a good idea if you left your truck outside at night though...

Sweet looking cab, I can't wait till mine is back together, been over 2 years now

zeeklu · 07-25-2007, 06:48 PM

I sent my stock am radio out and had an I-Pod input put into it and it works well. The am still works and the aux cable comes out the back and runs into the compartment under the buddy seat.It cost $120. The only problem is the guy who did it isn't around anymore. Chris

Dingfodgy · 07-25-2007, 11:08 PM

Dragster66ss- Here's a link to a hidden unit for vintage autos. I'm not familiar with the brand, but it's looks to be a viable alternative to butchering a good classic dash. I swear Sony or Kenwood made a similar system, but it was a few years ago when I saw it- so it maybe discontinued by now.

http://vintage-vibes.com/Stereos/secretaudio.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragster66ss

Anyone have a link or Part # for some of the hidden units? My AM/FM is busted. Not really wantin to go the cstm autosound route.

Thanks in advance.

xmitsu10 · 07-26-2007, 06:09 AM

Here is another company that does conversions http://taymanelectrical.com/

Dragster66ss · 07-26-2007, 09:56 AM

thanks for the links

ddp · 07-27-2007, 12:20 PM

It seems that all of the sites for the stock radio conversions are also advertising the Custom Autosound units. It makes me wonder if they're using Custom Autosound components to do the conversions. If that's the case (based on what I'm reading about CA product quality), the conversion option might not be a good one.

**raggedjim** · 07-27-2007, 12:24 PM

My plan is to mount a newer radio underneath a stock radio delete plate. I don't have it figured out yet but I think it is doable.

Brad · 07-27-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raggedjim

My plan is to mount a newer radio underneath a stock radio delete plate. I don't have it figured out yet but I think it is doable.

I'm going to try the same thing. Someone on this board did that, but wouldn't give out his secrets. Here are some pics:

**raggedjim** · 08-01-2007, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

I'm going to try the same thing. Someone on this board did that, but wouldn't give out his secrets. Here are some pics:

Brad, that's what got me on to it. I thought I was the only one who saved those pics!

Rg

07-25-2007, 08:31 AM	#1
billtoothaker Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Rochester, NH Posts: 92	Radio for 72 Vintage look I want to keep the vintage look with the analog style dial but get a radio (AM/FM) that would sound clearer than the original and have a better output. Cassette and CD Player are not required but a place to plug in my Ipod would be a bonus, anyone had any experience with this. I am doing a full frame off restoration and don't want an electronic gadget in the middle of the dash. __________________ Bill Toothaker 72 K20 FSLB 63K FS:86 Mercedes 560SL 63 Ford F100 51 Willy's Jeep station wagon w/64 289 Studebaker 68 Honda SL90 1500 miles Chevy 6 cyl street rod 2011 Nissan Murano cross cabriolet Cabins for Rent Lake Winnipasaukee, NH

07-25-2007, 08:52 AM	#2
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look There's someone that rebuilt their AM radio to accept a mp3 player. The radio part didnt work anymore but it still looked factory. Myabe someon can chime in if they have that topic saved __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

07-25-2007, 08:55 AM	#3
rcheesem Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 72	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look I have one of these, and it works great. http://www.customautosound.com/

07-25-2007, 08:58 AM	#4
rcheesem Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 72	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look Here is a pic from the website. Attached Images

07-25-2007, 09:06 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look I save various am/fm/cass units whenever I see them.The fm always works.There`s a place in Sterling Heights,MI(I think)that adapts old radios.They advertise in Hemmings Motor News under "Services".I have an Olds am in my GMC and it sounds real strong.The big cars radios had better sound. __________________ "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 ~ Last edited by special-K; 07-25-2007 at 10:26 AM.

07-25-2007, 09:35 AM	#6
Hook'em Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 858	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look Frizzle Fry did the AM to MP3 coversion and there is a thread in the audio forum. The Custom Autosounds have RCA jacks in the rear. I am unimpressed with the quaility of the radio, but it is nice to be able to plug in my XM Radio. __________________ Hook'em

07-25-2007, 10:10 AM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look quite a few members (me included)who have spent great deals of money on autosound equipment have had numerous problems and less than satisfactory sound and short lifespans __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-25-2007, 10:28 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look I`m one,`65 Biscayne am/fm/cassette.Not impressed,then broke... __________________ "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 ~

07-25-2007, 10:56 AM	#9
Dingfodgy Lemme show you something!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St.Helens, OR. Posts: 876	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look Here's another alternative. Use a stock radio simply for aesthetics and install a modern digital unit in the glovebox. Or I think Sony makes a modular set up where the tuner and all the "gagetry" is housed in a slim black box you can install under the seat and the only visible part is a small, wired controller that you can tuck away when not in use. __________________ '67 CST-10 LWB ("Crusty") SOLD '67 GMC SWB ("Murdock") 2000 K1500 Suburban ("Betty") '95 BMW 325i ("Joy")

07-25-2007, 11:06 AM	#10
ddp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 114	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look I haven't seen anyone on here mention having a stock AM radio converted to AM/FM stereo using the original shell, as described here: http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/ Or one of their dealers: http://www.vintageautoradio.com/ I picked up a donor radio (to keep my original intact) and have been meaning to send it in. Unfortunately, I just haven't had a spare $400 laying around lately. Has anyone done one of these conversions? Last edited by ddp; 07-25-2007 at 11:07 AM.

07-25-2007, 11:49 AM	#11
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look Good question. I have a Pontiac AM/FM that originally had a Multiplexer beneath the dash....the thing with 3 or 4 knobs on it. I don't have the multiplexer, but surely the radio can be made to play and the spacing on the knobs is old-school so it should fit my opening. All I will need are the truck knobs and it should look stock-ish. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-25-2007, 02:09 PM	#13
Dragster66ss Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tarboro, NC Posts: 306	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look Anyone have a link or Part # for some of the hidden units? My AM/FM is busted. Not really wantin to go the cstm autosound route. Thanks in advance. __________________ Lee Roberson '77 Sierra Classic 454/th400 Other toys (Non P/U's): 67 Chevelle 427/m22 (My street ride) 3 1966 chevy II drag cars (fam racing operation: pop, lil-brother, and myself)

07-25-2007, 05:04 PM	#15
raoul.duke Sandwich: Club Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 119	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look I've got my head unit mounted in a box below the a/c controls and a stock unit in the dash. Not 100% clean and stock looking as I'd like but it's pretty much out of the way, easy to get to the knobs too. Probably not a good idea if you left your truck outside at night though... Attached Images

07-25-2007, 06:48 PM	#17
zeeklu Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 746	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look I sent my stock am radio out and had an I-Pod input put into it and it works well. The am still works and the aux cable comes out the back and runs into the compartment under the buddy seat.It cost $120. The only problem is the guy who did it isn't around anymore. Chris Last edited by zeeklu; 07-25-2007 at 06:50 PM.

07-26-2007, 06:09 AM	#19
xmitsu10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Alton, New Hampshire Posts: 274	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look Here is another company that does conversions http://taymanelectrical.com/ __________________ 71 Cheyenne SWB



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07-26-2007, 09:56 AM	#20
Dragster66ss Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tarboro, NC Posts: 306	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look thanks for the links __________________ Lee Roberson '77 Sierra Classic 454/th400 Other toys (Non P/U's): 67 Chevelle 427/m22 (My street ride) 3 1966 chevy II drag cars (fam racing operation: pop, lil-brother, and myself)

07-27-2007, 12:20 PM	#21
ddp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 114	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look It seems that all of the sites for the stock radio conversions are also advertising the Custom Autosound units. It makes me wonder if they're using Custom Autosound components to do the conversions. If that's the case (based on what I'm reading about CA product quality), the conversion option might not be a good one.

07-27-2007, 12:24 PM	#22
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,477	Re: Radio for 72 Vintage look My plan is to mount a newer radio underneath a stock radio delete plate. I don't have it figured out yet but I think it is doable. __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

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