Converted Stock Radio and Ashtray Mod Question

[Thundarr]

Just got my stock radio back from Gary Tayman (converted to AM/FM with bluetooth and aux input jack). http://www.garytayman.com/

The unit was completely cleaned and reworked. All of the functions operate though various tricks with the existing knobs and pushbuttons. It really is slick.
You can see that the unit looks as original as before. The bluetooth microphone and pairing button have standard pin connections in the back of the unit with plenty of cabling to locate it wherever you want.




Next, I want to take out the exisitng ashtray and replace with the BMW sourced extending cup holder and also make a panel for the pairing button, microphone and add a built-in usb power port.



Now to my question. Does anyone have any suggestions about a set of low profile side hinges that to hide my franken cupholder control panel assembly with the existing ashtray front plate. I think it would only need to swing down 90 degrees to allow the cupholder to clear.

[tommys72]

Thats pretty neat. What'd that run you if you dont mind me asking

[67_C-30]

I'm not sure if you could use the set-up I did, but I used a stainless piano hinge to mine.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=592467&page=2

[67ctener]

Can you explain how it works thundarr. Obviously the mic is blue tooth, what's the red light/button for? How do you switch between operation. Very interested in doing this with mine.

67c30 I looked at your hinge and made me curious how that fm converter works...

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by 67ctener

Can you explain how it works thundarr. Obviously the mic is blue tooth, what's the red light/button for? How do you switch between operation. Very interested in doing this with mine.

67c30 I looked at your hinge and made me curious how that fm converter works...

It just plugs into the antenna and has an antenna lead that plugs into the radio with a 12V single power wire. When the converter is on, it converts the signal to FM and and you use the tuner on the converter to change stations. When it is off, the radio works with the normal AM operation.

It actually works pretty well. Of course, the radio is still just a mono speaker set-up, but it works and is a good conversation piece.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

It just plugs into the antenna and has an antenna lead that plugs into the radio with a 12V single power wire. When the converter is on, it converts the signal to FM and and you use the tuner on the converter to change stations. When it is off, the radio works with the normal AM operation.

It actually works pretty well. Of course, the radio is still just a mono speaker set-up, but it works and is a good conversation piece.

67 C-30,
Mine was a full conversion done by Gary Tayman in Florida, so it a good bit different than yours.

I power on and off to switch between AM and FM. To put it into Aux input you just press the far left preset button. The Red light is also a button and you use it to pair your phone to the Bluetooth. Whenever it you start up, it automatically reconnects the Bluetooth and can remember up to 15 devices. If a call comes in, it will automatically turn off the radio so you can talk. If you are streaming music, you use the button to skip a song forward with one press or skip back with two presses. It is fully stereo and even has outputs for front (L/R) and rear (L/R) speakers. There is a lot to it so I guess I'll just post the picture of the operating manual to give you an idea.

That hinge looks simple enough. Thanks!
I just need to seem if it will swing out of the way far enough to clear the cup holder.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by tommys72

Thats pretty neat. What'd that run you if you dont mind me asking

It was $385 for the AM/FM/Aux conversion.
Another $200 for Bluetooth conversion.
Shipping was $16.

Total was $601. Pricey compared to other alternatives but this has all the current technology with the classic look and feel ... kind of like many of our trucks in general.

Here are the pages from the manuals that describe myriad of functions. Don't let the simplicity of the manual fool you. This thing is well built and very refined.

Radio






Bluetooth

[70blackfish]

kool !

i need this

[67ctener]

Where is the aux? In the back of the unit?

[leftybass209]

That's pretty cool. I wonder if anyone has converted an original AM/FM to Bluetooth and USB? Sounds like it's expensive, but you got a great functioning radio that you're happy with, and that's all that matters!

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by 67ctener

Where is the aux? In the back of the unit?

Yeah. All three (Aux, Bluetooth Control, Microphone) are mounted in a row at the back. The Bluetooth and Mic came with extension cables. I plan to just use a extender cable and panel mount adapter to relocate the Aux up front. I doubt I'll ever use it (already have Bluetooth) but I know it would just irritate me knowing its available back there.

[67ctener]

Thanks for all the info. I'm giving him a call shortly to have mine converted. Only thing that would make this any better is a video...

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by 67ctener

Thanks for all the info. I'm giving him a call shortly to have mine converted. Only thing that would make this any better is a video...

I'm terrible about getting pictures before and during install. But I can get a video of how it works. Anything specific that you want to see?

[67ctener]

Just switching through the functions would be cool. Is fm comparable to quality of newer radio? I know the speakers make a big difference but as far as reception an ease of tunning precise to a station

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by 67ctener

Just switching through the functions would be cool. Is fm comparable to quality of newer radio? I know the speakers make a big difference but as far as reception an ease of tunning precise to a station

Here you go. Hope it helps.
I didn't show the Bluetooth operation because I used my phone to record the video. But I can assure you, it works flawlessly and sound is great.

Link to Video of Aurora FMR-1

[67ctener]

Very cool video! That's pretty trick, it's a no brained for me when the time comes I will be having mine converted. Thanks for spending the time making a video.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

67 C-30,
Mine was a full conversion done by Gary Tayman in Florida, so it a good bit different than yours.

I power on and off to switch between AM and FM. To put it into Aux input you just press the far left preset button. The Red light is also a button and you use it to pair your phone to the Bluetooth. Whenever it you start up, it automatically reconnects the Bluetooth and can remember up to 15 devices. If a call comes in, it will automatically turn off the radio so you can talk. If you are streaming music, you use the button to skip a song forward with one press or skip back with two presses. It is fully stereo and even has outputs for front (L/R) and rear (L/R) speakers. There is a lot to it so I guess I'll just post the picture of the operating manual to give you an idea.

That hinge looks simple enough. Thanks!
I just need to seem if it will swing out of the way far enough to clear the cup holder.

Mine swings almost all the way down 180 degrees from closed.

Here is the hinge I used: http://www.mcmaster.com/#stainless-s...hinges/=oeuqbq

[Chvy2NV]

this is awesome.. will be looking into this.

[kamikazekyle05]

I really need to do this mod. Does it have any control over bass, treble etc?

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by kamikazekyle05

I really need to do this mod. Does it have any control over bass, treble etc?

Yes, it has the basic Tone Control (Bass to Treble) with the left side outer ring dial.

I posted a picture of the manual that describes it in an earlier post.

[swamp rat]

Wish i would have read this thread before i purchased my custom auto sound unit. Bummer.

[fastpace]

This is very cool, I know what one of the first mods for my trucks once it's back together. I really like having the original radio face plate and everything. I was just telling my dad about this since he's restoring a 72 Firebird and he got really happy cause he was just going to put the factory radio in it. Such a better option than a hidden radio somewhere with a remote that you have to go out of your way to use it.

Do you have any pictures of the back of the radio after the conversion? Just interested in seeing the connections.

[CUSTOM/10]

I just shipped my am radio out this morning to Gary, but mines not going to have all the bells & whistles as yours. Heck I've never sinked up the blue tooth in my car that I drive every day.... "LOL" So all I wanted was a good working am/fm stereo that looked original ! This seamed like a good option after reading about how crappy most of the repop radios are !

Gary

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by CUSTOM/10

I just shipped my am radio out this morning to Gary, but mines not going to have all the bells & whistles as yours. Heck I've never sinked up the blue tooth in my car that I drive every day.... "LOL" So all I wanted was a good working am/fm stereo that looked original ! This seamed like a good option after reading about how crappy most of the repop radios are !

Gary

Hey Gary... Have you got the radio back from Tayman... What was the turn time...

[Already Gone]

Glad i found this thread. I have been agonizing whether to cut my pristine dash and install a modern stereo or get the Gary Tayman conversion. Now that I have an unbiased real world opinion on the conversion this is the way i'm going. The only change I will make is I am going to replace the original 43 year old speaker with a new speaker like the one in the links. I put one of these speakers in my last truck with a modern stereo and the sound was pretty good. There is one designed for our trucks with or without factory A/C.

http://www.retrosound.com/product-p/...c59-r-57uk.htm

http://www.retrosound.com/product-p/...59-r-410uk.htm