Ok, I've talked about this for some time, and last week, when putting the stereo back in the car after winter storage, I took some pictures to show everyone what I've been talking about...
I wanted to leave the stock stereo in place since it just looks cool. It's funny to me that often it's one of the things people talk about most! Go figure. As with most vintage Vettes, my original stereo does not work. Anyway, I wanted to have good sound, but didn't want to cut anything up and I like the original look. I know there are systems out there, but this allowed me to customize it and to add a powered subwoofer. I also spent much less overall than those hidden systems.
I talked to a buddy of mine and he suggested this and helped me wire it up. I measured the "luggage compartment" behind the seats and made sure I knew how much space was there with the top down.
After some time, I also added some of that grippy shelf liner (it's just a piece of material - no actual stickyness, it just keeps the box from sliding).
Once I knew how much space I had, I made sure I would be able to fit the components I needed, then built a very simple box out of OSB.
Then I started adding components... 10 disc CD Changer and head unit...
http://www.C3VR.com/member_pages/9201_9300/9258/CD-Head-Compressed.JPG The disc changer plays mp3 discs that hold five or six hours of music each, so once I load, I'm good for a while. The head unit has an input jack for an iPod. That will come in handy since I just finally bought one... More on that later.
I also put a cover on the top of the box. I cut out a spot for the sub to "breathe." The area is covered from the inside with a piece of wire mesh covered in felt. It's from the speaker grille of a big screen TV (I used to work in a place that got lots of returns of these). I didn't know if that would help the sound, but I also didn't know how hot the thing would get. I haven't had any problems with heat though. When I re-do this, I don't see me making another top hole.
http://www.C3VR.com/member_pages/9201_9300/9258/Slide-On-Cover.JPG You can see the angled aluminum guides I put on the sides and back to hold this in place. We're almost done!
http://www.C3VR.com/member_pages/9201_9300/9258/Almost-Done.JPG
Everything else I've used was either bought from stereo shops (or on-line places) or from the Home Depot. This is simple stuff! This last part was a spare part from work. It started life as the front cover to a big screen TV main speaker. My buddy cut it down and bent it to fit the front of this. It is strong wire mesh with a felt interior. It lets the system breathe but protects it if anything gets pushed back against it.
http://www.C3VR.com/member_pages/9201_9300/9258/Front-Cover.JPG
As you can see, I can still access all three compartments. The real down side is the complete loss of luggage space. When I do travel, I either go alone, or I take small bags and put them in that space between the seats and the box (sitting on the compartments!). One time, I did actually ship my luggage to the hotel ahead of time! Oh, and by the way, that space is just the right size for a case of beer!!
Here are some last shots with the top down and the seats back. The box (and hence the stereo) become invisible!
Through all of this, you may have been wondering, "ok, but how do I run this thing?" I put elastic straps on the sun visor and voila!!
http://www.C3VR.com/member_pages/9201_9300/9258/Easy-Operation.JPG I've seen other people put the remote on top of the ash tray, but mine's a little to big, and this way, it stays out of the sun. Also, it adds one more "hidden" feature to the stereo. The last thing I want is for someone to see a reason to break into the car and damage anything (or steal the stereo!).
Radio - there is no antenna attached. I did buy a remote antenna (just a box at the end of a cord) that can be mounted anywhere (it has adhesive), but I didn't know if it would get reception through fiberglass, and I didn't really like the idea of sticking it anywhere. I thought about trying to get it back to the rear vents, but wasn't exactly sure how to. Anyway, I do fine with just the CDs.
Future mods - I really don't like that I have no space for an overnight bag. Even when I do put a bag on top of the compartments, it makes it hard to use the stereo remote. With the iPod purchase, I think I'm going to re-work the box. My plan is to take out the CD player (of course), cut that end of the box off and turn it sideways behind the driver's seat. It should fit perfectly over the battery compartment, covering it. This will leave the other two compartments and some luggage space available. I think I'll also need to switch the positions of the sub and the head unit so the head unit will be towards the front (needs to be accessible to control the volume and power, although by then, the iPod will control the songs).
This may well go on record as the longest post ever, but I wanted to share all the details with my C3VR brethren as I know many of you don't have working radios and might like to do something similar. Good luck!!
manget12008-04-13 07:33:44______________
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
manget1
Dejablu
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Still an awsome idea.
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