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Topic: radio and amp options

in Forum: C3 Interior


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radio and amp options (1/7)
 1/4/12 12:24am
daveo76
Former Member

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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.


Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

So is it possible to fit an aftermarket amp under either seat?  I have a couple of options for the radio at the present time and one involves using an amp.  If so, any suggestions regarding which amp to use?

Here is my current plan.  I've been corresponding with Jerry Rudbeck, owner of ElectroDesign, which has rebuilt many Corvette and other Delco radios throughout the years.  http://www.electrodesign.us/
 He will probably do a minor rebuild, replacing any parts along the way that need it.  He will also add pre-amp outputs to the back of the unit, bypassing the Delco's onboard amps.  Those outputs will hopefully go to an aftermarket amp under the seat (or other location) which will drive two aftermarket 4x6's in the original dash location and two 6x9's or similar in the back.  Finally, I'll equip the inputs to the amp with a "Y" adapter which I believe should allow me to plug in my Ipod for an alternate input.   It's also an option to have Jerry add the aux input to the Delco, but I think it would be preferable to completely bypass the radio if I want to use the Ipod.  This option will give me modern, 4-speaker sound, but allow me to retain the stock radio with original knobs and everything.  

I've also considered chucking the Delco and going with an aftermarket unit.  Problem is, I want that stock look with original knobs.  Has anyone had any experience with this unit or one like it?  


It has the features I want (including original look and knobs), but it's expensive and I have no idea about the quality.  

Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks!


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1976 Silver/Firethorn.  L48, 4spd.  Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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Re: radio and amp options (2/7)
 1/4/12 10:36am
The RookLifetime Member
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Pittsburgh, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L-82, 3 spd auto, car was originally Lt. Beige currently painted Sportsman Red, Doeskin leather interior, 103,000 miles......


Joined: 12/4/2002
Posts: 600

Theres not much out there in dual shaft stereo design world that is super quality. I had a dual shaft Kenwood and it was nothing but problems. I have seen in the past on Ebay where a few people refurbish Delco radios and added the Ipod output. If you want to keep a true (Delco) stock look thats a great option....albeit a pricey one (around 500 bucks).
 
I eneded up putting in a a single DIN kenwood that that has a CD player, satellite Radio and an Ipod out...It also is HD radio ready, but thats a seperate controller. I replaced the dash and rear speakers with Boston Acoustics....
 
As for amps, I have 2 rockford fosgate amps and a JL subwoofer that I had built into a box that sits in the cargo area. I had the wapped with vinyl to match the leather seats. Its a cool set up that really rocks but I did lose alot of storage space ( I have to stand my t-tops on edge to get them back there.  
 
Talk with a local car audio shop and Im sure they can show you many options of amps that would work under the seat, or maybe even in one of the small storage compartments behind the seats. I cannot stress enough.... Go to a pro, trust me I learned the hard way........
 
Now for the buzz kill....
My system sounds great and looks super cool,  but like many of my C3 buddies remind me, its the sound of the car that really rocks. 
 
Good Luck
 
Dan


|UPDATED|1/4/2012 7:36:25 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: radio and amp options (3/7)
 1/4/12 8:05pm
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

Dave,
I have done both with the radio. I cant tell you much about the radio from CC that you posted yet. I will be installing mine some time in the next month I hope. I bought mine from Ecklers last winter. Now 4 years ago I sent my original radio for the 74 out to have it updated with the modern circuit boards and kept the stock outside looks. It is expensive as I think it was close to $500 including the input and cable for an I Pod or accessory. But I will say it works great. I would have gone the same route with the 72 but there was no radio in it when I bought it and I thought I would need one sooner. If I knew I would have been this long in putting it back together I would have bought an original radio and had it reworked. I also bought new upgraded speakers for the front that fit in the stock holes and then a speaker bar for the back. But I wouldnt buy that speaker bar again.
Rodney


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Re: radio and amp options (4/7)
 1/5/12 11:46am
daveo76
Former Member

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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.


Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Thanks for the info, guys.  Yep, I've seen those totally rebuilt (or even brand new) ones on ebay that have digital components.  Not quite going that route - he's going to keep all the analog controls for the radio, just refurbish them.  And it seems like they're even closer to $600 now.  Yikes.  This rebuild seems like it will be less than $300 based on discussions I've had with Jerry.  

Rodney - so do you have that radio in hand yet from CC?  If so, what does the fit and finish/build quality look like?  That's what I'm having trouble figuring out from the pictures I've seen.  I'll be interested to hear what you think once you get it installed.  

Dave


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1976 Silver/Firethorn.  L48, 4spd.  Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Re: radio and amp options (5/7)
 1/7/12 9:18am
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

Dave,
I've had that radio in hand for about a year now. I can take a real pic for you if you want. I hope to ge tit mounted into place in the next 2 weeks. Maybe even get it to play! let me know if you want pics. I could email them to you.
Rodney



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Re: radio and amp options (6/7)
 1/7/12 9:33am
manget1Lifetime Member
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

I had my radio of rmy 74 rebuilt with digital insides and an iPod hookup.  I love it, but...
 
Yes, it was around $500, and shortly after I had it done, I saw Mid-America selling ones that looked just like it (way more so than the one you linked) for essentially the same price.  If I had known, I would have kept my original one original and just replaced it with the new one.
 
Also, to your point about the amps, my rebuilt one just dosn't have power.  It's great cruising the streets, but out on the highway with the top down, there's no chance.  In the past I had used a powered sub, but as Dan said, that stole too much storage space, and with the top down, I have less than you T-Top folks, so I just couldn't afford the space loss.
 
I'll look to find the MAM one and try to post a link.  Sounds like you're planning on rebuilding yours, and again, if this one from MAM works better, I think you'd be better off.


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Re: radio and amp options (7/7)
 1/7/12 2:59pm
daveo76
Former Member

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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.


Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Rodney - I'd love some real pics of that radio.  I'll PM you my address.  So how is the fit and finish?  Buttons and controls seem to operate smoothly?  Thanks!

Manget - Good to know.   My rebuild is a lot less involved than the digital conversions, and considerably less expensive.  I think we're in the neighborhood of $200 last time I talked with the guy.  If he can add pre-amp outputs then an aftermarket amp should be able to do the job of driving four non-stock speakers (and still be able hear them at freeway speeds).  Just need to find a good place to put the amp......   If you have that link for the MAM stereo, though, I'd be interested.  I'm still considering that option.  

Thanks for the info, guys.  


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1976 Silver/Firethorn.  L48, 4spd.  Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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