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Topic: radio/cd player

in Forum: C3 Electrical


radio/cd player

Posted: 3/5/06 3:33pm Message 1 of 28
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Cabot, AR - USA
Joined: 7/21/2005
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1977 L48 just purchased 07-20-05 this was a one owner corvette,had been in a garage for the last 4 year on blocks.I have the orignal sales invoice (purchased from Anthony AbrahamChevolet)for the total price of $10550 dollars.In MIAMI,FL.
am wanting purchase a radio/cd for my 1977 corvette .anybody out there with some idea on a good system for this year that will fit .thanks glenn


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radio/cd player

Posted: 3/5/06 3:50pm Message 2 of 28
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
You're going to have to cut your bezel for a CD/stereo to fit. There aren't any made to fit the factory opening as the CD slot is much too wide. The only other option is to get a stereo from Custom Autosound that fits the opening and install a remote CD player...not the best solution. That, and I've heard a number of bad reports about their products, though I have no experience with them myself.

You can buy a CD/stereo and either cut the bezel to fit or buy one of the bezels available now through Corvette Central, Eckler's etc., that are already made to accept the new stereos. Much easier, but more costly.

In my '78, I cut the bezel (custom ones already cut weren't available then) and installed a new stereo/CD. It looks great. In my '69 I bought one of the custom bezels already cut and installed a stereo. It looks great also...far superior to the factory AM/FM in the '69 (the '78 had an aftermarket stereo that didn't work when I bought the car).

I went with an Alpine stereo/CD for both cars. I think they're the best for the money out there. Not that they're isn't other fine makes available (Pioneer comes to mind), but I've never been dissatisfied with the performance of an Alpine, and I've never heard anyone else complain about them either. I will say I'm not impressed with Sony products anymore...they used to be great, but I think their quality has gone downhill and they're relying on their name and past reputation now.


radio/cd player

Posted: 3/5/06 4:21pm Message 3 of 28
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PERRYSBURG, OH - USA
Joined: 4/23/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1975 T-Tops,Lite Custom work,Many engine mod. 700R4 trans. body is shaved,17" wheels bf goodrich g-force tires,heavy sway bars front&rear rack&pinion steering,550 slolom springs with gas shocks.
I cut my bezal myself and installed a PIONEER CD AM/FM love it. Also I picked up a surrond that fit the radio perfictly really finished it off. it's been sometime ago,I'll look and see if I can find the manufacturer and pass it on to you.


radio/cd player

Posted: 3/5/06 4:32pm Message 4 of 28
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I have a Custom Autosound and am not happy with it. The radio reception is bad and sound quality is low. I cleaned the antenna grounds and put in a new antenna cable but still can't get good reception. I may replace it some day with a modern unit.


radio/cd player

Posted: 3/6/06 3:26pm Message 5 of 28
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East Hanover, NJ - USA
Joined: 9/25/2004
Posts: 525
Vette(s): '68 Black Conv. Matching 327/300 4 Spd. P/S, P/B, P/W, Tele, A/C

I will be sending my original radio to a guy in PA who replaces the internals with modern electronics (140 watts) that can support an external CD player or Satellite radio.

A friend of had his 'stang radio redone & he is quite happy.

He is listed in Hemmings, although there are several companies that handle this type of work.

radios - Chevrolet Fairless Hills, PA
RADIO restorations, FM stereo conversions, 180 watts, 1946-1975 Solid State vibrators; look for me at Spring Carlisle F115-117! Mike Hagan, Antique Radio Repair, 235 Glouster Rd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030, 215-547-7145.

Good luck,

Anthony

 




radio/cd player

Posted: 3/6/06 5:56pm Message 6 of 28
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Northbrook, IL - USA
Joined: 2/25/2006
Posts: 3
Vette(s): Looking to buy my first C3 (1978 - 1982) as those were my high school years when I first fell in love with this fine piece of machinery

How about an I-Pod with the FM radio interface? http://www.cardomain.com/item/BKNF8V367APL

 

 




radio/cd player

Posted: 3/6/06 6:30pm Message 7 of 28
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Roseland, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/4/2003
Posts: 966
Vette(s): 1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.
If you want to keep everything original you may wind up sacrificing sound quality. I've heard too many complaints about Custom Auto sound & wouldn't try them. I also know the guy with the Stang that Ten 15 is talking about. I haven't heard his upgraded radio yet, so I'm can't pass judgment, however, he's not really into listening to his stereo so what may be good enough for him may not be for you. I bought a replacement bezel and cut out the front (saved the original) just like Gunslinger stated "you can't go wrong with an Alpine" mine plays great & hasn't given me a problem.


radio/cd player

Posted: 3/7/06 8:22am Message 8 of 28
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I chose Custom Autosound because I didn't want to cut my bezel.
 
I also bought good speakers and the sound doesn't come out right.  I wired an FM modulator to be able to hook up my MP3 player; which is what I use all the time (radio s*&# since ClearChannel took over 90% of the stations....).
 
I knew it wouldn't be quality (sound wise) when I bought it, but I didn't care, because I find myself turning the radio off most of the time to listen to the engine.
 
If sound quality is important, cut your bezel or get an aftermarket one ready to receive newer units.  If you just want to break the silence once in a while and would like to be as close as possible to original look, then go for Custom Autosound.



radio/cd player

Posted: 3/7/06 9:59am Message 9 of 28
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789
Vette(s): 1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs
I just saw this and was tickled..  My car has a new Eclipse unit and a new bezel installed.  At the shop they had a 70 LS6 in show cond.  The guy left his dash stock and had a remote control Alpine unit mounted in the storage bucket.  You couldnt tell!  Looked great sounded great..


radio/cd player

Posted: 3/7/06 11:35am Message 10 of 28
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Westerly, RI - USA
Joined: 5/26/2005
Posts: 133
Vette(s): 77 L48 Original paint True dual stainless exhaust Edelbrock intake manifold and Thunder series carb Distributor has an pern upgrade

Look in the Year One catalog-pg 43-44.  They offer cassette/cd combos with the original appearance and it fits in the stock bezel.

 




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