Topic: Stereo Options
in Forum: C3 Interior
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Hi everyone,
It looks like there have been a number of discussions about radios and stereos so I thought I would throw my questions into the ring.
'73 with no working sterio/radio. I am looking at options that range from a replacement radio/tape all the way up to the new CD player options (like in MidAmerica or Eckler's). I am also certain I will be replacing speakers. so, here's the questions:
1. Has anyone upgraded to the CD option and are you comfortable with the required change to the center guage cluster piece? How does it look, fit, etc.?
2. Is anyone aware of options other than what I am seeing as a radio/casette that will not require a change in the guage piece? Perhaps a radio only since casette seems to be a total waste?
3. It appears that there are perforations in the panel for speakers down in front of the doors. Is this really a speaker space?
Thanks for the help.
Matt
|IMG|http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/7801_7900/7886/c3vrphoto.jpg|/IMG|
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
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
I faced your same dillema with my 74. I wasn't thrilled about:
a. cutting up my dashboardb. putting a great looking system in only to attract theives
So, a friend of mine came up with a unique solution. I built a wooden box that is exactly the size of the luggage storage area (between the compartments and the back). Inside the box, I put a head unit, powered subwoofer and a 10 disc CD changer. Some wiring goes to the fuse box, some goes to the battery (depending on need). I did also put some small speakers behind the kick panels.
The stereo works with a wireless remote that I keep up front. I've got great tunes that don't grab too much attention (I generally keep the subwoofer low, and it's not all that powerful anyway). I have a thin lid on it and a wire mesh front. Unless I'm opening up or putting away the top, you would never know it's there.
The downside is that you lose the small amount of storage space you had. However, mine's a convertible. With T-Tops, you would probably still have space. Mine was designed to fit under the top when closed. I believe the measurements were 13.5" x 34.5" x 5". Here are some pix that might give oyu some idea of what I'm talking about
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
2014216132127r.jpg)
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I installed Alpine stereo/CD players in both my '69 and '78 and love the improvement. I added Boston Acoustics speakers after wasting my money first on Sony speakers that did nothing but distort with any kind of volume. It pays to buy speakers matched to the stereo unit.
You can buy just the center guage bezel and install whatever stereo you like. No, they're not cheap but it's better than butchering your original bezel which you can save anyway.
The one thing I believe many here will tell you is don't buy Custom Autosound products. They may fit your dash opening like a factory unit, but I've heard so many bad things about them I wouldn't want to try one. Of course, people who are satisfied with a product don't usually go telling the world like unsatisfied customers do.
You can buy just the center guage bezel and install whatever stereo you like. No, they're not cheap but it's better than butchering your original bezel which you can save anyway.
The one thing I believe many here will tell you is don't buy Custom Autosound products. They may fit your dash opening like a factory unit, but I've heard so many bad things about them I wouldn't want to try one. Of course, people who are satisfied with a product don't usually go telling the world like unsatisfied customers do.
in Forum: C3 Interior
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)