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10/23/2024 7:52 AM  #1


Stereo in a Classic

Let me start by saying I'm 60 years old, now with that said I have done a lot of things differently on the latest 66 coupe. Make fun of me if you must, but I have:

Installed stock 2" dual GT exhaust w/ GT tips and Manifolds vs Long tubes and chambered mufflers
Gas Shocks (Monroe) vs KYB
15" wheels and 60 series tires vs 17" and 40 series
Power Steering vs  Manual
AC vs Sweating

Can you see a pattern?

I have never spent a nickel on any type of Radio/Stereo for any of the Rides, but do enjoy listening to Tunes in my daily driver.

I am looking at going all out with a nice in-dash (As nice as I can get for the factory dash, and using:
Dash speakers
Kick Panel speakers
Rear Deck speakers
Two Subs
Two amps

Am I wasting money and acting like a kid, or am I just at a point where the sound of some sweet music and comfortable ride has taken priority?
 

 

10/23/2024 8:50 AM  #2


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I don’t have a lot of money invested in my sound system which consists of a AM/FM Custom Auto Sound radio, 6”  quality kick panel and quarter panel speakers, no sub or amps.
It was installed over 20 years ago.
On a lot of long distance and local trips I can count on one hand how many times it has been turned on.

My DD has a Revel sound package , umpteen speakers and with Sirius it’s always on,playing 60’s -70’s music. go figure!


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

10/23/2024 10:00 AM  #3


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I have never turned on the radio in my 66, but I think you should do whatever makes your driving experience more to your liking.
The rest of your build list is almost exactly what I am doing on my 65 convertible. The closer to stock, the better it drives and the easier to work on

Except for the three deuces I plan to install. Worst case, a 275 cfm center carb will get it down the road just fine.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

10/23/2024 1:44 PM  #4


Re: Stereo in a Classic

Yeah, we have a 70 Dodge 340 6-Pak and I have to remind myself to run some fuel through the outer two carbs from time to time.

Other than an accelerator pump which has nothing to do with the 3-carbs, the 6-Pak has been extremely reliable.

     Thread Starter
 

10/23/2024 1:47 PM  #5


Re: Stereo in a Classic

The 66 now has a very sorry stereo that plays what and when it wants with a single set of speakers at the center dash opening, but I still find myself enjoying it when it decides to work, this is what makes me think I may enjoy some reliable tunes to enjoy with some better sound quality. 

I guess unlike a performance part or upgrade to the driveline, this is an upgrade I can turn off if I choose to.

     Thread Starter
 

10/23/2024 2:11 PM  #6


Re: Stereo in a Classic

If and when I take a long trip in my 66 I use wireless ear buds and bluetooth on my phone.
I'm a big fan of noisey cars sooo.... on the rare occasion I drive more than local I close up my headers !
(I'm still a teenager kid stuck in a 76 year old body)
6sally6
I doubt many of these old & deaf guys on this site have many recommendations for audio stuff.
(well maybe a preferred brand of hearing aid.)
6sal6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

10/24/2024 4:44 AM  #7


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I use the stereo in my car all the time.  My advice would be as follows:

1.) Use a regular single DIN chassis head unit and figure out how to mount it either in the dash or elsewhere.  IMO the "custom fit" head units are mostly junk, as they are a series of compromises.  A standard head unit is based on proven existing layouts, and I've never had one fail in 30 years of messing with stereos.

2.) You don't need two subs.  These cars are small.  A single 10" sub in a properly built box is all you need.  That's what I run and it knocks if I want it to.  Plenty of bass for typical rock music (even fine for the rap I occasionally listen to).  Its actually set far lower than what it can put out.  I have an adjustable gain control, but have never even touched it. 

3.) For the rear deck just get a decent set of 6x9 2 or 3 way speakers.  For the front you can do a couple things.  Kick panel speakers are great for midrange, but you will be able to tell the sound is coming from your feet at higher frequencies.  This is where dash speakers would be better, though even there you may notice where the sound originates.  I chose to use component speakers in the front.  I have mids in the kick panels and tweeters on small mounts I built for the A-pillar (set at ear level).  You could put the tweeters in the dash instead, but I ran that setup on my K-5 years ago, and it was good, but still not IMO ideal.  If you look at modern high end factory stereos the tweeters are in the A-pillar trim almost always. 

4.) I would run two amps, A 4 channel for the speakers with a low pass filter to send those signals to a dedicated sub amp.  Get a sub amp that is a 2 channel that can be bridged.  You'll need less amp for the same power.  You don't really need stereo bass.  You'll get enough from the mids that your ear will never notice its missing. 

Anyway, that's broad strokes.  Let me know if you have any other questions, and feel free to PM me. 
 

 

10/24/2024 7:37 AM  #8


Re: Stereo in a Classic

It's subjective just like paint color, and so many other things on our cars that can not be measured. I let my son install a stereo system in my car. It has a 10" subwoofer, 2,500 amp and other stuff in the trunk. Four 5½ round, two 6x9, and four tweeters in the cabin. It produces really good crisp and deep sounds at really loud volumes imo. I use it all the time for its backup camera and Bluetooth phone use, but rarely for musica.


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

10/24/2024 10:17 AM  #9


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I cut the dash and installed a Din1 radio from Crutchfield, with kick panel speakers and a Dakota Digital electronic antenna.    I previously had a Custom Auto Sound radio that fit the original dash but I was not happy with it.  I believe most Din1 radios available offer many more options and are less expensive than the ones that fit the original dash.  Plus, much easier to change out if necessary.
My biggest issue I have is with reception with both radios. 


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

10/24/2024 10:23 AM  #10


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I was fortunate to be given a factory 65 radio at the Bash in Bakersfield (thanks Jeff).
I'll be doing an Aurora conversion on it, it should be capable of doing what I need it to.
https://garytayman.com/stereo.htm
 


"Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
 

10/24/2024 10:33 AM  #11


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I installed this Alpine a couple of years back.   It works pretty well and has bluetooth which is nice for your Spotify tunes or steaming music.   You might have to cut your dash.  

Alpine UTE-73BT Digital media receiver (does not play discs) at Crutchfield

 

10/24/2024 2:24 PM  #12


Re: Stereo in a Classic

50vert wrote:

I was fortunate to be given a factory 65 radio at the Bash in Bakersfield (thanks Jeff).
I'll be doing an Aurora conversion on it, it should be capable of doing what I need it to.
https://garytayman.com/stereo.htm
 

 
Ol Jeff is a pretty generous guy.


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

10/24/2024 5:25 PM  #13


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I have been thinking of further butchering my dash to install a double DIN modern radio with a decent navigation system. Problem is, like modern modular EFI engines, it would be obsolete right after I got it installed.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

10/24/2024 6:16 PM  #14


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I've got a double din screen and when I connect my phone I can use Google maps or Waze. No concern with obsolete info


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

10/24/2024 6:52 PM  #15


Re: Stereo in a Classic

rpm wrote:

50vert wrote:

I was fortunate to be given a factory 65 radio at the Bash in Bakersfield (thanks Jeff).
I'll be doing an Aurora conversion on it, it should be capable of doing what I need it to.
https://garytayman.com/stereo.htm
 

 
Ol Jeff is a pretty generous guy.

Yep... Give him my thanks again when you next speak with him. Nice guy.


"Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
 

10/24/2024 7:23 PM  #16


Re: Stereo in a Classic

BobE wrote:

I cut the dash and installed a Din1 radio from Crutchfield, with kick panel speakers and a Dakota Digital electronic antenna.    I previously had a Custom Auto Sound radio that fit the original dash but I was not happy with it.  I believe most Din1 radios available offer many more options and are less expensive than the ones that fit the original dash.  Plus, much easier to change out if necessary.
My biggest issue I have is with reception with both radios. 

 
Have you tried a standard conventional antenna temporarily to see if reception improves?
Is the Dakota Digital antenna a “hidden” model?

 

10/25/2024 6:54 AM  #17


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I have a Kenwood KRC 3006 I bought in the late 1990's.  It's an AM/FM/cassette unit and it works pretty well.  It came with an "Aux" input in the back and I've run a line out so I can plug in my old iPod and listen to music on that.  I've got 2 6x9's mounted to the bracing panel behind the rear seat (I have a convertible), and they're powered by an 80 W RMS amp mounted in the trunk.  I've got two 5 inch speakers in the kick panels as well.

It sounds OK when I listen to it while putting around town (I also have a power antenna), but with the top down, there's not much use in listening to the audio at speeds over 35 mph because of all the wind noise.

It's fine with me - just driving it makes me smile, and the entertainment I get looking at the scenery around and above is far more than the audio system could ever provide.


Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
 

10/25/2024 7:53 AM  #18


Re: Stereo in a Classic

Nos681 wrote:

BobE wrote:

I cut the dash and installed a Din1 radio from Crutchfield, with kick panel speakers and a Dakota Digital electronic antenna.    I previously had a Custom Auto Sound radio that fit the original dash but I was not happy with it.  I believe most Din1 radios available offer many more options and are less expensive than the ones that fit the original dash.  Plus, much easier to change out if necessary.
My biggest issue I have is with reception with both radios. 

 
Have you tried a standard conventional antenna temporarily to see if reception improves?
Is the Dakota Digital antenna a “hidden” model?

Yes, it is 'hidden'.  I didn't want an external antenna.  I first had placed it in several places in the interior; laying on the dashboard, sitting between the front seats, hanging from the mirror, etc.  I ended up placing it above the sun visor on the passenger side (Although DD recommends installation at least 2" away from body metal).  I then bought an antenna extension cable and mounted it in the trunk, at least 2” away from body metal.  Reception is about the same in all the places I tried.
Any assistance in getting better reception is appreciated.

 


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

10/25/2024 11:34 AM  #19


Re: Stereo in a Classic

S'why I discovered Bluetooth is your friend. Tune into local radio station on the phone. I like the local Beach Music station...they give news&weather.
Anyhow.....I laid my antenna under the dash on top of the heater box. Works....OK...I insulated the connection where the cable plugs into the antenna base. Like I said....OK...(at least I didn't hafta poke-a-hole in my freshly painted fender !)
6sally6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

10/25/2024 12:50 PM  #20


Re: Stereo in a Classic

BobE wrote:

Nos681 wrote:

BobE wrote:

I cut the dash and installed a Din1 radio from Crutchfield, with kick panel speakers and a Dakota Digital electronic antenna.    I previously had a Custom Auto Sound radio that fit the original dash but I was not happy with it.  I believe most Din1 radios available offer many more options and are less expensive than the ones that fit the original dash.  Plus, much easier to change out if necessary.
My biggest issue I have is with reception with both radios. 

 
Have you tried a standard conventional antenna temporarily to see if reception improves?
Is the Dakota Digital antenna a “hidden” model?

Yes, it is 'hidden'.  I didn't want an external antenna.  I first had placed it in several places in the interior; laying on the dashboard, sitting between the front seats, hanging from the mirror, etc.  I ended up placing it above the sun visor on the passenger side (Although DD recommends installation at least 2" away from body metal).  I then bought an antenna extension cable and mounted it in the trunk, at least 2” away from body metal.  Reception is about the same in all the places I tried.
Any assistance in getting better reception is appreciated.

 

 
I would experiment and place antenna on dashboard by the factory speaker location, inboard side.
Perhaps try aluminum foil around antenna cable to shield noise.

If we see Sally in his car looking like My Favorite Martin, we will know it worked.😁

 

10/25/2024 12:55 PM  #21


Re: Stereo in a Classic

MS wrote:

I have been thinking of further butchering my dash to install a double DIN modern radio with a decent navigation system. Problem is, like modern modular EFI engines, it would be obsolete right after I got it installed.

In the last 2 years I've gotten a fair amount of experience with the Android head units on Amazon.  What I learned is they work well with enough computing power and memory. An 8 core cpu with at least 4gb of memory and 64gb of storage will work well.  I have the following unit in my daily driver '04 Jeep Liberty: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BYJWGTYL

This works well.  I use it by turning on the hotspot in my phone and connecting the stereo to the phone's wifi.  Once done, it is like using any other android computer/phone.  For navigation I use Google Maps.

 

Last edited by Rufus68 (10/25/2024 12:58 PM)


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
 

10/26/2024 5:33 AM  #22


Re: Stereo in a Classic

Nos681 wrote:

BobE wrote:

Nos681 wrote:


 
Have you tried a standard conventional antenna temporarily to see if reception improves?
Is the Dakota Digital antenna a “hidden” model?

Yes, it is 'hidden'.  I didn't want an external antenna.  I first had placed it in several places in the interior; laying on the dashboard, sitting between the front seats, hanging from the mirror, etc.  I ended up placing it above the sun visor on the passenger side (Although DD recommends installation at least 2" away from body metal).  I then bought an antenna extension cable and mounted it in the trunk, at least 2” away from body metal.  Reception is about the same in all the places I tried.
Any assistance in getting better reception is appreciated.

 

 
I would experiment and place antenna on dashboard by the factory speaker location, inboard side.
Perhaps try aluminum foil around antenna cable to shield noise.

If we see Sally in his car looking like My Favorite Martin, we will know it worked.😁

Yep, tried the places you mentioned, and several others.  I'll give the aluminum foil a try although I'm not picking up "noise", just poor reception (when compared to my daily drivers).  I'll also add that I don't have any capacitors installed on the alternator, or ignition as these are also to eliminate nosie that the antenna could pick up.  (maybe the poor reception can't even pick that up!) 
 


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

10/26/2024 6:50 AM  #23


Re: Stereo in a Classic

Did existing radio have good reception with the fender mount antenna?

Could the radio be the problem?

Perhaps a loose solder connection in radio?

 

10/28/2024 10:04 AM  #24


Re: Stereo in a Classic

Well, it had a replacement radio (and butchered up dash to go with it) when I bought it and I never really drove it, or tried to listen to the radio. Basically, the car needed to be rebuilt/restored from the time I bought it so there wasn’t any ‘road time’ with the car.
This is the second radio I've had in it, same reception issues with both.
Also, this is the second DD electronic antenna as I thought that was the problem.
As this condition still exists after the above actions, I'm doubting it is problem with both radios or both antennas.
 
Before mounting in the trunk, with the extension cable, I was able to place it in several places in the back seat area, no change.
Just not sure what to do … but the Bluetooth works and I can listen to music from my phone.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

10/29/2024 8:32 AM  #25


Re: Stereo in a Classic

I’m still old school with an antenna in the fender.
I have a 90’s vintage Sony radio that still works well.
Don’t recall the last time I played a cassette in it.

Sometimes I don’t even bother with the radio stations as I tire of the commercial to music ratio.
I tend to listen to CD’s.

When I drove to the Vandalia Bash via San Antonio, I never turned on the radio.
I just enjoyed the ride.

Last edited by Nos681 (10/29/2024 8:35 AM)

 

Board footera


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