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11/29/2015 2:46 PM  #1


Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

1965 Mustang Conv/289 2v/3 sp

Keeping AM in dash, but will disconnect. New stereo in glovebox and will connect new stereo power to current green/red connection which was power to AM, and black ground to black ground. My question is where do I connect new stereo memory wire to? I know it needs constant power what is easiest setup? Thanks for any advice.

 

11/29/2015 4:38 PM  #2


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

probably have to go to fuse panel OR run to battery and bring a new wire back to stereo

 

11/29/2015 6:07 PM  #3


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

X-2^^^^^
I learned the hard way.....you need a big enough wire to power a new radio/system. Tiny stock size wire just won't do it!


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

11/29/2015 6:11 PM  #4


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

I stole constant 12v from my instrument cluster.  I believe it was one of the wires that used to run the factory ammeter.  It was a yellow wire as I recall.  Granted, that's in a '67, so wiring for the '65 is probably somewhat different. 

 

11/29/2015 7:44 PM  #5


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

You are talking about the Keep Alive power, not the power to run the stereo, sub-wooofer, three 500w amps, and the hydraulicx....right.

KA power can come from one of the Amp gauge wires...if you have the Delux interior...or you can pick always hot off of the "B" lug of the Ignition switch.  For a normal, not amped, modern stereo, you should be okay pulling power from the "A" (Accessory) lead leaving the Ign. switch.  When I first did our car I used a Crapstom Auto Sound radio with four spkrs and just connected it to the stock radio pwr lead...no problem.  I'm using a Retro Sound Model 2 on  16ga feed off of a 20 amp fuse in the latest iteration without trouble.  So Id say if you aren't running a bunch of amps you probably won't need a heavy power source.  Or, you can always wire in a relay with power directly from the batt. and switch it from the ACC lug of the Ign switch.  That way you know you'll be ok.  But for a normal radio I think that may be overkill.

BB



 

Last edited by Bullet Bob (11/29/2015 8:35 PM)


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

11/29/2015 8:47 PM  #6


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

You could try off your lighter wire. 

 

11/29/2015 8:56 PM  #7


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

Steve69 wrote:

You could try off your lighter wire. 

Good call, Steve.  I forgot all about that.

BB


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

11/29/2015 9:12 PM  #8


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

Bullet Bob wrote:

Steve69 wrote:

You could try off your lighter wire. 

Good call, Steve.  I forgot all about that.

BB

  Thanks BB!  I've tapped that one a few times BB..LOL  
 

 

11/30/2015 7:59 AM  #9


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

There should be a couple of unused female bullet receptacles hanging behind the instrument cluster. Use a test light and find the one that is hot all the time. Put a male bullet terminal on the wire and plug it in. That is what I did on my RetroSound radio. 

Last edited by zakdaddy99 (11/30/2015 8:00 AM)


Good, fast or cheap. Pick any two...
 

12/01/2015 11:25 AM  #10


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

Steve69 wrote:

You could try off your lighter wire. 

 +1
I tapped into the cigarette lighter wire on my '67 mustang and my '68 F100... works great
 

 

12/01/2015 2:04 PM  #11


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

Thanks for advice. I will probably start with cig lighter connection for constant 12v source.  I will use a test meter though so not to short anything out. It will be a simple stereo connect, no amplifiers, 6.5 ' kick panel speakers, and 2 small 3.5 in front dash. Has to be better than original AM with what looks to be original speaker??  I have changed mounting location from glove box and ordered TMI center console and will plug stereo in console.  I may change wiring that came with stereo as it looks to be very small I guess 18 ga.

     Thread Starter
 

12/02/2015 9:12 AM  #12


Re: Connecting new Stereo in my 65 Mustang

My memory wire is running to the battery straight.

And power from a relayed fuse box under the dash that also powers other 'misc' items in the cabiN, which goes with what 6sally6 said. Stock little dinky wire to power the stereo is a disaster waiting to happen. I have a 8 gauge (if I remember correctly running to that fuse box which can handle about a 100a on the wire) and then a fuse in the fuse panel. But that's not what you asked so it's free info...

Last edited by Gaba (12/02/2015 9:14 AM)


If it aint broke, I have'nt tried to "Fix" it yet!
 

Board footera


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