Radio idea.........need a donor.....

[woodscavenger]

I want a 12v system with cd/mp3/bluetooth, etc but don't want it to show. I was thinking about finding a vintage radio that was dead and cutting it off behind the face so I can make a hingable face plate out of the old radio and mount the new one behind it. Does anyone see any major flaws in this? I would probably use rare earth magnets as the closure mechanism.

[BobT-47P15]

There are some previous threads about such things.

James Douglas has invented a system.

I think Pete (blueskies) has a conversion deal with his radio.

And some others have done certain things.

Maybe they'll chime in here.......

[busycoupe]

I left the radio face plate in place and mounted a new Sony radio/CD player in the glove box of my D24. It is a very simple installation and I didn't have to cut anything except for a small hole in the back of the glovebox for wires. I mounted a small, powered antenna (about 3 in. long) inside the windshield behind the mirror and ran the wire under the garnish moulding. For a speaker I got a dual cone unit that mounts in the dash in the original spot. It is true that to turn on, or adjust the radio I have to open the glove box, but you would have to open your radio faceplate to adjust the radio in your installation.

Just food for thought.

Dave

[Captain Neon]

S/M ElectroTech does a conversion like what you want. Visit their website at http://www.turnswitch.com. You should be able to find an 802, 602, or even a Motorola aftermarket radio to be converted that will fit the space in your dash on eBay. Some one on this forum may even have a core that they would sell you.

The TurnSwitch conversion works quite well, and I enjoyed mine just this morning when I went to the post office.

[Captain Neon]

For a speaker I got a dual cone unit that mounts in the dash in the original spot.

Dave

Dave, where did you get your speaker? Do they have a website? I am considering mounting some marine speakers in my kickpanels, but would prefer something a little less visible.

[adam_knox]

I know there is a place you can send in your radio and they convert for you, even make the dials and push buttons work.

I left my car 6 volt, and bought a new stereo and velcro'd it under the seat. I then got a 6 to 12 volt converter box, also velcro'd under the seat. Put two speakers in the kick panel sheet metal holes (used nylon bolts as to not have any voltage accidents!). Sounds great, plus doesn't harm the car (minus the drill holes to hold the speakers). Since I use a mp3 player, don't need to futz with the stereo, even though its easy enough to just reach down and change volume, stations etc while still watching the road (i got long arms!).

Cost total was about 380 bucks. 240 for speakers (got nice loud ones (gotta be able to beat out the wind in the conv.), 100 bucks for stereo (needed one that pumped out lotsa watts without too much drag on battery), 30 bucks for converter, and 16 bucks on nylon bolts, velcro and rubber spacers to stamp out any vibrations. Honestly the best money I've spent on my car so far!

Good luck with whatever you choose...

oh, back when I had the Plymouth I just used battery operated computer speakers (they were also conviently 6 volts!) and my mp3 player. When not driving or parked in a parking lot all fit nicely in the glove box. Total cost:$15 Zero installation time!

[busycoupe]

I got the speaker, hideaway antenna, and power inverter from a place called "Soundmoves". They sell Custom Autosound products, and others. Service was quick and good. I bought an inexpensive Sony radio at our local Best Buy store.

http://www.soundmove.com/radiofront.htm

Dave

[woodie49]

I had my regular AM radio rebuilt because I wanted it to be stock like the rest of the car (not really sure why I should care about the radio). But, I did have a jack put in that allows me to plug in my Ipod and play it through my radio.

With only one speaker, the sound is not impressive, but I can listen to everything on my Ipod, and at shows, I just let it play surf music.

If I were going to put in a nice disguised radio, I would also need to figure out where to put in nice disguised speakers. If I spent more time driving it, I think it would be worth it. But, without air conditioning, we just spend a couple hours a weekend making up places to go. And that will stop pretty soon until fall.

[Joel Torres]

i also have to hit this topic later and thought what if i make the grill in the dash flip down ?????and have the radio behind it i have two extra dashes so when the time comes il will figure something out also another reason for this idea is it has slots so if a radio is behind it i should be able to feed cd right thru the slot to the radio what do ya think ?

[hkestes41]

Here are a couple of things that may be of interest.

Discussion of a simple IPod installation from the HAMB

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243821

Hidden Audio System

http://www.vintagevibes.net/Stereos/secretaudio.htm

[littleman]

Kept front 2in of radio(push buttons still work) left room for elec wiper motor. Made consul for radio that would handle Ipod+, cup holders, remote for radio, no need to overstretch, top lifts off for extra storage, glove box stays orignal use, speakers in kick panels. Works for me, and her.

AL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/1948ply/P15%20Pics/DSC_0330.jpg