Radio opinion

[mtuck]

Alright guys,

I have a question and want everybodies opinion. I am currently rewiring my car and i am thinking about changing my radio out. My question is:

1. Do i leave it stock and get a new one?
2. Do i say screw it and cut it up and put in a new CD player?

I was thinking that leaving it stock might bring value later..

Thanks
Matthew

[Steve1968LS2]

It depends.. if you are cutting up other parts of the car then don't sweat cutting up the dash for a new headunit.

If not then it's true that in time a non-cut-up car will most likely have a higher value. How about a hidden audio system where the headunit is mounted in the glovebox and controled via remote?

[mtuck]

I have not cut anything up on this yet. But i have been considering mini-tubbing it to accommodate some bigger wheels. Right now it is a mostly stock interior with just a few gauges that i have added.

[Steve1968LS2]

I have not cut anything up on this yet. But i have been considering mini-tubbing it to accommodate some bigger wheels. Right now it is a mostly stock interior with just a few gauges that i have added.

If you decide to mini-tub then I wouldn't sweat cutting the dash.. "in for a penny in for a pound" comes to mind..

[mtuck]

Well then comes my next question. How bad does it hurt the value if you do cut up a car. (ie. mini--tubbed) Or is it all subjective?? I just want to make sure i do not mess up my car for when or if i do sell it.

[gearbanger]

What kind of car is it?

Is it rusty? Basically anything you do can be undone, so I always opt for doing it the way I want it.

[mtuck]

The car is almost completetly done. It is a 67' Camaro. I am just finishing up on the wiring and hopefully it will be running on the street. Here is a couple of pictures the car so far.

[6'9"Witha69]

Cut it. The benefit is worth it and doesn't hurt the value unless the only market is a bunch of concours types.

[formula]

I cut mine. sometimes I feel a very small bit bad about it, but then I remember that it's so much nicer this way.

[shmoov69]

Hack it up unless it is some rare optioned car. I dunno about the 67or8's, but the 9's have a new dash that can go in place of the original if you screw it up too bad.

[PRO TC]

i mounted mine in the glove dept. its kinda pain in the ass but i like the look of the stock dash. it cant be made to look that good mounted in the dash with the slant.
barry

[dogtag]

There are several outfits that make a radio/player that looks like the
original but has all the modern features.
They fit in the same holes and sound fantastic.
Haven't you seen them in some of the mags?
I'll look the next time I go in to meditate......

Dogtag

[Damn True]

There are aftermarket dash centerpanels for the 67-8. If you put an aftermarket head unit in the car you can replace it.
If the looks of a modern unit bug you there is always the custom autosound type deals that look old, but have modern guts.
Or, like Steve suggested, keep the old school unit in place but put a modern, remote controlled unit in the glovebox.
Warning: If you do that, don't leave the remote on the trans hump. It screams, "I have an expensive hidden stereo!". I've had one swiped that way from a Jeep Cherokee I once had.

[DarkBuddha]

It recently struck me that with my new iPod and an FM transmitter (or even a strategically placed stereo 1/8" connector going to a hidden amp) that it is no longer necessary to retrofit a new deck just to have a CD player. You can score a low end iPod and an FM transmitter for under $150 new. I just bought a 40 gig original click wheel (no video or photos) unit for $189 and I got an FM transmitter for $30 (it also holds the iPod and plugs into the cigarette lighter to charge the iPod). Plus I can take it anywhere, which I've found actually has made a huge impact on my life (as a doctoral student in music composition).

Anyway, just a thought...

[dropit69]

mtuck i see you never sold it..still waiting to cut my car up too..lol

[mtuck]

No I have not sold it yet. Still want to trade...hahaha

I tried to fix the wiring but decided to rewire the whole car. I am still pondering on selling it. I guess if the price was right i would sell it today. Then I would plan a lot better before I started again. Let me know if you decide to cut your up... not sure i could.

[harshman]

I removed the radio and did this:



I'll put the radio under the seat or something after I get board with engine noise.

[ProTeal55]

I am having the same delima with my 55.
It has come time to upgrade the stereo in the car, and I am unsure of what to do about the headunit.

The car came with a "new radio that looks old" unit, to maintain the era correct look, but the quality is crap (I used to be a huge Audiophile). I would love to go with a higher end Alpine unit, but I think that would destroy the overall look of the dash on the car, but the sound quality advantage might be worth it.

I am leaning more and more towards keeping the radio in the dash, and putting the new one in the glovebox. This, along with a 5-channel Alpine V12 Amp, MB Quart internal speakers, and one JL 10'' sub should make the 55 sound great cruisn down the road.

[dropit69]

mtuck straight up yours for mine..really?? wow ..i will prolly have to do that j/k ya got a sweet car there cant wait to see it all done and rollling..

[shmoov69]

I am having the same delima with my 55.
It has come time to upgrade the stereo in the car, and I am unsure of what to do about the headunit.

The car came with a "new radio that looks old" unit, to maintain the era correct look, but the quality is crap (I used to be a huge Audiophile). I would love to go with a higher end Alpine unit, but I think that would destroy the overall look of the dash on the car, but the sound quality advantage might be worth it.

I am leaning more and more towards keeping the radio in the dash, and putting the new one in the glovebox. This, along with a 5-channel Alpine V12 Amp, MB Quart internal speakers, and one JL 10'' sub should make the 55 sound great cruisn down the road.

Here is what I did with my 58. I wanted a stock look also so I made the head unit dissapear! Could use a little refining or hiding of the sides, just haven't got that far yet. When you open the ashtray, the stereo comes up. It will look neat when I get the interior totally redone.