Help me build my stereo system!

[1969CamaroRS]

First off, its a 1969 Camaro. The car isn't stock as it does have a built BBC, suspension and brakes. But I am trying to keep the exterior and interior looking as stock as possible. With that said, my goal is a nice sounding stereo system with AUX input for an IPod. I'd like to run some decent sized speakers that sound good but in the factory locations (ie no speaker boxes or sub-woofers in the trunk). Just a nice sounding original looking system with modern IPoD hookup.

So far doing research seems to point to something like this - Antique Automobile Radio:

http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/newradio0F.htm#camaro

TC thread the above radio:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=130127



Coupled with something like this for kickpanel speakers:

http://www.firewheelclassics.com/sto...D=&SKU=KP-69WS

Anyone have any experience with the kickpanels on the 69 from Firewheel?

Want to put some good speakers in the rear package tray (6x9s sound like they fit right?). Any suggestions on a good brand that sounds and fits nicely?

Not sure if I should upgrade the dash speaker as well, maybe one of the Kenwood duals from Classic:

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~dyndetail~Z5Z5Z50000136b~Z5Z5Z5AABLZ~ P89.95~~~~~~~F

Anyone have any experiences with a decent/good sounding center speaker? Or is it overkill with kick-panel and rear deck speakers?


Not really set on anything other than the general direction of trying to keep things looking stock but still be able to listen to my IPOD. Any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated, especially on speaker selection / fitment. Not opposed to running an amp especially to get 6 speakers, just nothing crazy, I don't need that boom boom you hear coming from some cars, on my car it will be the engine :thumbsup:


Thanks in advance!

[KMD]

I am looking for the same thing you are in a sound system. I have already had my AM radio converted to AM/FM stereo with AUX input for a I-pod or CD player. I used S&M Electro -Tech www.turnswitch.com I highly recommend, really nice folks.

I installed it about two weeks ago and I am completely happy, kept the factory look and gives me some modern features. It really works well and the I-Pod is way to cool. Plug it in to the radio and it converts automatically to the I-Pod!

I only have two very old 6X9 in the rear package tray and they need to be replaced. I also was going to run the front speakers in the kick panel. S&M told me I don't need to run the dash speaker if I am running the speakers in the kick panels. S&M sales speakers also just not sure if I will purchase them through them or try and get something local.

I want the system to sound as good as it can but within reason. I have spoke to a few local installers and they all just talk about subs and amps. I also am not opposed to that as long as it is not over the top.

[nekkidhillbilly]

can you put a din radio in camaro without hacking them up or the mount panels are repoped one?

[1969CamaroRS]

can you put a din radio in camaro without hacking them up or the mount panels are repoped one?

Dunno, sounds like from the threads I read to fit a Din you have to cut the dash up. Shafted radios are the only ones that fit and have to be a certain size even then.

[1969CamaroRS]

Having done more research this is what I think I might go with:

Tried calling and emailing the people that make the Antique Automobile Radio, but they don't seem to answer the phone or respond to emails.

So Retrosound model one seems to be another alternative if I don't want to cut my dash:

http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/details/id/19
$299.00.

But it seems that in order to not cut the dash, I'm paying a lot of money for not much of a receiver. Thinking of maybe just biting the bullet and somehow fitting a good Alpine CDA-9887 in the dash for about the same amount of money.

$325.00 -

Which gives a lot more bang for the buck (built in CD, EQ, 6 4v pre-amps etc) and should sound a lot better too.

Thinking of going with an Alpine 5 channel amp PDX-5 (nice and small should be easy to hide). Run some Polk Audio 5-1/4" speakers in the kickpanels and some 6-1/2" speakers in the rear deck lid. Along with a small Polk Audion 8" sub-woofer in a sealed enclosure (~ .35cu feet) in the trunk (hopefully hidden way back). All connected to the Alpine amp. Then run some tweeters in the front dash driven by the receiver.

Going to limit the frequencies to the rear deck 6-1/2" speakers to 100-250 and the 5-1/4" to 250-3k, subwoofer to under 100hz and the tweeters over 3000hz.

[Vegas69]

I agree.....a stock looking deck is a waste of money if it's not original. It's not going to ruin your sleeer look. I have a nice alpine that you can control your ipod with. Pretty cheap on ebay. If you want to maintain your astro ventilation you can easily modify a set of stock kick panels like I did. I like the fresh air especially on a nice cool night. The vintage air kits use recirc.

[1969CamaroRS]

Hey Todd,

What did you end up going with for a headunit, amp and speakers/sub?

[Vegas69]

I went with the Kenwood dash speakers like you may be doing. The rest is all JL 6 channel amp, 4's in the kicks, 6x9's under the rear dash invisible, and 10" sub firing through the rear dash invisible as well. The deck is a Alpine IDA x200. http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=iDA-X200I actually didn't realize it didn't have a cd player but don't need it since I plan to upload all my favorites on my new ipod. My car is in the interior shop getting the box built and misc so I can't say how good it sounds. I'm sure it will be more than enough.

[1969CamaroRS]

So your sub is in the rear deck as well? Or is in the trunk with separate box?

Did the 4s fit with plenty of room? I'm wondering if I will run into problems fitting the 5-1/4s.

Thanks for the info.

[Vegas69]

6x9's are mounted in the rear dash like stock. Sub will be in a seperate box firing through a hole in the rear dash. The rear dash will be covered with a material that will allow sound through but conceal the speakers. The amp will be on the rear side of the box frenched in with the trunk carpeted.

As far as the 4's go you need to be careful. There is not much room depth wise. I used some sound deadener and have very little clearance. I'd get the kicks first and take some measurments. The hinge mounting hole is not overly large or deep. I suppose you could enlarg it in diameter. But you can't gain much depth. You will need to be perfect for anything bigger than what I did.

[skatinjay27]

hate to do it but you killing me todd... around here we call it rear DECK. lol

you been to the int shop to check on it? grace us with some pics.

[Vegas69]

Yes sir......I'm not sure if they have started on the back deck. LOL I don't even know if they have started on the car. Supposedly Friday. I 'm going to give them a month and see where it's at. If I don't like the progress I'll be picking it up.

[jst8a5.0]

Vegas, can you HEAR your setup over the motor?

[Vegas69]

Oh heck ya....it cranks man. I need to rebalance the system because it was tuned with the engine off. The dash speakers need resistors and the back needs a little more sound but it's got some punch.

[Tom 72RS/SS]

I've been thinking of doing the same but need visual stimulation!
You should do a YouTube video link of your setup so we can see how it looks and hear how it thumps.

[1969CamaroRS]

Gotta build it first,

[DaSouthWon]

I say lose the middle dash speakers if you want any kind of SQ or sound stage. If your looking only for loudness then the more the marrier. You could use the center dash speaker and add on a Dolby surround sound processor, which without a DVD player is kind of pointless, however it will send most of your midrange vocals to the center. I think as it sits the center channel is going to make it actually sound worse than it would if you only used the two front and two rear speakers.

[Vegas69]

I'm getting ready to put in restrictors in my center dash speakers. They do over power the balance.

[boynton6spd]

Why not just adjust the fade?

[1969CamaroRS]

I'm currently thinking just 5-1/4 in the kickpanels with some tweeters in the A-Arms, 6-1/2 in the rear deck with a 10" sub somewhere either hidden under the package tray or mounted like Vegas has his (in the rear tray in the middle with a box mounted underneath).