I am in the middle of a total interior replacement and am really in a quandry about the radio. It's the only thing holding up completing my dash. I bought and sent back a retro-sound radio and am not impressed with Custom Auto Sound. What kind of sound quality can I expect from these original radios? I would like to have something that sounds nice. I have already installed 6 X9 infinity's in the package tray and plan on kick panel speakers. Has anyone upgraded their original radio with MP3/IPOD capability? Can I add an amp to an original radio and would the wiring be there? I'm not sure which way to go?

 

If you want to go with original radio, your infinity speakers probably have to go. GM used 10 Ohm speakers only. The original sound doesn't match todays super tech sound, but it's pretty decent, considering what's driving the sound. Loud can work. My car came with AM front speaker only. It's upgrade is the AM/FM Stereo with factory (lower dash mounted pod) 8track and dual rear speakers. If you want to compare with today's cars, no it's not the same. Is it decent? Yes. FYI Radios are such a personal thing. Lots of people leave the factory radio in the dash for show and have aftermarket components hidden in the dash, ashtray or trunk. Depends on what you want my friend. Doesn't sound like you're doing a concours restoration; more like a car that's comfortable, looks cool and plays great tunes as you cruise down the expressway.

 

Actually, I haven't deviated from it's original appearance yet. Unless you count the fact that I'm changing from Saddle Brown to Black. So I think the best option is to find and original radio for the dash and go with the "Hide-away". I can leave the original hooked to the dash speaker so that it is still functional. Then use the infinity speakers for the hide-away.

 

I will be leaving the original radio in the dash, and hooking up an amp under the bench seat in my '62. I can just plug in an iPod or whatever into the amp via a 1/8" to RCA jack. Keeps the original look with modern sound.

If I want radio, I can plug in the XM unit or my phone with a built in FM receiver.