Looking for recommendations for a complete sound system for my 57' 88

On a 12 volt system now...want a cd/radio/ satellite radio..with maybe two front speakers and rear..with some bass

Anyone ever see a complete package for these older cars?

Much thanks

 

Custom all the way. Get a head unit that has all the choices you want or ever will need and built it from there. you can buy the wire kits for the amps and the head unit will come with a plug but everything else is up to you.

 

I am opting for something simple... Bose or Harmon Kardon battery powered unit with Blue tooth... I will run it from my smart phone! no cutting metal and upholstery. at $400 cheaper than a good sound system... can't hear much with the exhaust and the top down anyway! :-D

 

My god there are so many options for car stereo stuff from mid to wild. You can do a lot with a little depending on your skill level.

 

I took my original 1964 delco am radio and had it refit as AM/FM sterio with MP3. I installed new original size speaker in front ( made with two small high quality speakers in one) and I added one original size speaker in rear (with two small high quality speakers in one) The sound is great and since I don't drive it every day it is all I need. The radio looks original but I get all the bells of a new radio. The complete refit was $ 400.00 including speakers.Company was in MN and are great to work with

 

How stock looking do you intend on staying? No cutting or drilling? Can you sacrifice any trunk space? Lots of options out there.

 

Ahhh so many choices, So im debating on either using the glove box, or taking out OG radio.. As you can see, this car will never be 100% ALL OG.

I am taking rjohnson advice, and probably get a head unit, see where i can cut speakers into the kick panles or doors. try and mouont one in rear window panel. and throw some bass in trunk or under the front seat.

with some research i see that its not as bad as first thought. having to completely overhaul the stereo got me nervious.

 

The general rule of thumb on speakers, 2 - 6x9 under the rear deck, you can get creative on whether you want to hide them or not. In the front most use 2 - 6" rounds in the door panel or front kick panel. I like 2 way speakers, cars are not the best for audiophiles unless you have big bucks. Sub in trunk to me is optional.

Head units with 4 channel rca pre outs are pretty standard. I've found that the less expensive units put out great sound, as I am not that much into hi tech gadgets or lengthy programming because when you disconnect power, you have reprogram again. It's a PIA, so keep it simple.

If you did not buy a high output head unit then the most important part of your system is the amp and where you place it for ease of wiring. I like under the front seat it keeps it dry. I use studs and standoffs so I can remove a few nuts, lift it up and pull it out for adjustments. 500 watt amps with a sub output are great, unless you want to power the world.

 

great info, amp for sure! 4 channel is what I needed to hear.

cheers

 

I went very cheap. Bought a used jvc newer head unit with ipod jack in the front for $40 on craigslist, then purchased used kicker 6x9s for the rear deck off of ebay, then picked up 2 5 inch kickers off ebay and mounted them facing down under my front dash where they are right above my feet facing down. Got the whole system used for $100 bucks and if flat out rocks. Kicker is the way to go...

 

I wondered how facing down under dash sounds? Get any muffle? How did you attach?

Craigslist is key

 

Not really. I think it worked out great. Used small L bracket and screwed it to it. You can use zip ties also. My front speaker is out so the sound actually makes it's way up.

 

Nice ...I have a lot to consider

 

If you want good sound, you need an amp. "High power head unit" is an oxymoron - no room for high power components in them.
I used a 50WRMSx4 MB Quart amp powering 6 speakers. It is pretty loud, even with the top down. Bass is okay but no booming. If you want that, get a bazooka type sub to mount in the trunk.
This amp fit well under the seat. Take very good measurements. Since this one had an internal fan, I mounted it on a thin piece of masonite.

If you decide to cut holes in your doors or such, you can disguise them by painting the grilles like I did here...


My doors and rear quarters were already hacked by the previous owner, so it was an easy decision to use the holes. I gotta have my tunes!

 

Put 12" dual voice coil subs in the package tray with a 6*9 powered by 1800 watts with laminate flooring