Hi All,

I recently picked up an very clean 8-track for my '68 Vista which has the factory AM/FM. The 8 track has the original wiring harness and I picked up a new housing. A few questions.

1) How the heck do I remove the radio!

2) The 8-track harness has all of the connectors on the other end. When I pull the radio will I find the matching radio / vehicle harness connectors already there from the factory?

Thanks.

Mike

 

its been awhile since i had mine out but,

-the radio ***** slide\pull off and there are nuts underneath them.

-there is a screw or two on the back of the radio, go up from under it to reach them.

-probably have to remove things to get to it (vent ducts, etc).


i am not sure if the wire connections are there or not, if not from the factory.

 

you shouldn't have to remove the radio to hook up the 8-track IFC

 

The eight track harness inter-connects with the radio harness and all you need to do is get the mounting holes in the correct location... leave the radio in place...

 

Check your 1968 Cutlass/442 assembly manual (mounting and wiring is the same for your Vista Cruiser), manual section 1-3 page 322 on how the 8-track assembly mounts below the dash. Check manual section 12, page 322 for wiring your 8-track in with your existing radio. If you don't have an assembly manual, go to www.wildaboutcars.com and join - it's free. Look around the site and you will eventually find the complete 1968 Cutlass/442 assembly manual that you can download for free. The assembly manual is a valuable document that comes in so handy (along with the Chassis Service Manual) in doing repairs, upgrading options, and restoring these cars.

Randy C.

 

Mike,
If you run into any problems with your 8 track, ask one of our members W70442 (Randy) He rebuilds these and know just about everything there is to know about gittin' r done.
Enjoy your new unit.

X2 on Randy C's comment re: Wild About Cars. Mine was just an add on if you ran into any issues.

 

Thanks All,

Randy and Wild About Cars were both great leads.

Unit has now been cleaned, lubed, bench tested, and is ready to go.

The '68 does not have predrilled mounting holes. Other than that, should be a piece of cake.

 

I'n not 100 percent sure on this but there might be markings on the underside of your dash that show where the holes are supposed to be drilled for the 8-track. Check to make sure before you try to guess where it is supposed to go. I know that, if you look at the firewall, there are "divits" where various attachments are supposed to go, based on what options are on the car. Those same "divits" just might be on the underside rim of your dash. If you don't see anything, I suggest finding someone who has a factory-installed 8-track and take measurements to make sure your 8-track is mounted in the correct spot. It appears to be centered below the radio but it certainly is not centered above the hump. I've attached a picture of the 8-track in my brother's '68 4-4-2 for starters. I'd measure his but it is a 7.5 hour drive away from me!

Randy C.

 

I gave Mike this onfo via email earlier but thought I'd post this incase someone else searches for this in the future. This is assuming that the 68/69 8 tracks are installed in the same position, left to right, in the car as the 70-72's. It also assumes that the courtesy light socket is in the same location on the 68/69 and 70-72's.
Regarding drilling the 3/8" holes for the threaded studs for the 8 track mounting brackets, I measured my 70 and the center of the passenger side hole is 12 3/8" from the center of the passenger side courtesy light socket/hole. The center of the driver side hole is 26 5/8" from the center of the passenger side courtesy light socket/hole.
I've never seen any dimples for these locations on 68/69's or seen any documentation on locating the holes. If anyone has information to the contrary, please post it.

 

That is going to be one classy additon to your VC, I think! As a stupid aside, do you actually have any 8-track tapes that still work? LOL! I would like to make that addition to the FlatTop, as I DO have some Sly & the Family Stone and Commodores tapes of the day (if they still work, of course). More LOL!

 

What I remember most about 8 tracks was always wondering when the "tape" were going to wind tight.
railguy

 

Aron,
I have a 68 8 track waiting right here for ya.

Randy

 

hi have a 95 amfm casette- looking for a amfmcd with olds logo. where did you find your 8 track?

willr

 

I have a nice restored 8 track available if you're interested.

 

randy--thanks for the come back,but i need a c/d am fm
willr

 

How much for the 8 track?
railguy

 

Railguy,
Thanks for the interest in the 8 track. I don't want to steal this thread so I'll pm you the details on the 8 track.