My '71 Cutlass 4dr HT just went to the body shop for the winter and now I have turned my attention to the audio.

I am installing Infinity Reference 6x9's in the deck and 6.5" in the kick panel (from OPGI or other supplier). My issue comes down to stereo location and installation.

I want to use a JVC KD-HDR1 but wish to retain the original AM radio in working shape. I also do not wish to mount this stereo under the dash. This means two or three good locations to mount and hide (under the seat, glove box or the trunk). The problem that this presents is a usable detachable faceplate. I have a theory that if I can get the connectors from JVC for the head unit and faceplate, I can build a cable to snake through the car to control the stereo.

Does anyone have any other suggestions other than the unit that Custom Autosound sells?

Thanks
Tony

 

I am an occasional member at "the oldsmobile connection" website and there are more people into audio over there. In fact, I think the moderator is really into it big. Check them out.

http://www.oldsconnection.com/forum/portal.php

 

Thanks, I just copied my post to that site.

If anyone here has any suggestions, I would appreciate them.

Tony

 

I had the same situation in my '64 Cutlass. What I ended up getting was a Dual tuner/receiver, which also offers a marine remote which also accommodates an iPod/MP3 player. I mounted the receiver and amp (Kenwood) in the trunk. The remote wire is long enough to run up to my center console, which I can easily tuck away (in case a purist gets near, lol), and I can plug in my iPod there too. I got my stuff from Crutchfield.

Hope this helps.

 

Markowyo, thanks for the heads up on the marine gear. I think I have settled on the Jensen MSR2007 with the iPod data cable and an iPod extension cable from these guys.

I appreciate the pointer to the marine gear, I never would have considered that.

Tony

 

A little different idea, I don't smoke so I cut the ash tray out of the dash on a car and built a box behind the door. With the ash tray door closed you only saw the factory AM radio, flip the door up and I can adjust the stereo. I did this on the blue car which is a Cutlass, I wouldn't suggest cutting the dash on a 442 or something with a lot of collector value. John

 

John, I had considered that also but didn't want to cut up my dash to do that.

BTW, have you checked on the parts?

 

You know, I have seen modern radios that are made to fit into the dash of an early GM car. They don't look completely authentic but they make different designs that are pretty slick. I recall seeing one that was flat black and blended well with an early GM dash. That might be an option. Then you could take the old radio out and keep it handy but have a more modern radio to listen to your tunes in stereo. I know they make them with CD players as well where you mount a 5 or 10 CD case in the trunk and have the ability to shuffle at the head unit. There are alot of options out there. Unfortunately, I don't know much about aftermarket sound stuff.

 

Good topic as I am considering installing a stereo that I saw in the Olds Year one catalog. They look close to factory but have connections for cd or mp3 players. My problem is where to mount the speakers in my 67 442 Conv. I don't want to hack up the rear panels so I may just go with speakers in the front kick panels. Any ideas for rear spaeker placement?

 

Custom Autosound is the primary maker of these high-power 2-shaft radios. I like them but I don't. The factory GM Delco radios are capable of very clean sound. Records cut in the 50s-60s-70s were leveled to sound best on Delco stereos. A good quality amp with good speakers in the stock location are the best bet for upgrading without modifying the stock radio. You can always add an FM converter and a stereo multiplexer under the dash which was available from dealers back then and would look correct.

Me, I intend on finding a good AM-FM stereo Delco (the two I have are junk, using an AM-FM mono radio now with a very scratchy volume control) and a good amp and speakers. This car never had rear speakers until the kid before me cut some in, so I'll have to redo the package shelf and hide the speakers under there. Infinity has a line of Kappa speakers with only 2ohms impedance and four of those fall well in the 8-10ohm requirement of these older Delcos. Then I'll plug my Griffin Cartrip into the cigarette lighter and put my Shuffle in there for good music in a great car. SWEET.