Retrofit Radios

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Old Jul 24, 2017 | 01:51 PM
  #1  
1968CutlassSupreme's Avatar
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1968 Cutlass Fan!
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 242
From: Weaverville, NC
Retrofit Radios

Hey All!

Anyone know of a company that sells or rebuilds original radios that have been converted to modern radios? Also, is anyone on here savvy with the understanding on how to install modern speakers in the dash, package tray, doors (if that option exists) and amplification?

Thanks!
Old Jul 24, 2017 | 02:18 PM
  #2  
oldcutlass's Avatar
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From: Poteau, Ok
Here is a thread that discusses it:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...nversions.html

In addition I know turnswitch has done some for people on other sites:
http://www.turnswitch.com/
Old Jul 24, 2017 | 02:38 PM
  #3  
joe_padavano's Avatar
Old(s) Fart
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,802
From: Northern VA
I'll recommend Mike Hagen Retro Radios. I had him do the radio for my 67 Delta. I just got it back and have not installed it yet, but it looks fantastic. He guts the radio and installs this 3" square circuit board that replaces the old electronics. AM/FM stereo and something like 40 amps output. Also an AUX input. He can optionally install a USB and/or Bluetooth interface. I got the USB so you can play MP3s from a memory stick. You can also use the USB to charge your phone. The stock pushbuttons work with the new electronics. I'm not sure what he does to the chrome faceplate but it looks incredible. He's not cheap, however.
Old Jul 24, 2017 | 05:24 PM
  #4  
70sgeek's Avatar
'72 Cutlass ragtop
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,320
From: Tampa, FL
Antique Auto Radio (http://www.antiqueautomobileradio.com/) also does the resto/retrofit stereo upgrades, in addition to making their own stereo retrofit version of the Olds am/fm radio, which sounds really good when coupled with a mid-power amp (I installed mine with an Alpine KTP-445u amp).


One thing to note - if you're having an original AM radio turned into a stereo upgrade, I believe you have to cycle the radio on and off every time you want to switch from am to fm.


speaker install is a moderate difficulty effort at best but probably best to consider installing a set of the aftermarket kick panel speaker sets (there are a number of better shallow-mount speakers that will fit them in lieu of what they're offered with in kit form. It's a gymnastic exercise to remove a front dash speaker and you'd have to cut up door panels and punch holes in the door and frame to run wires for those.
Attached Images
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AAR stereo.png (321.3 KB, 24 views)

Last edited by 70sgeek; Jul 24, 2017 at 05:36 PM.
Old Jul 24, 2017 | 05:53 PM
  #5  
My2nd 69 442's Avatar
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From: Tucson, Arizona
Joe Padavano would you please tell what you were charged to modify your radio?
Old Jul 24, 2017 | 08:11 PM
  #6  
steverw's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,589
From: Texas
And I was also just about to search this very question and here it is. Of the 2 67 AM/FM radios i have, neither one works. I need to know also who to send one to, and prices if anyone cares to disclose what they paid.
My rear deck had already been poorly cut for speakers, so while i had the glass out, i cut out the bad work, welded in new metal and cut new 6 X 9 holes for speakers, Then i modified my deluxe package tray insert by punching holes in the ends of it for the speakers. I actually punched a hole in the mesh and had to replace that. I used the fiberglass screen door screen and it worked well, almost no difference in appearance.

Last edited by steverw; Jul 24, 2017 at 08:17 PM.
Old Jul 26, 2017 | 02:27 PM
  #7  
GEARMAN69's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,484
From: ENNIS TEXAS
If you have a functioning original radio you like, am or fm consider this affordable option to allow you to play your phone or iPod or other device thru the stock system

https://rediscoveradio.com/index.php...=index&cPath=1

It switches off the antennae signal as soon as a device sends a signal on the cable. American designed and built in Wisconsin
Old Jul 26, 2017 | 08:11 PM
  #8  
Troys Toy 70's Avatar
Once Olds Always Olds
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,202
From: New Matamoras, Ohio
In for the discussion
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 06:13 AM
  #9  
Achcoastal's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 111
From: mass
i agree with 70s geek. antique auto radio 70-72 cutlass radio is almost impossible to tell from a factory original. comes with bluetooth and hands off phone feature. got one last year and i love it
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 08:12 AM
  #10  
1968CutlassSupreme's Avatar
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From: Weaverville, NC
Originally Posted by Achcoastal
i agree with 70s geek. antique auto radio 70-72 cutlass radio is almost impossible to tell from a factory original. comes with bluetooth and hands off phone feature. got one last year and i love it
Will the 70-72 cutlass radio fit in my 68?
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 04:46 PM
  #11  
Achcoastal's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 111
From: mass
unfortunately i dont see a radio for a 68 on their website. but give kevin hagen a call, i got my aar radio through him and he will point you in the right direction... good luck
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 04:49 PM
  #12  
Achcoastal's Avatar
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From: mass
scuse me,thats mike hagen @ antique auto radio
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