Show Us Your Car Stereo

[Chris]

Anyone out there installed an aftermarket sound system in their 65?

I'm really debating what to do...

I purchased an extra radio and speaker dash piece that I could cut into if needed however I'd like to first examine any suggestions for "hidden" systems so that everything remains stock looking.

Also has anyone bought any of the aftermarket kick panels with speakers?

www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?input=kick+panel&SM=1&SC=2

In the convertible you are really limited with the number of speaker placement options without cutting up door panels etc (I refuse to do this with maybe the exception of the stereo mounting area).

The other problem is finding a modern two post stereo that looks right and has all of the new features like MP3 connection without spending over $300

I've thought about glove box mounting, but all of the remote controls use IR which would not allow me to close the glove box while driving (I'd need RF).

Decisions... decisions.. any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

[Mark Ascher]

I'm think about my still new in the box Craig 8 track with FM.
Circa 1974.
Just need to figure out the speakers.

Mark

[Chris]

 ;D

The good news Mark.... the 8 track tape are really cheap now on Ebay!

The bad news.... Your kids will hate you since they've not released anything new on 8 track in about 30 years!

Don't forget to carry around a book of matches to shim the tape while it's in the player.... wow.. the old days!

Chris

[Mark Ascher]

Chris,

This is so totally not about the kids!
Was there anything good the past 30 years???

I'll have to come up with a tape "suitcase" too! I actually saw one displayed in an early 70s GM car with factory 8 track player a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't seen one of those in a long time.

Mark

[Chris]

Ahhhh yes.. the 8 track suitcase...

Give me a minute to feather my hair back, grab my Members Only jacket and pack my 8 track suitcase because I'm all business when I hit the road!

I'm getting flashbacks of my uncles full sized van trimmed out in baby blue shag carpet (floor, walls & even the ceiling) and of course, pimped out with a tear drop window and full sized mural.

Call me modern but I just want to be able to play my MP3's..    8)

At last count I think I had over 3,000 albums.. I wonder how many 8 track suitcases that would be?   ;D

Chris

[sjfd04]

Buy the Custom Auto Sound USA 630, comes complete with MP-3 cable, fits and looks good, no cutting. Sells for around 240.00.  I did buy the kick panel speakers as well, fits okay on the right but the e-brake on the left hits the speaker.  I am going to do something different with front speakers. 

[Chris]

Thanks.. that's exactly what I've been looking for! 

This helps a lot.

Did they sell you a 630 for the Buick and if so did the radio knobs match up pretty well with the rest of the dash? 

Are you using a flash drive to hold your MP3s and if so how big a drive are you using and how are your "seek" times?

Can you snap a picture of the installation and post it?

I went to their website and also seen that they sell a "hidden" system with a RF remote that looks pretty cool. This would allow me to basically keep my stock radio in place and mount everything else under the seat or in the trunk next to the amp. 

Here is one on Ebay right now.. not much more money...   http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CUSTOM-AUTOSOUND-SECRET-AUDIO-SST-VERSION-3_W0QQitemZ190320416744QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2c4ffb17e8&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1171

I'm thinking that maybe the added benifit of the hidden system is that it's not being "advertised" when the top is down and drawing the attention of thiefs, although the 630 is pretty stealth and plain looking until turned on.

Decisions.. decisions.... but at least the kick panels are on order.   ;D

Chris

[sjfd04]

They did build a Buick radio for me, looks great.  I did a little work on the stock knobs and they fit and work fine.  You started talking computer stuff and all I can tell you is I had my wife download music to a flash drive and it plays.  other than that, I am no help.  If I get a chance, I will take a photo of the radio and post it.

[WkillGS]

BUMP!!!
I like the idea of the SecretAudio system, but would prefer another manufacturer. Basically looking for a hidden system with remote... Is anything else out there?

[Loren At 65GS]

Walt,
Whats the brand concern? I too like the idea of hidden, more so as it not being a distraction from originality of the interior.
Guess I'm too hung-up on the history/ originality thing. 

Loren

[WkillGS]

Well Loren,  a Google search for 'SecretAudio'  gives a few hits which state the audio quality is lacking. Granted, those statements are from 2003... so I can't say they are still accurate....if they ever were....you know how internet rumors are.
Guess I'm just lazy and don't want to do the research on the newest systems!
Ideally....
-I'll keep the original AM radio in the dash.
-Have a hidden radio that accepts a USB memory stick instead of tapes/CD's
-Remote control and some sort of display device.
-FM radio or possibly Satellite radio
-would be great if I could move it from car-to-car so I don't need 10 of the same system in each of the cars!

I'm not current with the iPod/iPhone/Blackberry, or even cell phone thing, but willing to take the plunge if that's the way to go.

What's out there?