i need some sounds in my 66 chevelle should i cut out the dash and install a cd player radio or spend the big bucks and go with the ken harrison radio and cd kits or go with the hidden cd remote changer or the rf modulor changer that plugs into the original radio thanks T.C.66

I think it is a HUGE mistake to cut the dash. I put an aftermarket CD player in my trunk and used a PAC IR-X repeater which transfers the infrared signal from the original remote control via cable to the radio. Works great, however, you cannot see the display on the radio. Go to this website for the repeater. www.electronixwarehouse.com as that is where I bought mine.

Ok Thanks Steve I Will Look Into That

I have a Autosound USA-6 w/ remote CD changer in the trunk and it's junk.... The total cost is about $500 for this unit and the sound is tiny, can't get enough bass, and there's a lot of engine whine out of the CD, I installed a ground wire on the ALT. case which cleared up the interference on the radio but the CD still gives me a problem. I decided to install a JVC shaft type AM/FM w-Cass instead.

I'm not a radio type, so forgive me if this won't work. Can you put your CD unit (get one that plays mp3 files so you don't have to change that often) up behind the dash, and build an extension cable for the removeable faceplate so you can stick the faceplate on the front of your dash and the cord through the existing radio opening? It'll look almost like you cut your dash, without actually doing it...

I was pondering this same question and i am still undecided. My dash is original but someone cut the radio opening bigger and one of the mounting holes is broken inside, so i am leaning towards putting in the cd stereo. I was going with the ken harrison but i thought thats alot of money for a dated type stereo and the cd in the trunk would be a hassle if i was only using the car for short drives.then there is a question of sound quality on these type stereos.

Check out Ausleys Chevelle parts. He has a repo 66-67 AMFM radio that will operate a cd changer. It looks like a 66-67 AMFM but the front is fake. It is remote control.

I left the original AM radio in the dash of my '71 and installed a CD player under the driver's side of the bench seat. Bought a Pioneer deck with flip down face and wireless remote. Once you get all the settings dialed in, and the radio stations preset, you control everything from the remote. Changing CD's is a piece of cake. My amplifier is under the passenger side of the bench seat. I finally installed some real nice JL Audio 4x6 speakers in the dash (via custom brackets I made). I have 6x9 Cerwin Vega speakers in the rear deck, but would like to install a 6 1/2" JL Audio component system in place of the 6x9s. The only thing you can see is the Cerwin Vega logo on the rear grills (I covered the speaker cones with black cloth so you can't tell I have high-end speakers). Way more info they you asked, but I just wanted to show you CAN install nice stereo equipment without butchering the interior. Cutting my door panels or dash was never an option. I like what Steve67L-79 did.

Good luck!

I went "70's style" and mounted it just above my console with a 10 CD changer in the trunk and hidden speakers under the dash and Custom Auto sound speakers mounted where the rear armrests were.

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/showphoto.php/photo/5613/cat/500/ppuser/11356

If it will fit, try hiding the CD player in the glovebox.

I've seen a radio installed in the glovebox of a 69 camaro and it worked nicely. Obviously still need the wireless remote though...

I would just get a modern style deck and mount it in the glove box. Thats what I plan to do on my 66SS. Custom Autosound have been known to have very poor quality and sound.

Just a thought. With the popularity of MP3 players is the cd player on the way out? I know you can get a kit to broadcast the MP3 player on a FM frequency, so if you can find a post type stereo to fit the dash and just go with a mp3 player you can keep your dash and not have to carry a boatload of cds when you go out. Jim

imho any type of fm transmitter that i have used or seen used is nothing but a huge peice of junk, you get tons of interference and only mono type stereo if you get any stereo at all. i plan on cutting my dash to take a full size dvd player with pop out screen, and also setup so i can play my ipod through the aux of my head unit. i use the same setup in my mini van with my ipod and the sound is phenominal.

i can always replace the dash if i go to resell the car but i plan on keeping it for a very long time, so i feel my enjoyment is paramount rather then looks of the dash inside a vehicle.

peace!

I've used some of the Belkin products FM transmitters and have found them to be decent. Only seem to get interference when other cars with them on the same freq. drive by. You do lose a lot in quality though. I know they are starting to make Ilinks where you can plug them directly into the radio, however, this only on current model cars and radios. This is the ideal way to play on Ipod through your cars radio. So if you're planning on going this route, and don't want to carry a lot of CD's, you can get a cheap stereo that you can directly connect to your IPOD, and use a remote while driving. May be more expensive that way, but you'll get good audio and you won't have to bring a CD every time you travel. Ipods are a little pricey though. Depending on what you want it for. I have the 30GB video player which you may not need. However it's only 100 bucks more than the 2 GB Nano currently. Then when you're done, just close up the glove box and you're good. You won't need to charge your IPOD because I believe the car charger does it for you. As far as I know, this is currently the only direct link MP3 player that exists. There may be more, just not known about yet.

I have a repo am/fm cassette in my 67. Fits perfectly. Not sure what brand, it was in the car when I got it.

I use an MP3 player (200 songs) run by one AA battery - connected to the cassette adapter. When I am not driving, it fits in the glove box. Battery lasts about 15 to 20 hours of playing.


No cd's to carry around.

Someone here mentioned that the FM modulated CD drives are bad, and this is very true.

IF you do go with updating the internals of an original radio, I strongly recommend opting for what is referred to as a "direct drive" for the CD player/changer.
I paid about $550 for the one in my classic truck, and this included a complete restoration of the radio face as well as the updated internals.

I get a REAL 88 watts RMS. This thing drives 2 MTX 10" woofer/horn tweeter box AND 2 more 6" speakers in boxes with a piezo tweeters to handle the mid range.
So essentially I have a wall of speakers behind the seat were my gas tank use to be, and my CD changer is in the glove box.
Do you have any idea how bad a non-original radio would look in this dash?

The cheapest option I think is to just place a CD player in the glove box. But if you have a radio that doesnt work anyway, you may as well update it.

And lastly, in my opinion, nothing looks as bad as an aftermarket radio that conflicts with the rest of the dash/interior..especially with the earlier cars.

Had a bad day at work today so I am gonna vent here....hope its ok with you.
I cut the dash. Then I put in a high quailty am/fm/cd player.
Its half the price of those garbage units that go in the glove box or under the seat or in the trunk. It sounds awesome. I figure it this way....we change EVERYTHING ELSE to update our cars. IE carbs, cams, exhaust, tires, rims, suspension upgrades, paint(how many Chevelles came with base coat/clear coat?) cowl hoods, overdrive trannys, seats, DASHES, obviously this list is truly endless!
Why cant we cruise comfortably and have a nice looking/sounding radio also? My car and probably most of the cars owned by those reading this arent a "benchmark 1970 SS" so who cares if the dash is cut.
Given todays technology, I can garrantee that GM would not use the same crap they installed over 30 years ago.
Thanks for letting me get on my soapbox to vent. I feel better already.

I forgot to add. That $550 also included the CD changer..if I remember correctly.

I figure it this way....we change EVERYTHING ELSE to update our cars.

Pull your original dash and sell it for big bucks on eBay, then buy a repro unit and cut it any way you want...

Look on ebay and get your self a Kenwood KRC-3006 radio. It's a 2 shaft like what your car uses and will fit the dash. Best of all this model radio has a CD changer port on the back. Plus it also has 2 RCA outputs incase you wanna run an external amp for some subs. Be prepared to pay for one though....but it'll all be worth it in the end.

And as for your qustion Brotherjoe, it's because they don't make new metal dashes like they used to, plus on the '66 and '67 the radio sits at an angle and unless you fab up some sort of recessed box to make it sit level it looks real stupid IMO.

Not to mention if you don't cut up the dash you can always go back to the stock AM radio (if you wanted to) and make it look that much more original....this is similar to why tubbed cars are shunned....

Look on ebay and get your self a Kenwood KRC-3006 radio. It's a 2 shaft like what your car uses and will fit the dash. ...

Unfortunately is is obsolete and discontinued. The problem is the market for the shaft radios is so small no one will make them. I also have a custom auto Sound in my 67. IT'S JUNK! No lows and way to much highs. No dynamic range.

What I wouldn't give to get a good radio that fit in the dash.

Chuck

Leave your factory stereo in the dash for the original look. If it works, bonus, hook it to the dash speakers. (I'm a Camaro guy, do the Chevelles have dash speakers?) Then mount a DIN stereo in the glove box and hook it to some components speakers up front, and some 6x9s in the back. If the factory stereo doesn't work, then just mount it and leave it for looks. You'll never get quality sound out of it anyway. A newer DIN is the way to go.

CD Players are definately on the way out. Even with a CD changer, you're looking at a max of 6 to 12 CDs. MP3 players is where it's at. I bought a new Alpine for my Exploder, that has an IPOD input interface. Bought a 60G Ipod, and now I have 10,000 songs at my fingertips (via the remote) without ever changing a CD. Bonus, is that I can take the IPOD out and go to the gym with it too.

Hope this helps, I'm a Team Camaro regular, and since that sight is down I'm just hanging out here for now :D

Just to add to the pot the repro Ken Harrison system sounds like dog doo doo the Kenwood cd changer seems like a good unit put a quality stereo in the glove box I think you will be much happier good luck.

Got my Kenwood KRC-3006 shaft type radio today, paid $90 for it and its a $500 setup with a 10disk cd changer, The only problem I have is its not wide enough, had to use the face plate that came with it to cover up the gaps no big deal tho. Need to get the rear bracket installed tomorrow and hook up the wireing, then I need speakers and the wiring ran for them and the cd changer.

Unfortunately is is obsolete and discontinued. The problem is the market for the shaft radios is so small no one will make them. I also have a custom auto Sound in my 67. IT'S JUNK! No lows and way to much highs. No dynamic range.

What I wouldn't give to get a good radio that fit in the dash.


True the Kenwood KRC-3006 has been discontinued, and it all reality it makes me wonder why....that was a great radio to have due to it's 2 shaft design and CD changer capacities...

However I have seen these radios sell on ebay so they're out there. Be prepared to pay though....the one I saw on ebay went for just a tad over $200 and that's what they sold for new. :eek:

With the classic car market skyrocketing it makes you wonder why no one doesn't still continue to make radios for these older model cars. I guess there isn't a very big demand yet?

Sure am glad I picked up my KRC-2007 when I did....good sounding radio, yeah I did have to use the bezel from the kit to conceal the gap so it would look right in my Nova.....then again I listen to the engine purr more than i do the radio. :D

A cmpany in Blaine Minnesota does a conversion on your old unit. This conversion guts the old radio and replaces all the components with topline components. The end result looks stock but puts out a High power and has a pigtail for CD or MP3 player. Costs about $300 bucks and keeps the kids from targeting your car for audio gear.

i need some sounds in my 66 chevelle should i cut out the dash and install a cd player radio or spend the big bucks and go with the ken harrison radio and cd kits or go with the hidden cd remote changer or the rf modulor changer that plugs into the original radio thanks T.C.66

most highend head units have a wireless remote..
tuck it anywhere...
don't cut the dash

I was thinking about cutting the dash of mine to install an Alpine head unit and trying to recess it so I can put a factory radio delete plate over it when not in use. The dash is currently in great condition, but the car is'nt stock and I don't have the original radio - just a hole in the dash right now.

I was thinking about cutting the dash of mine to install an Alpine head unit and trying to recess it so I can put a factory radio delete plate over it when not in use. The dash is currently in great condition, but the car is'nt stock and I don't have the original radio - just a hole in the dash right now.

bringing this thread back to life. This is exactly where I'm at with my 70 and having a real hard time deciding what to do. I don't want to cut, but I also don't want to buy a stock radio AND a newer cd player for the glovebox or wherever. Also, the right knob hole is gouged out, so I'm not even sure I can install a shaft style radio with only the left one and rear support bracket.

Take a look at this nifty little unit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-67-CHEVELLE-DIGITAL-AM-FM-STEREO-CD-CONTROL-RADIO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10076QQihZ013QQit emZ230052878244QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

The previous owner of my '72 installed an "aftermarket" radio and really butchered the dash installing the thing, my only options were keep the worthless am/fm radio or cut the dash nicely and install a new unit......take a guess what I chose.

All-in-all, if your going for a stock look then leave the original, but if your going to make the car your own who cares.

I was pondering this same question and i am still undecided. My dash is original but someone cut the radio opening bigger and one of the mounting holes is broken inside, so i am leaning towards putting in the cd stereo. I was going with the ken harrison but i thought thats alot of money for a dated type stereo and the cd in the trunk would be a hassle if i was only using the car for short drives.then there is a question of sound quality on these type stereos.

If your dash has already been cut, then I would not hesitate to finish the job and install a DIN radio. I purchased a new reproduction dash and went right to work with a rotory cutting tool as my wife cringed. I think it turned out pretty clean, although I did have to use a 1/4 inch trim ring to cover the edges of the original post openings that were just barely wider than the DIN cutout.

http://home.comcast.net/~dcabral99/Images/DSC05245.JPG

I bought a Harrison in dash unit. It meets my needs. I also ran a extension to the ash tray where I keep my MP3 player. I am pleased for my investment

Put a preamp/power amp in the trunk or under the seat, hook up a large iPod/mp3 unit and have thousands of songs ready to go, either on the seat next to you or mounted to a simple dash mount. SO easy an far more music you can hear...

If you need radio - the stock radio setup should work. Piles of CDs are not functional in a driver car.

Consider a Marine type radio. They come with a wired remote that you can install up to 20 feet away. I've seen some in the visors of cars. These have displays as well, but aren't cheap. Abuot $500 for one of those. The IR repeater is good as well, but with a 500 song MP3 disc in your player, guessing at what folder/song you are about to be listening to would get old fast.

Take a look at this nifty little unit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-67-CHEVELLE-DIGITAL-AM-FM-STEREO-CD-CONTROL-RADIO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10076QQihZ013QQit emZ230052878244QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

That's nice but, his starting bid is the retail price of the radio from Ausley's. That's the problem with Ebay. It's a feeding frenzy. You have to be real careful. So far, he has zero bids........ and only a sigle pair of preamp outputs (no fader balance at the radio). Too bad, I really like it. Low signal to noise ratio too.

Why can's someone make a GOOD din quality radio with posts? (rhetorical question).

Chuck

Take a look at this nifty little unit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-67-CHEVELLE-DIGITAL-AM-FM-STEREO-CD-CONTROL-RADIO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10076QQihZ013QQit emZ230052878244QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Does anyone own this model radio (above)? It looks like the answer to "in dash" sound, complete with remote and is available from Ausleys. I'd like to see the specs and know how it sounds compared to the (horrible) Custom AutoSound unit.

Chuck

Take a look at this nifty little unit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-67-CHEVELLE-DIGITAL-AM-FM-STEREO-CD-CONTROL-RADIO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10076QQihZ013QQit emZ230052878244QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Does anyone know who makes this radio? I'd like to see the specs. Ausley's sells it too.

Is the Ken harrison radio ant good or is it like the Custom Autosound?

It would be so nice if someone would make a good post radio!!!

Chuck

As mentioned I am pleased with my Kenwood KRC-2007. I recommend it to anyone. I don't know if they're being made anymore though. I bought mine in the summer of 2000 for my '69 Nova.

Pioneer, Sony and Alpine all used to make dual shaft radios. Jensen still does last I checked but I don't recommend them.

Good question as to why no one really makes radios for older model cars....my guesss is it has something to do with cassettes now being pretty much obsolete now that CD's are a dime a dozen and ipods have taken over as the next best thing....of course then again the classic car industry has risen in the last 10 years....

You guys need a different exhaust system, and drop the trans down a gear or two.:p