I have a 1972 chevelle with an original am/fm/8 track. The radio doesn't work and I don't have an 8 track to put into it to see if that works. Should I try to send out the original radio to be repaird or should I just look for an aftermarket radio?. Does anybody have any good ideas as to what kind of radio I can put into this dash without cutting anything up? Also does anybody make a harness I can plug into the factory harness so I don't have to cut up the wire harness?

What is the end game for your car? If it is a good resto, then do not hack the panel. If you are are happy with a Chinese stereo , then go at it with a buzz saw. My preference would be to get that radio fixed ( or better yet, fix myself!) and shop the flea markets for some old 8 track tapes.

Both Custom Autosound and Kenwood make radios that will fit right in the dash of your chevelle for under $300. I'd think very hard before doin any cutting. Most of the big mail order parts suppliers carry them. Even though I'd dump the 8 track, you have to play some 60's on the new CD deck, right?

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Chevy1999

Don, It would depend on the condition of your dash. My 70 had broken above the steering column so I adjusted the radio hole to fit a newer unit. Had the dash been mint I would not have considered it. My 64 has a mint dash and I am going to chop it for a CD player. I decided I would rather build it for me than do a correct resto. Lots of options but only you can decide. There are probably more than a few here that would be interested in your am/fm/8 track if you decide not to use it.

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Philip Valentine
Lakeside, AZ
Team Chevelle Member #42 GOLD
philip@chevelles.com

I was faced with this one-bought an old shaft style pioneer on Ebay. $39 for a KEH-9191-good unit.

Do any of the Custom Autosound-style decks come with a CD player built in? (I like being able to pop discs in and out at will, rather than stopping, pulling out the disc rack, and changing CDs)
Alternately, I've heard that you can get an overhead storage bin and run wires down, but I've never seen what that looks like.

There are a few companies out there who can give you the best of both worlds (great sounding stereo, original look) by replacing the electronics of your old unit and converting it to am/fm stereo, cassette or CD player. The cost is kind of high, but the results are spectacular. Look in Hemmings for more info.

You could leave a correct unit (Non functional) in the dash, and put some High Zoot modern stuff behind the glove box door. I've seen this on lots of 40's to 60's cars. Best of both worlds I think!

Dave H.
81ElCamino
Houston (Gee it's Hot!!!) TX

I'm faced with the opposite problem - Build sheet on my 70 SS calls for an AM/FM 8 track. I plan complete restoration so need to find one. Does anyone know where I can find one - none on Ebay currently. Car came with a SONY cassette deck installed. Haven't pulled the face cover yet to see if dash was cut. Are you interested in trading? If not, the C.A.R.S catalog has cassette decks which fit into the dash WITHOUT cutting - they also are made to plug in a CD changer. Cost - $289 for deluxe AM/FM Cassette model, plus $289 for 6 disc CD changer.

Email me if you need more info at chev111853@aol.com

Don Boc-

E-mail me if your interested in getting that radio fixed. I work on that kind of stuff.

As far as modern audio goes, it's your car, I just hate to see chopped up dashes.

Also berry-

If you and Don decide to trade, his radio is incorrect for your car. If you want a correct restoration that is.

1970 units have green tinted lettering and illuminate green when you turn on the dash lights.

1972 units have white lettering and illuminate light blue when you turn on the dash lights.

Joe

-Auto radio repair technician
-Creator of Team Chevelle's radio information pages coming soon.