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Kirby10

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Not sure if this is the correct forum, but... what brand have you guys/gals been using for replacement stereos that fit into the original dash location with zero hacking needed? This will be for a '72 Chevelle.

My trusty 1984 Sears & Roebuck radio has seen better days & it's time for something a bit more useful. Don't want to go the hidden stereo route.

Thanks!
- Paul
 
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#2 ·
The width between the shaft holes in your dash will dictate things here a little. My 70 El Camino dash shaft holes are 6.25 inches apart and I think the other common width is 5.75 inches. Choose accordingly or buy a radio with adjustable shaft widths.

I'm running a Custom Autosound 740 which has more than adequate sound qualities for me. USB thumb drive port and Bluetooth. The documentation on how to set the clock is incomplete but I've added words to the owners manual. And oddly, the clock is sensitive to losing its time during engine cranking but not the stored presets. Go figure . . . ???

But I'm good with this radio.

Rick
 
#4 ·
Don't buy a retro sound.unit they are a pricey piece of junk in my book. Sounded like an old am radio and the display was so damn dim you could barely see it in the dark.
 
#5 ·
I think the previous owner installed a Custom Autosound (KNW-801) in my car but i don't use tapes or cds. I bought a Retrosound Hermosa which should fit in the dash without hacking it up but I haven't had time to install it. My 2004 Denali has a double din Kenwood with navigation/DVD/backup camera which are cool features but I wanted something old skool/original looking for the Chevelle.
 
#6 ·
I have a RetroSound classic that was $189.00 through summit. It installed nicely. Initially all I had were door speakers wired up and in that configuration I was quite disappointed. I eventually got some rear speakers and what a difference. Sounds great! I don't think the front channel gets much wattage like the back does. Because I cheaped out and didn't opt for the Bluetooth version I have a cable from the stereo that I run into my console that I plug my phone into. It works great and I can see the display just fine. I would buy it again.

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#9 ·
I have a RetroSound (don't recall the exact model). Two speakers in the kick-panels and two in the rear. Power was disappointing, particularly since mine's a convertible, with the top down and wind noise. Added a small amp I purchased via Crutchfield which helped, but still lacked on the bass side. Added a powered sub-woofer that sits on the floor behind the seat. Pretty happy with it now, but took several components to get there. Hopefully this could be done with less...
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Thanks for all the replies & good/bad info on some models. I was looking at the Hermosa initially but it got quite a few bad reviews. I also found the Custom Autosound 740. That looks like a decent unit for the money.

- Paul
 
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#12 ·
I got a new radio for my 64 Impala from www.radiosforoldcars.com and really like it. AM-FM Bluetooth with auxiliary cord. It looks exactly like the original and sounds really nice. A little pricey as I see they are now $200 more than they were but I had 3 of those cheap "custom" radios and hated every one. All were real tinny sounding and quit working after a couple of years. They make the for many model cars. In my 70SS I have the original AM-FM 8 track stereo and that has really nice sound with the factory front and rear speakers.
 
#13 ·
redrocket1953 said:
I got a new radio for my 64 Impala from www.radiosforoldcars.com and really like it. AM-FM Bluetooth with auxiliary cord. It looks exactly like the original and sounds really nice. A little pricey as I see they are now $200 more than they were but I had 3 of those cheap "custom" radios and hated every one. All were real tinny sounding and quit working after a couple of years. They make the for many model cars. In my 70SS I have the original AM-FM 8 track stereo and that has really nice sound with the factory front and rear speakers.
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Woah, I just look at their website and they want $850 for a 66 chevelle radio!!!
 
#14 ·
SRU1436 said:
Woah, I just look at their website and they want $850 for a 66 chevelle radio!!!
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The prices went crazy in the last two years. What I had in the 3 junk radios equaled what I got the good one for. Myself I would find a factory 72 Chevelle radio and like someone said send it in and have it turned into a modern one or have the original restored. My AM-FM factory 8 track in my 70 works flawlessly.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
I looked on the radiosforoldcars site and was a little shocked at the price. But I really want USB capability, not so much for Bluetooth. Probably going to go with the Custom Auto Sound USA-630.
Decent reviews and I really, really don't want to modify my dash. The Chevelle is not #'s matching but the interior is nearly all original and I want to keep it that way as much as possible.

One downside is the power output at only 300W peak @4ohms. A little anemic but most head units are. I'll use the pre-amp outputs with my Alpine amps if needed.

Again, thanks for the input received & I'll be sure to post back on my results once I get it installed and road tested.

- Paul
 
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#16 ·
I have one of those crappy custom autosound units too. 300W my ass! Even with a pretty beefy external power amp I couldn't get a decent sound out of it. There was no dynamic range whatsoever.

Anyway... just keep the vintage radio and just disconnect it. Install an amplifier that allows bluetooth connectivity and just sync your phone to it for music or streaming. Here's one as an example:

 
#18 ·
Sludge said:
Don't buy a retro sound.unit they are a pricey piece of junk in my book. Sounded like an old am radio and the display was so damn dim you could barely see it in the dark.
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X2. I also have a Retro Sound model 1 in my car and it's basically worthless. The menu to access the tunes stored on the usb drive is complicated and it will only play the came tunes without me being able to select the ones I want to listen to. It's a total piece of sh:poop:t.(n)
 
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Kirby10
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