Any one have any experience with the stock-appearing radios that are able to control multiple audio stuff. My shop truck is going back to stock looking, but the AM radio I had stashed must be for a Mustang or something as it doesn't fit the dash opening... I see ones from Long Beach Retro Sound, Classic Audio also. Any opinions appreciated! Now back to your regularly scheduled Buick Forum....
My uncle Budd had his ‘65 galaxy radio updated with an aux in, and a high powered amp. I think it cost about $200 (5 years ago) the guy who did it was excellent and stands behind his work. I will try to get his contact info….
I have one in my Buick and love it, my buddy have one in his 68 Mustang and he says it fit and look original and sounds great. I was going to put one in my 65 Fairlane but opted for a modern den in the console. I paid around $275 a few years ago
Thanks Max, problem with that is I don't have a stock one to update. The one I had stashed is too tall for the dash opening. I'll still take his info!!
If you are you worried about the dash looking original get an OEM radio on ebay and send it for conversion.
I ordered this unit.... https://www.classiccarstereos.com/1973-1979-ford-pickup-truck-radio-with-bluetooth-usa-740.html
We have a retrosound and love it. It would probably sound even better if we changed speakers, but the bluetooth functionality is great and it's pretty darn close to stock-looking to a non-aficionado. -Bob C.
I guess I am late to this party, but Uncle Budd isn't actually 100% thrilled with the guy who rebuilt his original. Although the radio is fantastic (I installed it with new speakers), Budd didn't like the shipping container used. The guy is in Shelton, WA: https://www.billtheradioguy.com/ Of course you would have to run down an original radio for your truck too... There is also this outfit: www.tech-retro.com Let is know how it goes!
Thanks Max, the USA-740 showed up yesterday. Gonna be awhile before it goes in but I'll let you guys know. Very compact unit, quick inspection feels good!!
I’ll offer a different solution. I worked in the car stereo industry from the ‘80’s to early 200’s, including 9 years with Alpine Electronics. I still keep my toes in the water. I found Rockford Fosgate’s RFBTRCA (https://rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/rfbtrca/) a perfect solution for folks that want to keep their dash stock but add better sound. It’s a hide away bluetooth controller with 2 output channels that would go to an amplifier of your choice.
That's cool, although a bit long in tooth (Bluetooth 3.0 is 2009 they are up to 5.3 now) I also wonder, can you integrate the old school original radio this way? Or are you just skipping it and building a second stereo system?
This little piece skips the stock radio. It's tiny and mounts almost anywhere. I use it on motorcycles, small boats, ATV's, etc (and probably my new GS if I decide to do a system at all). As far as BT 3.0, for basic audio control functions, it works perfectly.
I posted this on another thread. I use their products on our boat and love them. Put the 1st gen of this product in my car and your phone is the head unit, unless you want to listen to the radio it is perfect. WW-BT-UR | Wet Sounds Marine Bluetooth® Universal Receiver - Wet Sounds
