I'm getting around to addressing the radio in my '71 GS. I've got the original AM radio and it's in great shape cosmetically but, doesn't work. I'm trying to decide whether to have modern electronics installed in it like this: http://www.taymanelectrical.com/stereo.htm Or, perhaps just install a look-alike radio like this: https://www.classiccarstereos.com/1968-1972-buick-skylark-radio-with-bluetooth-usa-740.html I'd like opinions on both ways and also to know of other vendors that members of the board have used and would recommend. Thanks, guys.
If it was me, I'd go with the original radio and have the upgrades installed. Might be a little more costly but the fit and look of the original can't be beat.
In a nutshell, I think it depends on what you want. If you show the car I would think you would want a factory look. If you care what it sounds like, get the AM modified. If you don't use the radio much, just get a working AM (or AM/FM) radio. While you are changing it, don't forget to replace the old speaker(s). If you don't have a rear speaker it can easily be added by changing the right side knob to a fader control - usually on ebay. The speaker goes under the package shelf, all the wiring should already be there. If you want the best sound, you want more power. Most of the conversions use the same guts and give you 45X4 watts. You can choose to use 2 channels and use the existing front and rear speakers. Very easy. The replacement radios can give you more power. Notice the one in your link says 300 watts at 2 ohms. That's a bit misleading as the rating at 4 ohms will be less. I assume its at 4 channels as well, so divide by 4. For comparison I would call and ask. I use RMS to compare power ratings as it is a standard measurement. The Custom Auto Sound radio is another popular brand and has the same 300 watt peak spec. They also offer the hidden stereo which many people use for the stock look. My 2 cents: I would recommend going with a RetroSound from Jegs or Summit and use an external amp. Of course then you need to add some nice speakers, a sub , etc. That's another exciting up grade and can produce excellent sound. Your car looks like it might be loud, which is another factor. You may want to make a thread asking what others have done. Modifying your car for modern speakers can look nice, or not!
my original radio does not work either. I am leaving it in place but got a blue tooth hidden radio from woody's customs shop. not installed yet pending purchase of speakers.
Thanks Bill. Actually my car is fairly mello. It has a par of the walker 17749s. I might want to add an amp, sub and high power speakers later on but not now. I currently have two 6 x9 cutouts in the package tray that I will install new speakers into. I just want to get ideas on what others are doing in the stock radio location. I will look into summit and jags.
My stock radio is nice looking but is dead- I think. I'm not going to put any effort into it. I've said it before, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. My plan is- Leave the stock radio, add a bluetooth amp with some speakers in the package tray and a smallish sub either in the trunk or under the rear seat.
MANY times radios don't work because the speakers are bad. Try plugging a known good speaker into the existing wiring & see what happens. May save some time & $$$$.
Cool - The 6X9 cut outs really help drive your direction. You can add a 2X speaker (2 small speakers in the same size frame) in the dash location and that will give you 4 speakers for 4 channels. Make sure you match the ohms for all 4 speakers. The Jegs/Summit unit is really only a head unit as the amp is pretty weak. The advantage is the adjustable knob location so it can fit the OEM bezel without any cutting. But it really needs an amp. Or for more money the same unit is available with a little more power, but the external amp is really the way to go. I am adding a fake front made from an AM radio and hiding a head unit behind it. I have a compact amp that will go under the passenger seat and drive the front and rear speakers. I am not finished with the install or I would post pics.
The bluetooth amps are a great way to go if you keep your playlist on your phone(who doesn't), have a radio app (FM chip is best, no streaming), and it gives you hands free phone calls. Many of them offer excellent power as well. Ah - new technology!
I'm interested in your project of adding a modern head unit behind an AM front panel. Can you talk more about how you're doing this? Also, where can I get the single front speaker with two voice coils that will fit in the stock location? Thanks.
This will get you started: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/70-radio.326523/ Classic Muscle, SS396, Classic Industries, Speedway, Turnswitch, etc sell the 2X front speaker. Just do a search but use chevelle as the vehicle, sorry! I will add more detail as my project progresses, got stuck doing a heater core replacement!
I had a classic car audio stereo in my 70, I was very disappointed in both the look and the sound. It looked cheap and sounded like crap. I put in a modern Kenwood, with blue tooth and all the goodies, sounds awesome and I think it looks cool too.
Thanks to all that responded with ideas and suggestions. I've decided to go with having my Buick Sonomatic AM radio upgraded with modern AM/FM/USB components. It's more expensive than the aftermarket radios but, I want to keep the totally stock appearance of the radio. I've sent my AM radio in for the conversion plus a twin speaker replacement for the 4 x 10 dash speaker and a pair of 6 x 9 coaxial speakers for the package tray. After talking with several suppliers of the conversion this is the one I've decided on for the entire package. http://www.turnswitch.com/
I've gotten myself a period correct aftermarket in-dash 8-track player/ AM/FM-unit, had a connection added for MP3 use and like it very much. 8-tracks are widely available and add to the character of the car, my 2cents... Jens
Thanks for the demo, Greg. Yes, the vendor I'm using also has several uTube videos showing operation with a number of different car radios and I've read through the operation manuals to get familiar with how they work. I'm really excited to get mine as my GS (and I) has been suffering with an old aftermarket Pioneer receiver and several blown 6 x 9 speakers ever since I bought it 5 years ago.
I just hooked the subwoofer up this weekend (had to put a dedicated power run to the trunk from battery). Per an audio guru's suggestion, I found a cheap used Bazooka A80 on C-List to install (only $40 & plenty of room in the Cat's trunk ;-). It sounds so much richer-- especially a challenge for audio in a convertible. All that steel helps creates a hefty amount of bass... before I turned the Bazooka down a touch I could literally feel the seat vibrating. Sort of like the line from Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid "Use enough dynamite Butch?"
