Been searching but only finding old threads regarding a factory looking modern electronics radio/head unit. I want to put one in the wildcats hole before I put the dash back in. Any feedback would be appreciated, looking for Bluetooth, aux inputs etc..as well as rca outputs to run a power amp. Chime in here...
I have had a few RetroSound units and was happy with their sound, options and looks. https://www.retromanufacturing.com/pages/radios
I had this one for a few years and before this one had another in my 67 Camaro. I put their amp on it so was able to push some nice sound through 6x9 alpines in the rear and 2 3” JL audio speakers in the dash. Even before the amp still sounded great. The blue tooth works great and you can also use flash drives or wire direct. I had a drive with ~500 songs that I would listen to. The lens is clear and it comes with multiple vinyl appliqués to make it look old school. It’s a really small head unit that has a lot of mounting features. Comes w a standard 2 year warranty which you never see for electronics.
Use any radio/head unit you want - do this: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/another-radio-post-with-a-twist.347930/
What did he charge for that? I follow him on YouTube and am curious what he gets to do ours. What did you have done to it?
Hey @Brett Slater I kind of did the works. I don't want to comment on price because it's been a couple of years and I know Aurora has updated the hardware a bit (they now support HD radio -- which I wish I had). It's more money than a retro radio but I really like the look and performance. The Bluetooth integration is better than either of our new cars - super easy. I just get in the car, the phone connects and I have Bluetooth calling (you do need to find a spot for the mic -- calls play/ring over the speakers), access to the music on my phone or use streaming services as well as the regular radio. I do suggest you use an AM/FM radio not an AM radio -- you need the FM radio dial to find FM stations. Setting up the balance and fade is a little fiddly but easy enough. I think the sound is great -- without an amp. I did get a subwoofer port so I could put one in the trunk. That really helps with sound quality as all the speakers in my car are small -- I use them for the highs and count on the sub for a little bass I had a USB port included because I thought it might be nice to have a permanent music library in the car... stupid idea. There's no easy way to access the content (no menu) so it's kind of useless. The phone is so much easier to use to manage (including voice commands). All you need is Bluetooth to play MP3s or stream
Here's mine , it's in french but I could translate some parts if you like https://tribuneauto.forumactif.com/t35187-slidebar-radio-usa-630-custom-autosound#473678
Perhaps not the cheapest option, but I did a full conversion to AM/FM with Bluetooth and Aux inputs to my stock 1970 AM radio with Barry's 8-track repair. Great guy, very busy, but superb quality - stock looking, but has modern AM/FM electronics, balance/fader, BT, etc. The electronics he uses are also Aurora. Ended up getting an 8-track converted through him too, but that's an aside... Check it out: http://www.barrys8trackrepair.com/
If you go with the Aurora board are you still running stock 10 ohm speakers and the factory amplifier in the radio? Has anyone ever used one of these.? https://redirad.com/
Brett from his website. CONVERSION OPTIONS (Can be Done on ANY Radio) Basic FM Conversion - adds FM capability, free AUX input and 180 watts "peak" audio power Radio-only unit - 415.00 Combination 8 Track Radio - 549.00 Add BLUETOOTH - add 149.00 Add USB Reader - add 125.00 SAVE BY ADDING BOTH USB AND BLUETOOTH - add 225.00 HD / DIGITAL CAPABILITY - add 125.00
Brett, I want to keep my stock radio too and was thinking of maybe something like keeping stock from speaker for am radio. And using this small Bluetooth amp and adding some new 6x 9’s in the rear. https://www.opgi.com/mobile-electro...MI7K-y3arT7QIV9smUCR1a_QbjEAQYAiABEgLVjPD_BwE
I opted out of the USB for similar reasons above. The full conversion gets you an aux input, so you could use some sort of MP3 player too, if you’d like. I added a second rear speaker, and upgraded the existing dash and other rear speaker - bought them from SM ElectroTech: http://www.turnswitch.com/speakers.htm Went with the special coax 6x9 for the rear speakers, and the 4x10 special rectangle stereo high output for the front. They all fit perfectly and sound great. As part of Barry’s service I mentioned above, he video records the unit while testing functionality. He includes a DVD copy of the video for you when you get your equipment back, and also uploads it to YouTube. If you’re curious, here’s my video: Unfortunately he goofed the X and the S in the YouTube title, but close enough for me!
thanks for all the advice, my concern with upgrading my stock radio, which I had done years ago was the electronics sucked, the volume control was staticky and the volume was low ect...maybe there are better electronics now from other converters but i am leaning towards the Retro radio for now. cheers and merry christmas to all...
I put a Retrosound head unit in my GS400, too. It had a crappy old JVC AM/FM Cassette player in it previously. I like it, seems to work great! When I shopped for it in June of 2020, Crutchfield had the best pricing. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_068LO...-Long-Beach-CB-Chrome-Face-Black-Buttons.html
I used retro as well. Left the am overlay off. Great sound all the bells and whistles and trouble free install. No complaints at all.
