Has anyone put a new aftermarket Radio/CD Player in their car?

How did you install it into the dash? I have some ideas but was wondering what others have done as well.

 

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=7768&highlight=din

My solution. Good luck Mike.

 

two words mike...secret audio

http://www.soundmove.com/secretaudio.htm

D.

 

Brad: Thanks that's exactly what I was looking for. I was hoping I wouldnt have to mess with the factory radio mounting tabs but was afraid I'd have to, dunno if dad will allow me to do that.

Dana: I saw someone else post about Secret Audio, its neat I just already have a deck that I bought so if anything I would just mount that in the glove box or somethin to save some $. Its for my brother and he's not too picky, unlike me and my dad ou:

 

try custom auto sound. correct looking head unit then you can mount a cd changer in the trunk or glove box. I have used them on my 442 and Skylark.

 

when i purchased my 72 gs, the original radio and bezel was long gone. the owner, who was a machinist by trade, fabricated a new bezel out of aluminum plate. it looked like the real thing. he installed one of those low profile canadian tire or radio shack radios into that bezel, but that radio, too, was also removed.
i purchased an am/fm 8 track (78 camaro), enlarged the opening in the bezel and the unit fit inno the bezel & dash like a glove, and it looks like a factory install.

 

Here was my solution if you want to keep the original radio in the dash:
http://www.buickperformance.com/CD8track.htm

 

I cut the dash on mine and installed a stereo/CD player. It's that first cut that hurts the most But, and I realize this is easier on a `65 than the later years, the next swap meet I was at I picked up another dash bezel just in case I ever want to go back to original, which isn't likely but it's always nice to have spare stuff.

 

The dash is thin stamped steel. Bending the tabs (not very much either) does no un-recoverable modification. They are easily bent back into the proper location.

 

here's mine

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=202214

 

My next head unit for my 68, will be a digital media receiver. It's basically a AM/FM receiver that has hook-ups for an mp3 or Ipod. I don't need the cassette or CD player functions anymore.

 

Thats what I did with mine. who needs CD when you can just plug your Ipod in? MY Ipod is in the ash tray.

 

Where can I get that textured plastic to make a replacement piece? Home Depot doesnt have it. Even just smooth plastic would work. If I cant find anything I'll just use metal I just igured plastic would be a tad easier and cleaner looking especially if it was textured (I have krinkle paint too if need be)

 

I just googles textured plastic and this was the first hit:

http://www.rplastics.com/abssheet.html

They have sample kit that are 4x6 and several different thickness for $6 +shipping. I would also try a local hobby store or craft store. I'm betting you can find what you need that way as well.

 

What brand is the radio? Do you like it? No offense, but it looks like a "cheap" stereo which is what I want so no one wants to take it. What kind of features does it have?

 

HA. I prefer the word "unassuming". But yeah most people wouldnt be able to tell the difference between it and the stock radio. I do like it and the system sounds good. You can build in as many features as you want to the head unit. I also bought the dual voice speaker for the front and my 6x9s from them as well.

http://www.casmfg.com/

 

We have a retail outlet in town that specializes only in plastics. You'll probably want something similar.

http://www.tapplastics.com/index.php?

I checked and these guys don't have an AZ location.

 

Before you go chop up your dash - I have contracted with a locaL AUDIOLOGY installer to put a Pioneer Radio (AM/FM) with a USB port in the trunk of my 1953.
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I have purchased some thumb drives (USB 4GB plugin's) and will be loading up my favorite 60's and 70's old time music onto them. Each thumb drive ($20) - will hold maybe 1500 to 2000 songs. Enuf for ME. I will copy the loaded one onto the second one in case I erase the first one. Always keep a backup.
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In addition, the guy is finding me an MP70 or MP80 Remote player/controller to hold in my driver's hand (or mount under the dash) to select what device I want (radio or thumb drive). The difference between the two units is that the MP70 has little display (just power on/off lite). The MP80 has a visual display of which unit, AM or FM channel selection or Thumb Drive with Disk Channel and Track, shuffle or whatever mode.
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Including $75 speakers for rear window install - total $425.
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I open the trunk once, insert the thumb drive into the trunk facing USB port, close the trunk and play music for months - it turns on and off with the ignition)
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For another $100 he will put in a battery box base for a second battery, and wire it for AUX Power for when I go to those evening cruises. I'LL PLAY MY OWN MUSIC AND NOT KILL MY RIDE HOME. :bglasses:
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Give it some thought - I am expecting to install it right after 4th of July when parts all arrive.
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Rip Rohring :Comp:
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One good thing about the Buick is that the dash is open vs. the standard 3 hole for the radio. When I put the radio in my 71 wagon. I pulled off the radio surround and bent the mounting tabs down slightly. I then cut out the bezel to fit the radio. I then cut out a sheet metal to fit over the bezel. Cut out the DIN radio opening, aprox 2"x7" use the radio cage for a template.
Using the factory rear support bolted down. I used the aftermarket radio back strap bent under to contact the factory support.
wire up and enjoy.

Tim