Running a factory AM radio with modern amp & speakers

I thought I would make a thread detailing how I went about adding a more modern-ish setup to an otherwise completely stock appearing radio.

I want to be clear that I am not a huge audio guy. This is my first experience doing any type of aftermarket audio setup. I’m sure there are other ways/more simplistic setups to accomplish what I did. Just adding a factory rear speaker comes to mind. I also am not the “architect” behind this. All credit goes to Jim Shepard for rebuilding my AM radio, adding Bluetooth, and working with me to find a turnkey solution to run multiple speakers off the stock head unit. His work and customer service are top notch.

My goal was simple: To have a stock appearing interior powered by an AM radio. However, I wanted a little more power than a stock style front and rear speaker setup. The first step was reaching out to Jim to get my AM radio refreshed with Bluetooth added:



I sent Jim a crusty 1970 AM radio and let him do his magic. The next step was finding a way to run multiple channels out of the stock unit. I wanted to run 2 modern 6x9s (4 ohm) and a stock replacement 4x10 (8 ohm) from Turnswitch. I’ll link all of the products below. Jim helped wire up a line output converter for me and sourced a fader control. He then went above and beyond and soldered all connections, labeled what goes where, etc. The output converter tucked perfectly between the radio and ashtray mount. It is acting as my radio mount and held in place with 3M strip caulk.



We decided the easiest route would be to find a simple 2 channel amp to power the rear 6x9s that would plug into the output converter utilizing RCA cables. With the goal set as keeping the interior stock appearing, I sourced the cheapest 2 channel amp that I could fit under the passenger seat and got to work wiring it up. It’s all roughed in for now, but works as it should and is exactly what I was after. I have wire loom for the 4 gauge amp wire that I will tuck on top of the heater box and route through the fender. The package tray will hide the 6x9s and the amp is obviously hidden under the seat. I did test fit all of that before making a wiring mess.



The results are below in the YouTube video. I think there is a clear difference between the 1 speaker vs the 3 w/ the amp. Again, I am not an audio nut. When I started brainstorming this project, I knew I wanted an AM head unit and that was it. Jim helped get me to this point and I think the result is better than I could have imagined. It plays clearer/cleaner than my GN with state of the art 1980s concert sound and all new OEM replacement speakers.

Hopefully YouTube doesn’t blank the audio for copyright infringement:


Amp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0845WYZ6R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Factory replacement 4x10: http://www.turnswitch.com/speakers.htm
Aftermarket 6x9s: https://www.classiccarstereos.com/r...B_QFT7YRAPsZY_U6Es6wmEIpQV3mjQ0MaAr5OEALw_wcB

 

looks nice. I wish we had a audio sub section.

 

Thanks for your detailed procedure. Very informative. I've also converted my factory radio but used a different method. I sent my radio to one of several online suppliers and had the inside gutted and a new, modern AM/FM Stereo receiver installed which gives AM/FM, 4 speaker high power output, and total sound conditioning without adding any external interface. Not sure how the cost would compare with the method you used but, it was a turnkey method of adding modern features to my stock radio. Aurora Designs is the name of the system and it's available from numerous online vendors.

 

Great input, Ray. I bet the cost would be about the same when its all said and done and your setup is certainly easier from a plug and play standpoint. I would be curious to see other's setups on this thread to keep options open. I almost hallowed out an 8 track player and hid a modern head unit like others have done previously but wanted to keep the interior as bare bones as possible.

 

There are a number of options for the Aurora conversion but the cost can run anywhere from about $500 to as high as $700 in my experience.

 

Still sounds great - looks mostly stock - 2 4X10's, 2 6X9's and 2 tweeters:
https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/another-radio-post-with-a-twist.347930/

 

Good info^^

 

Nice. Thanks for the write up I need to do something with mine.

 

with the Amp, I am right in the same ballpark. Don’t tell my wife!

started cleaning up some wiring yesterday

 

Looks good. If you run your plug wires down from the distributor, along the front and around the length of the valve covers it will eliminate most of the slack currently there. You can get the bottom valve cover hold-downs with posts for the plug wire looms to hold the wires in place along the valve covers. Hope this is helpful.

 

more wires to clean up! Thank you

 

Ray, what plug wires are you using?

 

And I spent an hour ripping the guts and inside out of an AM radio to put in the dash of my drag car. I saved a little over 3 lbs by gutting it. And,I still have the factory look dial and the light works too...lol

 

Thanks Brett.

 

Yup!

 

Correct. Mine are dated 9/69 as my GS is a very early build.

 

Started fitting the carpet. Not a finished product yet but it should be hidden. The right rear corner of the amp does slightly contact the seat track when it’s all the way forward. I think I might try and space the seat up with a few washers, or just yell at anyone who tries to move the seat. Only 3 more months until my legendary covers come in..

 

Louie - does the amp have a built in fan? I ask because there is going to be poor air circulation under the seat if it gets hot.

 

Hey Bill,

It does not. I’ve read reviews of people installing them in spare tire wells, behind truck seats in standard cabs, and under rear seats of modern cars with no issues so hoping I have the same luck. If it melts itself together I’ll have a fire extinguisher handy on board