Stereo receiver question...

The depth & breadth of knowledge on this forum never ceases to amaze me! Thanks for the pics Bill...and yes, that is my exact receiver. I planned on tackling this later on down the road...but now I feel motivate to give this a serious look this weekend.

I don't have the L shaped tool, but I'm sure getting what I need for the swap won't be a problem

 

S&M ElectroTech make conversions for our stock factory radios. I'm on my 2nd on two different cars and really love the AM/FM digital, USB, Bluetooth with sub and pre-amp outputs. Also, includes a mic inside the radio for hands-free cell phone talking.

But, if you're set on an aftermarket radio receiver, they also make speakers for the rear deck as well as a stereo replacement for the 4 x 10 Buick speaker in the dash. They take the original 4 x 10 frame and install two coaxial 5 inch speakers leaving plenty of room for the A/C duct to go back in if you have A/C. I have this in one of my GSs and really like it. Here's a link to the one they call the "4" x 10" Special Rectangle Stereo High Output:"

http://www.turnswitch.com/speakers.htm

 

Thanks for that link Ray!

I just picked up the new receiver. Local store said they had one left in stock. I went there and found the one....tape was missing on one end of the box from being opened. So I opened it to take a peek at the contents, and it was a Pioneer receiver stuck in the Sony box lol.

I went to BestBuy down the street and got what I wanted/needed!

 

Basic conversion to AM/FM stereo is $400
Add USB/Bluetooth/Aux inputs is $225
Sub out and pre amp out free.
Replacement front speaker with two 5 inch stereo $99
Rear 6 x 9 Coaxial $109 a pair.

Neat thing is that all factory radio controls work as normal. Volume, balance, tone, fader and all push buttons. When cell phone rings, radio reverts to Bluetooth and mutes sounds. Great for when loud exhaust and loud music make listening for cell phone ring is impossible.

Here's their website with all the info and instructions:

http://www.turnswitch.com/services.htm

 

So the connector to the new receiver is indeed different than that of the old cassette player. I can see where all of the wires from the harness were spliced to the factory wires...and I damn sure ain't fooling with all of those wires one by one. Sony must've switched the harness in the early 2000s based off what I see for receivers that have that same pin pattern.

Oh, and removing the receiver was tricky. It had a support bracket installed on the rear that I was unaware of. Pretty sure I broke the mini switch that holds the removable faceplate in place. Radio isn't working now lol. 2 steps backwards!

I'll probably just have a local install shop handle it.

 

Yes

 

Rats Langston, I was concerned that might be the case with the plug. New tech, new plug. Funny about the support. An issue with the DIN mount is they need to be in something thicker than sheet metal. My guess from your picture is the installer thought it would not be stable and needed more support.

 

Yep, no biggie though. Gonna have the pros handle it tomorrow (they're also installing new rear speakers for me)...which is in line with a lot for me in life these days. I'm at that point where I'll do it if it's easy, but I am perfectly fine with drinking a beer or something while the pro does it!

Here is the mounting brace...it attached to the lower part of the dash near my right shin.


I was happy to finally use my fingertip flashlight gloves LOL!

 

Cool gloves - let us know how it turns out!

 

Can I use any 4x10 speaker or do I have to use the one in the link? Or what have you guys used in place? I'm installing a modern stereo.

 

I do not know what your factory speaker (1976 Electra) looks like. Maybe someone can chime in. The issue may be the mounting bracket. It looks like this in the A body:


If you find a picture of yours post it here, maybe we can help.
For the small cars some folks feel ambitious and try this: http://fixjet.ca/speaker.html

 

You can buy a replacement speaker for the front that will allow you to remove that special Mount ant attach it to a new speaker.

 

Does anyone know what the front speaker(s) is/are in a 1976 Electra?

 

Back in business with the new receiver. Now I need to get an amp & subwoofer...and maybe some kick panel speakers lol

 

Did you figure out the size of your front speaker(s)?

 

No, I never fooled with the front speakers. The front right one works now.

 

So you have 2 speakers under the dash?