Restomod Radios, Gauges, etc...

[ChiZ_65]

I'm strongly considering the Retrosound Classic radio for my 1965 Fastback. It will look original, but with all the bells and whistles of today's standards. But I'm also seeing the Custom Autosound radios out there. Anybody recommend one or the other? And would anyone recommend having a stand-alone secondary battery/power source for the radio to be hooked up to? My concern is that it will drain power from the main battery like before.

Also, I'm looking to upgrade my gauge bezel in the dash. A classy upgrade. I was thinking of the JME Enterprises set-up.
65dash Info
It's a bit expensive though. Does anyone have this setup? Or recommend something comparable?

Any comments or thoughts are appreciated!!!

 

[ericl]

I'm very happy with my Ken Harrison radio. I would never spend money on another customautocrap anything.

 

[tx65coupe]

I've been considering one of these too. I have to repair the dash first though. I wonder which one is actually the best. I wish one of them illuminated the same color as the gauges. I kinda like the looks of the RetroSound better.

 

[Bitter]

You'll find a lot of people who will tell you horror stories about the Custom Autosound units, and rightfully so. The older units were not well made. As I understand it, they've responded to the bad reputation they were getting with better quality. I've heard nothing but good things about the Retrosound units, though I can speak from personal experience. From what I've seen, I think the CAS units tend to look more original.

 

[JamesW]

I had a CAS unit and it stunk. no range, poor quality.... had to toss it.
My opinion is that unless you've got a concours car, go ahead and cut the dash and install a nice DIN style radio like a Pioneer and be happy....they look fine.

 

[Az Pete]

I use this dash. I cannot see the prices they want for the alum. dash panels. This unit works good.
Instrument Bezels and Gauges

 

[HDTony]

I'm strongly considering the Retrosound Classic radio for my 1965 Fastback. It will look original, but with all the bells and whistles of today's standards. But I'm also seeing the Custom Autosound radios out there. Anybody recommend one or the other? And would anyone recommend having a stand-alone secondary battery/power source for the radio to be hooked up to? My concern is that it will drain power from the main battery like before.

Also, I'm looking to upgrade my gauge bezel in the dash. A classy upgrade. I was thinking of the JME Enterprises set-up.
65dash Info
It's a bit expensive though. Does anyone have this setup? Or recommend something comparable?

Any comments or thoughts are appreciated!!!

I use this dash. I cannot see the prices they want for the alum. dash panels. This unit works good.
Instrument Bezels and Gauges

Ok why is the dash linked in the first post $500 bucks more??? Does it print money or something?

 

[Az Pete]

From their site....."Polished Billet Aluminum 6 Gauge Bezel."

The bezel on mine is actually plastic......

 

[ChiZ_65]

Ok why is the dash linked in the first post $500 bucks more??? Does it print money or something?

I think it also has to do with having all Auto-meter gauges. So, I'd be paying twice as much for the Auto-meter gauges instead of MP gauges and aluminum trim instead of plastic trim...tempting. Thanks for the post Az Pete. Looks good!

As far as the CAS radios; I've been reading a lot of horror stories about them on here. And cutting my dash and installing a modern stereo doesn't interest me. Been there, done that. Too much residual power loss. Plus, I want to keep the interior looking as original as possible only with a little kick. You know? I think the Retrosound is the way to go.

Thank you all for the replies!!

 

[horseballz]

I've seen some nice Kenwood units with good specs but no aux input for iPod/MP3. When I'm ready, I'll be getting the Retrosound.
Pete,
Dash looks great. I hope it's camera angle or an optical illusion, but the gauges look a bit crooked/off kilter to each other. The pics on the MP website for 67/68 certainly look crooked? Good prices though. Are the gauges rotate-able to straighten?
My $.02,
Gene

 

[Az Pete]

Gauges are adjustable. I put a straight edge across them for the reason of the looks.They are fine. A couple pics out of the car. I believe they use ProTech gauges. This is the second car I have done with these and have no complaints. They are a small shop with great service.

 

[iskwezm]

. Too much residual power loss.

huh?

 

[ChiZ_65]

huh?

A few years back I had a detachable-face CD player installed under the dash in a custom housing. The stereo worked great, sounded good, etc. And then the next morning i went to start my car and it was dead. Turns out that even when the radio was off, and the car not running, the radio was still sucking juice from the battery. Enough so that i needed to constantly jump it. Even after i put a new battery in, the same thing happened.

This may have just been a simple wiring issue, and i even had someone look at it. I was told it was hooked up right. Anyway, i threw the towel in and got it taken out. No battery problems or problems starting after that. The only thing i can think of doing if i wanted to still use that kind of newer stereo would be to hook it to its own power source apart from the main battery. Like, installing a battery in the glove box?

 

[iskwezm]

A few years back I had a detachable-face CD player installed under the dash in a custom housing. The stereo worked great, sounded good, etc. And then the next morning i went to start my car and it was dead. Turns out that even when the radio was off, and the car not running, the radio was still sucking juice from the battery. Enough so that i needed to constantly jump it. Even after i put a new battery in, the same thing happened.

This may have just been a simple wiring issue, and i even had someone look at it. I was told it was hooked up right. Anyway, i threw the towel in and got it taken out. No battery problems or problems starting after that. The only thing i can think of doing if i wanted to still use that kind of newer stereo would be to hook it to its own power source apart from the main battery. Like, installing a battery in the glove box?

Your going to add to your issues by trying to power off a seconday battery.The radio will draw a very minimal current to keep the memory for presets and settings,which shouldnt even cuse any battery issues for at least a week or two.You had other issues going on that were unseen.My car gets driven maybe once a month and with all the electronics in there it still doesnt die for at least 2 weeks.

 

[ChiZ_65]

Your going to add to your issues by trying to power off a seconday battery.The radio will draw a very minimal current to keep the memory for presets and settings,which shouldnt even cuse any battery issues for at least a week or two.You had other issues going on that were unseen.My car gets driven maybe once a month and with all the electronics in there it still doesnt die for at least 2 weeks.

I see what you mean. But whether it dies tomorrow, or in 2 weeks, that's still a power issue i shouldn't have to worry about dealing with. Especially since I'm turning the car from a weekend warrior into my everyday driver. Maybe its inevitable with old cars though.

What kind of problems would i run into if i power from a 2nd battery? Maybe wiring issues, but its just a radio right?...I mean, if i want a good stereo, and probably a descent alarm system (I'm in LA after all), wouldn't it be smart to power from a separate hidden source?

 

[iskwezm]

I see what you mean. But whether it dies tomorrow, or in 2 weeks, that's still a power issue i shouldn't have to worry about dealing with. Especially since I'm turning the car from a weekend warrior into my everyday driver. Maybe its inevitable with old cars though.

What kind of problems would i run into if i power from a 2nd battery? Maybe wiring issues, but its just a radio right?...I mean, if i want a good stereo, and probably a descent alarm system (I'm in LA after all), wouldn't it be smart to power from a separate hidden source?

you have a secondary battery that will put more of a load on your alternator if its stock.If your car is a daily driver, it a 10mA current draw would not be issue.Also you never want to add a battery without isolating it,otherwise it will draw from the wear of the two.I say mine dies in 2 weeks because ny car is not driven,its not started,its not even looked at.I would recommend see if your car has a drain now, no matter how small.Get a good battery(not a Optima, they are junk) with a good CCA and reserve capacity.A alarm or any alarm will not keep a mustang from getting stolen.pop the hood,jump the solenoid,power the coil and the open the door its pretty much gone.

 

[HDTony]

Got an email back from mp, thier gauges are produced for them by tge company below. Anyone know anything about them? Looks like they are american made which is nice


Thomas G. Faria Corporation

 

[mr-fixit]

They make a lot of gauges for boats. They are the maker of many Ford Tachs, including the Cobra tach used in the early Shelbys.

 

[HDTony]

I ordered up a set of these the other day. i really like the level of customization, even though i went with a fairly classic setup. I did add the ford racing logos though. Nice touch to be able to do that.
Kits Gauge, Speedhut Gauge Series by SpeedHut