Restomod Radios, Gauges, etc...

ChiZ_65 · Nov 25, 2010

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 · Nov 25, 2010

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

tx65coupe · Nov 26, 2010

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 · Nov 26, 2010

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 · Nov 26, 2010

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 · Nov 26, 2010

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 · Nov 26, 2010

ChiZ_65 said:
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!!!

Az Pete said:
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 · Nov 26, 2010

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

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

ChiZ_65 · Nov 26, 2010

HDTony said:
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 · Nov 27, 2010

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 · Nov 27, 2010

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 · Nov 27, 2010

ChiZ_65 said:
. Too much residual power loss.

huh?

ChiZ_65 · Nov 27, 2010

iskwezm said:
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 · Nov 27, 2010

ChiZ_65 said:
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 · Nov 27, 2010

iskwezm said:
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 · Nov 27, 2010

ChiZ_65 said:
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 · Dec 1, 2010

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 · Dec 1, 2010

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 · Dec 3, 2010

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

Restomod Radios, Gauges, etc...

ChiZ_65

New Member

ericl

Member

tx65coupe

Active Member

Bitter

New Member

JamesW

Member

Az Pete

HDTony

Member

Az Pete

ChiZ_65

New Member

horseballz

Az Pete

iskwezm

ChiZ_65

New Member

iskwezm

ChiZ_65

New Member

iskwezm

HDTony

Member

mr-fixit

HDTony

Member

Similar threads

Restomod Radios, Gauges, etc...

New Member

Member

Active Member

New Member

Member

Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Member

Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency