Stereo question

suki243 · Apr 8, 2007

Hey guys, I was thinking about brining my car's stereo into the new era, I currently have both the original radio where its supposed to be and an after market one installed underneath by the previous owner.

I'd like to keep the superficial look of the car stock but I know that if I want to do that I'd have to sacrifice convenience.

I'd like to install a new head unit with HD radio built in by JVC in the glove compartment. It comes with a remote but there are concerns of whether the signal will go through the metal door of the compartment.

Anyway I'd like to see other people's choice around this dilemma.

I know there are those radios who look like the originals but have cd changers and stuff... They're expensive though.

ratio411 · Apr 8, 2007

The remote is unlikely to work through the door.

Here is what I have started:
I got a 'period correct' stock AM/FM stereo HU that works. Took out the stock AM.
Installed 4 hi-quality speakers behind stock grilles.
Picked up an FM transmitter unit for my MP3 player (iPod wannabe).
Tune my radio to appropriate channel and listen to modern music, commercial free, looking stock, in 4 channel stereo.

That is where I am, but I have only started.
I intend to take it further.
I am going to run the 4 stock channels into a 4 channel amp that will be hidden.
This will allow me to boost power, fine tune crossover, and still look stock...
I just have to get an amp with line level inputs.
Then I can tie into the sub output or just use low level channel outputs to feed another amp and sub or subs.
Then I will be done.

This has crossed my mind too though:
iPod (or similar), tied directly into a 4 channel amp. Then that tied to the sub amp and subs.
Stock radio just for looks.
iPod in the console for storage, out on a discreet piece of velcro, in easy reach, when being used. The controls on the iPod would be no harder to use when driving as a remote.
The only thing I need to study for this setup is 'what is the output level of the mp3 player I want to use?'...
The things are so small, I can't see them being more than the 'low level inputs' can handle...
Just need to make sure.
The more I think about this system, the more I might change my strategy.
Even though the FM transmitters work good, they are far from perfect.
This scenario will remove the 2 weak links from my original idea.
The stock HU and the imperfect transmitter.

Just some ideas!
Dave

chromedog · Apr 8, 2007

TO USE A REMOTE THROUGH A CLOSED GLOVE BOX DOOR, YOU MUST HAVE AN RF (RADIO FREQUENCY) REMOTE, AS OPPOSED TO AN INFRARED... NOT AS COMMON, BUT THEY ARE OUT THERE.

chromedog · Apr 8, 2007

now, for my system... i also have a period correct am/ fm cassette deck, it is a high end jvc with aux inputs, which will be used for an ipod. two sets of preamp outputs run a pair of jbl gtq200 power amps, one for the full range (jbl 6.5's in the kick panels, and 6x9's on the rear shelf) the other runs a pair of jbl 10s in a box behind the rear seat, firing forward. i also have a 6 disc changer mounted in the trunk, hooked to the head unit through an rf modulator.

iskwezm · Apr 8, 2007

if your dead set on keeping the door closed, buy a infared repeater.The place i work for makes them and are pretty easy to find at a PAD dealer near you.

I have my DVD/stereo and EQ in the glove box, but have so much stuff didnt try to hide anything,just made it as clean as possible

suki243 · Apr 8, 2007

Hmm Really nice ideas, thanks a lot guys.
I'm particularly interested in the Ipod idea, but originally if i were to get jvc's head unit with built in hd radio I would've also have gotten an aux output adapter to attach really any external media player.

iskwezm:
Do you have pics of the setup in your glove box? I was thinking it over and I began to question how will it be supported in there? the glove box insert is flimsy did you reinforce it?

As far as speakers go:
I'm getting a pair of component speakers that will serve as kick panel speakers. Then I have 2 6x9s in the package tray, and finally one if not two 12" subs by Digital Designs in the trunk.

iskwezm · Apr 9, 2007

suki243 said:
iskwezm:
Do you have pics of the setup in your glove box? I was thinking it over and I began to question how will it be supported in there? the glove box insert is flimsy did you reinforce it?

i'll be out of town for a couple of days, but ill get some pics. I made a board that sits in about 2 inches and the ends are countoured to the dash.There a hole on each side when you open the dash and its screwed in there.

I have my garage back,so if you need any work done let me know.

Jimmys66 · Apr 9, 2007

The ipod idea works perfectly if you don't want to cut the dash or hide a head unit. The ipod doesn't need a converter. Just pick up a patch cable with a mini-jack on one end and rca jacks on the other. Plug the mini into the ipod like a headphone and the rca jacks into the amp and you're good to go.

I used this trick in the 90's with a cd walkman and it worked great. The ipods work better because they won't skip.

suki243 · Apr 24, 2007

Is there anyone who has pictures of a stereo installed in the glove box?
How did you mount it? is there a kit or is it all custom fabrication?
Also, do you guys recommend putting the fuse box in the glove box or where it usually is on driver side?
I'm planning on getting a EZ wiring mini 21 fuse kit. it has a really small fuse box.

After really careful consideration I am most probably gonna go with the ipod idea, I can use the current working head unit thats in the car directing more $$$ to sound dampening and speakers and amps. Plus i'm planning on wiring it to in front of the shifter, its really close and will look pretty cool, just take it out whenever I go out and put it back when I get in, or yah.

iskwezm · Apr 24, 2007

suki243 said:
Is there anyone who has pictures of a stereo installed in the glove box?
How did you mount it? is there a kit or is it all custom fabrication?

i'll get a pic for you tomorrow

suki243 · Apr 24, 2007

Thanks a bunch,
One more question that came up, I planning on adding subs and more speakers in the car, and concerns of ample amps from the generator has been raised. Many people have suggested getting a 3g alternator from the junkyard off an old taurus. But my question would you guys suggest buying one from like summit or like a retailer or buying one from a junkyard? if so how many amps? and how would that effect wiring?

iskwezm · Apr 25, 2007

suki243 said:
Thanks a bunch,
One more question that came up, I planning on adding subs and more speakers in the car, and concerns of ample amps from the generator has been raised. Many people have suggested getting a 3g alternator from the junkyard off an old taurus. But my question would you guys suggest buying one from like summit or like a retailer or buying one from a junkyard? if so how many amps? and how would that effect wiring?

You can get a 100 amp 1 wire pretty cheap if you dont want to do the 3G conversion

suki243 · Apr 25, 2007

Honestly, I don't know the difference between 3g and the other 100 amp 1 wire ones.

Blu-Steel · Apr 25, 2007

Have you seen the new 66 Mustang AM/FM Stereo reproduction from Custom Auto Sounds? It's an exact replica of the original am/fm radio (which was a REALLY rare option) but it has modern internals with 200 watts, RCA output/input, and Ipod jack. I put one in my car and I love it! It keeps the original look but modern sounds. I run the Ipod jack into my glove box an plug in my CD player.

suki243 · Apr 25, 2007

You know, originally this was my choice, but I thought to myself it was way too expensive, but now thinking of it once again I think it would be the smarter choice.

Thank you for reminding me of that option.

tylerrocks · Apr 25, 2007

I use an Ipod. the only problem is the songs get played out quickly

spade33 · Apr 25, 2007

+1 for custom autosound

chromedog · Apr 25, 2007

i had the customauto sound usa6, started to install it, and sold it... it was just too chintzy. honestly, if you get 50 watts/channel peak power from one of those units, well, lets just say i would have to see the numbers. i picked up a jvc digifine, 2 sets of preouts, an aux in,digital tuner, 15 watts rms,REALLY nice piece for 175.00 on ebay... pushes my jbl's real well! kenwood also made a nice unit that the customautosound was copied from. all that is if you want a nice sound, and not a true factory look.

iskwezm · Apr 25, 2007

just so you know,theres is no way in hell those stereos put out 200 watts, they are about 15-20 watts RMS

Heres my glove box(with the door off)
View attachment 388196

suki243 · Apr 25, 2007

Ic, custom auto sounds also has a 3 part stereo that I might look into as well,
A question about your kick panel speakers. Are they component speakers? I'm planning on getting a pair and hooking them up with the 2 6x9s that are in the car already in the package tray and adding a Digital Designs 12" sub

http://www.ddaudio.com/dd/caraudio/woofers.asp?series=1500
The 1512 most probably.

Any suggestions on amps?

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