Longhood Hidden Radio Ideas

novadia · 06-10-2009, 01:06 PM

Hello Pelicans,

I have a 1969 T with the original radio that works, but i would love to have some sort of a hidden stereo that could play CD's or even connect to my Ipod. I have tried using an FM modulator but the static is overwhleming, and the single speaker is not in the best condition. I would like to keep the dash and original radio in its current state, and put a hidden reciever unit somewhere in the car and perhaps add two speakers. Any ideas and pictures would be helpful. For the purists in the crowd, yes I love the sound of my engine and it is music to my ears nut sometimes you just want to hear a different song

.

Thank you,

Neil

JohnJL · 06-10-2009, 01:09 PM

Search on my name. I did this to my 1971. Kept the old original radion hooked up to power for the lights only, 6.5" kenwoods in the door panels, 200W Kenwood powered amp under the driver's seat and a CD/iPod/Radio head unit in the glove compartment. 1 day's work.

JohnJL · 06-10-2009, 01:10 PM

Oh, a 150 watt amp under the passenger's seat powering the door speakers too.

novadia · 06-10-2009, 01:20 PM

Hey John, what was the title of the thread? I couldnt find it.

911pcars · 01:24 PM

There are any number of AM-FM receivers with iPOD interfaces. Even non-iPOD-friendly receivers with RCA input jacks can interface to an IPOD with the correct adapter cord set (better sound repro). Get the version that also provides a voltage source wire to recharge/power the iPod. The receiver can be remotely placed in the glove box or under the seat, then controlled via its remote control. If the speakers are to be shared with both factory and new receiver, you might have to isolate the connections with a switch.

For two speakers, mount 6-6.5", 3-way speakers into the cutout in the metal door frame. Component speakers are better, but you must locate the high-frequency driver (tweeter) somewhere (e.g. kick panel). The cross-over unit can be hidden in the cavity behind the kick panel.

Either way, cut hole in door panel, then cover with a flat speaker grill to clear the roll up window handles.

If you can nest the receiver and amp under the passenger seat, all the better to group and shorten the speaker connections.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

novadia · 06-10-2009, 01:24 PM

Any ideas on how to fit the radio in the glove box without cutting it up to much? Seems like it won't fit in length wise.

jpnovak · 06-10-2009, 01:30 PM

Why not bypass the radio and build a line-in cable for your ipod. Plug it directly into a pre-amp volume control. Then to an amp wired to speakers.

Or buy an amp that has speaker level input and use the headphone jack.

If you have soldering skills you can buy the ipod connector for $4 and build your own cable with 12V in for charging.

kenikh · 06-10-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpnovak

Why not bypass the radio and build a line-in cable for your ipod. Plug it directly into a pre-amp volume control. Then to an amp wired to speakers.

Or buy an amp that has speaker level input and use the headphone jack.

If you have soldering skills you can buy the ipod connector for $4 and build your own cable with 12V in for charging.

I did this; way better sound as I tried it through the old Becker head unit using the auxiliary cable, too. You can get an adapter on Ebay that will light off the remote lead on the amp from the MP3 player when it is turned on.

911pcars · 06-10-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novadia

Any ideas on how to fit the radio in the glove box without cutting it up to much? Seems like it won't fit in length wise.

With the receiver installed inside, it's no longer a glove box. Besides, you'll need access to wire connections on back of the receiver anyways. For front-rear clearance, I would fabricate a bracket so the receiver is deeply recessed - it sticks out the rear of the glove box. This way, receiver connections (speaker wires, antenna, power) are more accessible and the radio will be fully supported inside. Shop for a spare glove box during your period of ownership should you want to swap in a complete factory box at a later date.

Sherwood

novadia · 06-10-2009, 01:35 PM

JPNovak/KenikH Is there a write up on the procedure on Pelican? That sounds perfect.

JohnJL · 06-10-2009, 03:36 PM

You dont need to cut up the box, just a hole in back for the wiring and two screws through the bottom to secure it. I made up a faceplate surround out of scrap dash leather. It still only uses up 2/3 of the box, I can still fit my garage door opener, ezpass, pens, rego and...gloves in there.

Sony makes a nice unit with integrated iPod and a remote. The remote is nice so you dont have to reach across and open the compartment to change songs.

boba · 06-10-2009, 05:58 PM

Another way to go is one of the portable satellite mp3 units with earpods. This is what I did for my drive out to Cali and back. Even when I did not listen to music the earpods worked great with the sport muffler and open windows. I rigged a mount to the ashtray so it snaps on an off, plug in and tunes.

signature65 · 06-10-2009, 06:02 PM

I have a standard 200w aftermarker amp under my passenger seat with my ipod wired directly into it.....the volume on the ipod controls the speaker volume. Used a 3.5mm to RCA cabel available at best buy, radio shack....etc. Also have a powered sub under my drivers seat to compliment the bass. Sounds great and no radio in sight. Even my dash is empty and clean looking.