Hidden Audio Installation

[pfarah]

So now with the beer virus rampaging and I'm home for a couple of weeks, what's a guy to do? How about installing an audio system that's out of sight (literally)! Since my 84 didn't come with a radio from the factory, I've been researching options that could be hidden while providing some sort of sonic projection. What I found was an interesting system that's about the size of a deck of cards. It's only a two channel amplifier but I decided to try it out anyway. Bluetooth is available, along with an USB dongle, and FM radio.

Unit next to my Android phone:


Here is the system being bench-tested prior to install:


Wired remote and USB dongle:


All wired up:


And mounted (tie-wrapped) to the cruise control module bracket in the center console. My car is very low optioned so the bracket was empty!


I ran the remote into the ashtray (the light hole had to be drilled out to accommodate the plug connector:


All done! The system works fine and best of all, no visible evidence...


I purchased the unit from Woody's Custom Shop out of Costa, Mesa, CA - 949.722.1084 if anyone has an interest.

[jjeffries]

Very slick.
John

[pfarah]

Thanks, I was hoping to find a four channel system in this size but to no avail... It does put out nice sound for what it is and I recommend the unit for anyone trying to accomplish something similar.

[Tom944]

Nice. I have the Parrot 4 channel one hidden under the radio/cubby. It connects between the speakers and the original radio. It’s amp is not great so I added a two channel amp to the rear speakers. I rarely use the control but have it hidden in the ashtray. Adding the amp improved the radio sound too. The amp is small and tucked above the drivers right knee.

[pfarah]

Do you have any pics of the install and unit specs? I'd like to see what others have done.

[Tom944]

[Tom944]

I purchased the original two pin din connectors so that I did not have to splice any wires.

[Tom944]

It’s a parrot MKI9000.

[pfarah]

I'll do some research, thanks!

[pfarah]

A little more work performed on the system... While the new unit does have a FM receiver, there are no provisions to activate the power antenna so I setup a manual power antenna switch using the unused red/yellow (always hot) wire and ran it to the center console. Now I can activate the antenna only when listening to the radio; it doesn't have to stay up during MP3/Bluetooth playback. Works like a dream!!

[pfarah]

I spent some time researching the most appropriate front speaker replacement as my originals were totally shot so I temporarily installed a pair of Sony's just to hear something.



The decision to purchase these Retrosound units came after another forum member installed them with great success (thanks Mr. Bill!!).



Repaired old crap connectors:


By soldering new pigtails, as well as installing some new foam backing (whatever they're called). I wasn't going to spend $50-$70 for Genuine P-foam so Amazon to the rescue! I did have to cut them down to fit.

[pfarah]

Finished grill installation: Hope you enjoyed the pictorial tour...

[Ernie944]

[QUOTE=pfarah;10845479]Finished grill installation: Hope you enjoyed the pictorial tour...
Lot's of work but very nice & clean install.And thanks for the pics they worth a thousand words.

[pfarah]

Thank you. Trust me, I take many pictures not only to share but also to remind me how things go back...

[TheSecondChris]

How are you liking your Retrosound speakers? I'm going to copy your switch for the power antenna. Or rather I'm going to first install a working power antenna to replace the original broken unit and then incorporate your on/off rocker switch.

[pfarah]

Hey Chris,
The Retrosound speakers are nice for the size. I mainly purchased them because they are low profile and fit with the OEM grills without bowing out.