I'm doing a psuedo restoration on a mostly original truck. It still has the working '65 AM radio, but i want a descent stereo to use and enjoy. I don't really want one under the seat...cause you can't see or use it that easily. I looked at those retro models, but most are the 70's vintage look and they cost $400 or more and are kinda crummy anyway. How much of a travesty is to cut my pristing dash to accomodate a new stereo? I had a somewhat hair-brained idea that i could get a dettach-able face stereo and then buy a non-workign replacement 'dummy" face for the real stereo. I could mount the old AM radio face on the new "dummy" detachable face to make it look stock, when not using the real stereo (make sense?).
I've done a couple diff things. In my 56, I made a box and put it in the glove box. That was a little hard to reach. In my 66 I found a mounting box (at pep biys of all places), I think they called it an under dash mount, but I used it to mount the stereo to the headliner brace. It's not a bad looking setup at all, and was easy to do. It uses the front headliner mounting screws, and then I just added a couple of "struts" from the headliner brace. It's easy to run the wires down the A pillar. It's a really nice compromise to having a nice, new stereo that you can reach and read without cutting up the dash.
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1956 F-100 Big Window, 292, three on the tree
1966 F-100 long bed, 460, C6, Dana 60
1997 F-350 Crew Cab, 4x4, 460, long bed
I still have the urge to punch the guy in the face who cut up my otherwise stock truck's dash to install a Sparkomatic radio...
The roof mounted option actually doesn't sound bad. I was looking at an under-dash installation. They make/sell plastic housings for boats that I think may be adaptable to truck use if I can figure out how to firmly mount the rearward portion of the box. They only cost about $10.
Stereo head unit with a remote is a very enticing idea if I didn't already have a couple of radios sitting on the shelf.
Oh ya, with the limited choices of AM stations; in particular, poor reception, it renders the radio in my 65 useless. Not familiar with the advance 'hi tech' electronic component but figure should be able to install a system simular to the new Ford trucks where one can plug in a device like an MP3, or simular device that can be plugged into an existing sterio system. Thus, just need to find a good location to install a jack/inlet connection. Anyhow, food for thought.
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'problem with engaging in useless activity is never knowing when your done'
Hmmmm... I thought about the glove box option, but that's about the only storage i have in the truck and i hate to give that up. I'm curious to see what the headliner option looks like; would post a picture? I think an under-mount dash may be the best compromise. Anyone have one of those retro models that fits the old stereo holes? If so, what's your opinion.
Hey, thanks again for everyone's feedback, this is a really helpful forum. If anyone is interested, i posted some pics of my truck in the album section under Murr's '65 F100.
I'm doing a psuedo restoration on a mostly original truck. It still has the working '65 AM radio, but i want a descent stereo to use and enjoy. I don't really want one under the seat...cause you can't see or use it that easily. I looked at those retro models, but most are the 70's vintage look and they cost $400 or more and are kinda crummy anyway. How much of a travesty is to cut my pristing dash to accomodate a new stereo? I had a somewhat hair-brained idea that i could get a dettach-able face stereo and then buy a non-workign replacement 'dummy" face for the real stereo. I could mount the old AM radio face on the new "dummy" detachable face to make it look stock, when not using the real stereo (make sense?).
Any clever stereo suggestions? Thanks again.
Murray
I have researched this a bit for my 66. I have found that best bet would be a Ken Harrison unit. NPD claims they have one but its not yet listed online. Part # F18000-2A a bit pricey at 604.95.
180 Watts (4x45)
RCA Jacks for MP3, CD or satellite radio
Looks like a factory ford unit
The K-H units start out as Blaupunkt, Kenwood, Pioneer or..... They then adapt it over to fit the older vehicles.
Ken Harrison Enterprises
P.O. Box 607824
Orlando FL 32860
407/886-1963
Do not think they sell to general public tho
I will most likely be purchasing this unit and will let all know how it works out. Need to do a bit more research first tho.
That's a great looking option. I've seen similar retro radios, but my impression is that you are spending $600 and still not getting that great quality of a radio.
Let me know what you think of your and if you like it....how are you getting one, if they don't sell to the public?
That's a great looking option. I've seen similar retro radios, but my impression is that you are spending $600 and still not getting that great quality of a radio.
Let me know what you think of your and if you like it....how are you getting one, if they don't sell to the public?
Murray
As my above post NPD claims they have them. I am researching other dealers for K-H. Plan on following up this week. Getting close to painting the cab and wanted radio prior to paint.
$600 is almost the cost of a whole stereo system. I'll probably incorporate a new stereo in the console I plan to build. Leave the old one in the dash to throw people off. 2 12" subs behind the seats, 2 mid range speakers where the 1960's air conditioner vents were and a couple tweeters somewhere will make the old truck sound good. I also want something I can plug my MP3 player into. Almost no need to carry CD's around now with the flash drives that hold hundreds if not thousands of songs.
Put something in the glove box, and with the money you save buy some door pockets to get your storage back. Unless you have a remote this would suck, since its out of reach.
Don 't forget to add as much sound deadening material as you can afford so it does't sound like a tin can with speakers inside.
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1966 F-100 Custom Cab (work in progress)
351 Cleveland 4V (DOAE-J) *No its not a 351M**
C4 trans, 4.11 trac loc
Ground up resto. Ground is done, ran out of money for the up.
Im gonna remain calm as I get riled bigtime about messing up dashes on old cars and trucks..
you mention needing storage...Im local...these truck had optional door zippered pouches ...I have lots of them..for sale...so...storage issue resolved...put the radio in the glovebox...
If I were looking at a ultra sweet looking truck, purpourtedly original and so on down the line and was offered for a cheap price but alas had a hacked dash...I'd walk away...Ive done it many times in the past...
You gotta remember a vehicle is original only ONCE and repairing properly one of these dashes from a hack job is a royal PITA. Put the radio in the glovebox...speakers can go behind the seat..its where mine are and they sound fine...besides...I'd rather hear my FE purring happily down the road...
If anyone here has a working 60s AMjam for under $20 I will buy it. I have a liking for the old twistknob and pushbutton jobs and would love a pushbutton AMjam for my 64.
Some knucklehead cut my dash up too. I got a 96 AM/FM outa my old truck in there now.
I agree with your opinion on the dash....it will remain pristine, with my original '65 AM Radio.
Send me some contact info and I'll give you a ring about zippered door storage units. Also, I'd like some tips on what local junk yards would be good to find some power steering and disc brake donor trucks.
There is the hidden stereo system. Yep, the radio mounts under the seat, or where ever else you want to put it. Mine is hidden under the boot for the convertible top. They give you a control panel that you can mount in your glove box that is really tiney. Doesn't hardly take up any space. On my 75 F-100 I just went with a custom glove box that allows the stereo to cool. Has a remote. Glove box is so big, theres still plenty of room.
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