So, I am one of those guys that likes the look and feel of simple. It is even better if it has great functionality and is simple....

So I have been thinking about replacing my radio. Currently, I have an early 90's pioneer shaft radio that doesn't work. I could cut the dash and install a DIN radio, but, alas I like the look and feel of a shaft radio. I don't need a cd player. All I need is a radio and either a USB or 3.5mm jack. I have been looking at the classic car stereos model and the comparable model from retro sound. Does anyone have any experience with either of these units?
Any thoughts as to pros/cons of either? durability,sound quality,ease of use etc.?

What about a unit I haven't heard of yet?

Here are the links to the ones I have been looking at:

http://www.classiccarstereos.com/product/1973-1979_Ford_Pickup_Truck_Radio/CAM-FD3_9PU-230.html


http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/details/id/232

 

I prefer the ones from Retro, they look like they are a better quality product. I need to get me a new radio also, but I need to replace the center panel where it mounts. The previous owner has the radio crudely fitting in the slot and there is jagged plastic sticking up around it. Sometimes I wish I could punch him in the face with a brick, finding something new everyday this bozo "naval engineer" did to the truck.

 

I hear you on being PO'd at the PO! It never ceases to amaze me at the lengths some people will go to avoid doing something right!

 

I too have a DIN style radio that was installed with a hacked up radio bezel. Ive pretty much settled on the Custom Auto Sound USA 230 or USA 630. I I havent heard anything bad about either company's product, just think the CAS models look better than Retro Sound's.

I already have the NOS center radio bezel sitting on a shelf in a box, just need to stop spending money on mechanical issues for a few months so I can save some for the radio.

 

I am still going back and forth between them. seems like pros/cons to both. I have heard that the CAS unit can be hard to read at times as the "graph" imprinted on the glass can apparently distort the screen.
also, good job on the bezel! would love to have a NOS one myself.

 

I hadnt heard that about the screen, but there is really only 1 FM and 1 AM station I listen to anyway.

It took a while to find the bezel, but Im still not really happy with it. Its a plain black basket-weave with the chrome strip running around it. When I install it Im gonna end up loosing the "CUSTOM" written across the middle unless I can get some letters for it. Unfortunately, its not the same size as the fender badge. Thinking about 3d water-jetting out of polished stainless (to get the font correct).

 

Does it ever amaze you the availability of some obscure part and then the almost impossibility of finding other more common ones?I scratch my head at that all the time...

 

You got the wrong bezel...

1980-1981: Black-Mesh weave, "CUSTOM" script. The lettering was part of the bezel.

1982-1984: Black-mesh weave, no script. This is because the Custom was dropped for the 1982 model year.

Post if your truck has a factory radio, or clock, and Numberdummy would be able to search and find if any still exist.

 

Check Denis Carpenter Resorations Dennis Carpenter Ford Car, F-100 Pickup Truck, 8N, 9N Tractor and Cushman Scooter Restoration Parts

 

I followed the link, and looked at the bezels there, and found one.

1980-1981 Radio bezel, black mesh weave, with Radio, without clock: E0TZ-10044D70-G

However looking at the picture, it shows the 1982-1984 version instead.

Then goes on to list the 1982-1983 version, with radio, without clock black mesh weave... E2TZ-10044D70-K

Someone at DC is confused perhaps?

I'd call them up before I ordered them, and ask if it actually has the "CUSTOM" script on it or not. If that is the one you need.

 

What's the link to the picture? I looked on the site but most everything tells me no pictures are available.

Yes, did it have a factory radio and clock above.

 

The picture they are listing for:

E0TZ-10044D70-G: 1980-1981 Radio bezel, black mesh weave, with Radio, without clock:


Can be seen here:
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000024Y


And the direct link to the picture:
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....4y~Z5Z5Z516795


As you can see, the picture is of a 1982-1984 version, without the Custom script.

 

Anyone else know anything about the radios?
(by the way, I am not complaining about the thread going a bit off track. That happens! I just really would love to hear from someone with experience on these. Surely, with this large a group, someone has used one right?!?)

 

Sorry for the hijack.....last word on the bezel - I knew it was not 100% correct when I got it, the idea for cutting new letters was only because I have not been able to locate any NOS or Repro's that are correct, and this was as close as I could get. The one that DC sells, or did when I last called, is plain with no logo.

As for the radios AZ is considering - You may want to ask the same questions in the '79 and earlier forums. Both companies make versions that will fit trucks going back to the 40's. As you said, someone has to have one. Just a matter of getting in contact.

The other option (and the one I endorse) is buying the CAS-630 for me, and I will rate and review it for you free of charge.

 

The aftermarket shaft radios that are an exact fit for the mid/late 70's, early 80's mustangs are a better fit for 1980-84 trucks.

The 1980-1984 F-series/Bronco/Econoline use the same dimensions as the Mustangs.

The 1973-1979 F-series, the radios are smaller, and the face of the radio is narrower. They would have to be installed with an adapter kit.


Aftermarket companies used to make close replicas of the factory units. Something else to consider, if they still make them etc...

A Picture of a Factory Replica Clarion Spec-II, with a actual Ford Factory radio for comparison.



As for the Radio Bezel, it seems DC made a mistake because E0TZ-10044D70-G, should have the custom script.

Now it's possible that they are using Ford's original tooling. Highly likely. Ford modified the tooling for the 1982-1984 version and removed the custom script, and made it a service replacement part for all 1980-1984. I have a 1980-1981 Custom script version, and a 1982-1984 without script version, and they have the same exact engineering numbers, so the tooling was modified at some point.

If Ford didn't update the part number, when they changed the tooling... needle in haystack situation...


Ford had a bad habit of doing that type of thing. Radiator Grilles for instance. As soon as the 1982-1986 grille came out, they discontinued the 1980-1981 grille, and made the 1982-1986 grille a service part for all 1980-1986s.

Which sucks if you want original looking pieces for restorations...