I'm slowly fixing things on my 72 F250 Crew Cab. A lot of the work is cosmetic in nature. What I'm staring out now is pulling the AM/FM cassette my dad stuck in there 15 or 20 years ago. I'd like to get something that can plays CDs, but I also want to get a more "authentic" look. The dash is an odd size, and the only thing I've been able to come across is a unit from LMC that costs $299 for the radio plus another $299 for the 10 CD changer. That's a bit more than I want to fork out, plus I have no idea where I'd stick the CD changer -- in the glovebox?
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

I was going to suggest that. And yes in the glove box unless you really need it than under the seat (probably pass side) is another option.

A few years back I found a tape deck to fit the 72, it has the ***** so it will fit correctly. You might, might, be able to find one at a car radio store or may be able to order one.

As for playing CD's. I know there is a FM tuner for Ipod(ot similar) players and portable satelite radio players. Might be able to use one of those with a portable(walkman) CD player. Finding a place to put it would be another question. Glove box again??

 

i didnt want to cut my origanal radio mount so i found one in the junk yard that someone allready cut,threw in my kenwood and a box full of 6x9's under the seat.works and sounds great

 

Look for a "head unit" that can read MP3's and memory sticks....CD's, while a great format, are a thing of the past....with an MP3 compatable unit, you can burn many more songs onto a single CD, or use the memory stick plug for memory sticks, that are much, much smaller than CD's and also hold more songs in MP3 format. No need for a disc changer at all.

If you go the Ipod route...there are several "arms" made to hold the ipod in place while driving.

 

The original radio mount caught me by surprised, too. My 68 had the cover plate with no radio. My dad removed the plate and mounted a cassette radio, but did not bother finding a bezel. When I located a bezel I was surprised it was made of cast steel and weighted 1/2 lb. Was expecting plastic. But since there is no rear support that I can see this gave the radio a solid 4 point mount.

Due to the stem mount I elected to go with a cassette with an external cd changer. Most all stem radios have adjustable stem spacing so they will fit. But since the radio bezel is odd shaped you may need to do some trimming on the bezel. I will be trimming 1/16" off each side to allow the radio to fit through the opening. I will then install the new face plate after sanding the sides down to fit the tapered sides. Then mount the cd changer any where I want. It want look like the original AM/FM radio but it will look like a std install. I have also decided to drill holes in the dash to mount 2 speakers. I can do this right now since the glass is out. I will be making a custom dash pad any way, due to the poor defroster vents. But since I'm repainting, I have been toying with fabricating a DIN mount, which would require cutting the stem mounts off.

Another option is to mount the radio in the head liner. I've seen a after market headliner that comes with 4 speakers and an opening to mount a radio over the mirror. Or use one of the classic radio kits which gives you the original look with all of the extra mounted else where. But these get expensive as you found out.

 

I went with the Volvo adapter with an Alpine CD head unit that an ipod can plug into. Adapter cost around $15 and I painted it to match other interior trim. I just bent the dash mounting tabs back and used them as a mounting point. I put a 6 1/2" & tweeter in each door and two 6x9's with and amp behind the seat (gas tank is gone). It sounds and looks great. There are some pictures in my gallery that kinda show the set up (speakers not installed yet).