Hi everyone-

I finally tracked down a radio for my 69 Camaro. I tried to install it but I have a few questions. I can't get it to go under the dash. Do I have to remove the console and/or the duct on the floor to get to it to fit? This seems to be where it is hanging up.

Once I get past that problem, I still can't figure out where to mount the thing. There is one bar that it will rest on near the front of the radio. Is there supposed to be a support bracket? I would assume there has to be something that will hold up the back and take the weight off the dash bezel. If I have to use some metal strap, where would I attach it under the dash?

I have posted a few pictures of the area under the dash on webshots. The link is below.

Radio install pictures (http://community.webshots.com/album/160984042eiiaAY)

Thanks!
Brian

You may need to put the back of the radio up and in first (havbe the controls facing down) and then guide the controls down thru the holes in the dash bezel. There is a bracket that bolts to the back or side of the radio and bolts to a brace that runs from the front of the dash to the firewall. I believe this is on the right side of the radio. This supports the radio from the rear. The bezel or dash holds the front on with hex nuts that thread onto each control shaft.

Wow... talk about a tight fit! I got the radio up in there, but put a small scratch in the console. :( I went ahead and took it back out because I still have to rig up a way to keep it secure in the back. I don't want it to shift going over railroad tracks or a bump and bust up the dash. I see the brace that runs from the dash to firewall near where the left side of the radio will be. Do you think metal strap will be strong enough to support it or should I fabricate a support bracket? Is there supposed to be a spot to attach a bracket or will it just have to sit under the radio or be folded around it?

Thanks,
Brian

There's a slot and hole on the right side of the radio chassis (bottom edge, near the rear) for a "J"-nut and screw; that's where the radio brace attaches to the radio. The other end of the brace attaches to an existing hole in the dash reinforcement. It's shown in the U63/69 section of the Assembly Manual. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

That was very helpful!!! I don't have a factory brace but I am going to try some pipe strap. I don't know how I missed that in the assembly manual. Thanks a lot!! graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Pipe strap is pretty wide for what you want, but it might work. You might get a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" wide strap at the hobby store. It doesn't need to be very thick---I'm sure 20 gauge whould be adequate. It has a couple of 15 -20 degree bends in the ends, but I can't remember exactly. You can make a mockup out of a piece of cereal box cardboard to figure out where the bends need to be.

I'm ready to install a CD player in my '68. Can't find the radio wires listed in the wiring diagram. What wires hook up to the radio? Mark :confused:

Im not 100% sure 68 is same as 69 but here is a close up of the wiring diagram of the area with the radio in about top center. Yellow and Black appear to be the color wires. Hope this helps and Welcome to Team Camaro This is from the AIM Assembly Instruction Manual, you should get one for your car.
http://www.brainerd.net/~knudsen/69RS/Interior/detailFusebox%20and%20InstrumentPanel1a.JPG

Got it! Thanks for the advice and thanks for the kind welcome. This forum is great. I'm using a bunch of the old posts to help me with my restoration. BTW: Just received my assembly manual yesterday. Again, thanks. Mark

Here is the strap for you guys that need it.
ebay .... radio support strap (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2487864179&category=80741)