[RW68RSConv]

My '68 came equiped with the AM radio and console mounted 8 track player. These are in perfect working order, but I would like add amplifiers so I can hear the radio with the top down on the highway. My vintage radio guy told me modern amps won't work because of the output signal coming out, but one of better stereo shops told me no problem, although they stumbled a bit when question for more detail. This is the facotry 5 speaker setup where the AM radio used the traditional dash speaker and the 8 track uses the 4 speaker setup - 2 in the kickpanels and 2 6X9s under the convertible top well.

Has anyone tried to use an amplifier on the factory equipment this old? Are there noise suppresion or line filters that help clean up the sound? It is critical the car retains a stock look, so I won't do anything 'wild' or visable - i.e. big amp in the trunk. Thanks for help in advance!

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'68 Camaro RS Convertible
http://home.everestkc.net/68Camaro

[1 2RUN]

It could be done, but not easily. Depending on who's doing the work you also run the risk of damaging the original equipment. If it was my car I think I'd buy a high power portable stereo (boom box) so you can take it out when you're not using it.

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'69 RS Camaro
355 5-speed 4.11

[sdtsdt]

Adding amps can be done, but it will be a bit awkward. You will probably need to minimally use 2 amps ... running a single speaker off the radio amp ... using a 4-channel amp for the tape ( if you have balance and fader ) ... You do not have pre-amp outs, so you'll need to use line-level filters/adapters ... a lot of amps have this option built in ... You will probably have to manualy turn on/off the amp. I doubt the older stuff has a trigger wire ... Understand that amps will be boosting the quality of the signal they receive ... The quality of the speakers you use will also make some difference... This can be done in the interest of sound volume ... I am not sure what you'll ultimately get in terms of sound quality ....

[impzilla]

Adding amps to the older equip is easily done with speaker to line coverters. Either externally or some amps have the abiltiy to convert. A converter, single four channel amp and new speakers will sound great. I wouldnt put the extra money into the 5th speaker.
http://www.scosche.com/scosche/electronic/LOC80.asp


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My 68 Camaro

[diablo67]

I amplified the crap out of the signal coming from an iPOD's headphone jack on my '67. It was a great solution to my AM only audio situation. Now I have my entire CCR collection at my finger tips! And except for the amp in the trunk, (mounted to the seat back) and the little iPOD in the console, everything looks stock. I was able to do it without drilling a single hole in the car.

[This message has been edited by diablo67 (edited 01-21-2003).]

[stope4]

What's an iPOD?

[diablo67]

an iPOD is Apple's MP3 player. They are a little pricey, but they work great and fit in the console nicely. Go to www.apple.com. But if you get one, get it at CompUSA and get the added Warranty for $30. I dropped mine and CompUSA just gave me a new one. They have one for windows users as well. You can put your entire CD collection on it, so you don't have to fumble around looking for CD's and find places to store them in your car. I probably sound like a iPOD salesman. But, I love this thing. There are MP3 players that cost less, but make sure it will fit in your console. The Nomad Jukebox was too big for my '67.

[stope4]

Well an apple isn't so bad. At least it's from the planet Earth.