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Old Man

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm thinking about upgrading the AM/FM radio in my 69 with a modern system, all I currently have is a dash speaker. I'm probably going to go with the secret audio system, a new dash speaker, kick panel speakers and 2 in the package tray. I intend on buying a new mesh package tray but I can't find any 69 kick panels with speaker holes pre cut. Does anyone sell them or am I going to have to cut mine? If I have to cut them is there a template? Thanks
 
I'm thinking about upgrading the AM/FM radio in my 69 with a modern system, all I currently have is a dash speaker. I'm probably going to go with the secret audio system, a new dash speaker, kick panel speakers and 2 in the package tray. I intend on buying a new mesh package tray but I can't find any 69 kick panels with speaker holes pre cut. Does anyone sell them or am I going to have to cut mine? If I have to cut them is there a template? Thanks
Some speakers will come with a template, but most probably don't. And yes, you'll have to cut them yourself (or take it somewhere like Circuit City etc..).

As a side note: I used to be an audiophile of sorts (hence, dbx, which is high line audio processing equip), and although it's tempting to go with the "secret audio systems" that seem made specifically for our cars, I would personally, stick with a known brand name audio system if you're interested in quality sound and can tell the difference. Having said that, I honestly haven't heard these "special" systems for our cars, but I am suspect as to their relatively high cost and unknown reputation. But that's just me. When the time comes, I will simply do what many here have done; put a unit in the glove box, and either mount a CD changer under the glove box or in the trunk. My .02 cents.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Some speakers will come with a template, but most probably don't. And yes, you'll have to cut them yourself (or take it somewhere like Circuit City etc..).

As a side note: I used to be an audiophile of sorts (hence, dbx, which is high line audio processing equip), and although it's tempting to go with the "secret audio systems" that seem made specifically for our cars, I would personally, stick with a known brand name audio system if you're interested in quality sound and can tell the difference. Having said that, I honestly haven't heard these "special" systems for our cars, but I am suspect as to their relatively high cost and unknown reputation. But that's just me. When the time comes, I will simply do what many here have done; put a unit in the glove box, and either mount a CD changer under the glove box or in the trunk. My .02 cents.
Last night while looking at some of the systems offered for the 1st gens I was thinking about just putting a nice Pioneer system/aftermarket set up in the car and just leaving the original AM/FM radio in the dash. I have a Pioneer component system in my 99 Z28, it sounds great and was reasonably priced.
 
Last night while looking at some of the systems offered for the 1st gens I was thinking about just putting a nice Pioneer system/aftermarket set up in the car and just leaving the original AM/FM radio in the dash. I have a Pioneer component system in my 99 Z28, it sounds great and was reasonably priced.
That's what I'd do.

My plan is to set up an amp setup and run an IPOD to the amp. bypass the radio and CD issue entirely. You could always run a radio to the amp too.
This ^ is an excellent idea! Damn it, you remind me of how old I'm getting:(. All my kids have MP3 players and I've thought about getting one for myself, but I just never have. This would truly be a space saver issue and convenient. But what do I do with the 500 CD's I have?:D My 18yr old does this very thing in his RX7.
 
This ^ is an excellent idea! Damn it, you remind me of how old I'm getting:(. All my kids have MP3 players and I've thought about getting one for myself, but I just never have. This would truly be a space saver issue and convenient. But what do I do with the 500 CD's I have?:D My 18yr old does this very thing in his RX7.
I have a nano hooked up to a FM transmitter in my 04 Impala. The sound is OK, but I am going to buy the GM-aux12 unit soon to hardwire it.

I researched a couple of amps and most have line level inputs, just get/make an earphone (IPOD) to amp jack and you are set. There usually is a speaker level input on the amps too. I plan to run the AM/FM signal thru there and I also have a vintage underdash 8 track that I will use there too. I bench tested the concept, ran the Radio shack 8 track speaker outputs to the amp (Alpine) and then out to Kappa plate speakers for the kick panels and it works fine!

Cant wait to get my car back and actually install the system!

On the 500 CDs :), just burn them into your PC (I only have around 2000 songs :) 600+ on IPOD) as straight MP3s, upload them to itunes (IPOD is set to manual upload!) Then you rate them a 4 or 5. Then you can use the "top rated" pick, select all and copy to IPOD. That way you have all the songs you like without all the dud songs. Get in the car and choose shuffle songs and its like listening to the FM radio stations back in the day, you never know which song is next on the playlist. :D

Or you can send the 500 CDs to me for my collection :D Oh yea, I am not a young pup either, my kid got an IPOD first :)
 
I have a nano hooked up to a FM transmitter in my 04 Impala. The sound is OK, but I am going to buy the GM-aux12 unit soon to hardwire it.

I researched a couple of amps and most have line level inputs, just get/make an earphone (IPOD) to amp jack and you are set. There usually is a speaker level input on the amps too. I plan to run the AM/FM signal thru there and I also have a vintage underdash 8 track that I will use there too. I bench tested the concept, ran the Radio shack 8 track speaker outputs to the amp (Alpine) and then out to Kappa plate speakers for the kick panels and it works fine!

Cant wait to get my car back and actually install the system!

On the 500 CDs :), just burn them into your PC (I only have around 2000 songs :) 600+ on IPOD) as straight MP3s, upload them to itunes (IPOD is set to manual upload!) Then you rate them a 4 or 5. Then you can use the "top rated" pick, select all and copy to IPOD. That way you have all the songs you like without all the dud songs. Get in the car and choose shuffle songs and its like listening to the FM radio stations back in the day, you never know which song is next on the playlist. :D

Or you can send the 500 CDs to me for my collection :D Oh yea, I am not a young pup either, my kid got an IPOD first :)
Hey, I didn't even admit to the over 500 vinyl LPs I still have :eek:. I'm an old rocker.

Yes, I knew exactly what I'd need to do when you first posted. I like the idea of rating the songs to copy that way...cool. Of course, my kids probably could have told me that, lol. My 18yr old is a PC geek. Yes, he uses a modulator right now, but I knew there was a better way. Back when 10 disc trunk units were fairly new, I think I paid $600 for a Sony unit that used modulation. I didn't care for it at all! It's weak, sometimes scratchy, and fades. The funny thing is that I see they're still selling these! My sister borrowed and totaled my car....and that was the end of the disc changer (hit hard from behind).

The guy I bought my car from left an Infinity 150W amp in the trunk, mounted to the back seat. I haven't even looked closely at it, but hope I can utilize it when I'm ready. Right now, all my time is in getting her running!
 
I figured you did know what I was talking about, but for the sake of the audio challenged on this board, I changed it to include more details.

Now about your 500 LPs :) ya know, you can burn them to your PC too! I have not tried this ...yet Check this out!

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-5532630-1.html
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Hey, I didn't even admit to the over 500 vinyl LPs I still have :eek:. I'm an old rocker.

I have quite a number of Rock and Roll albums also, probably not 500 but alot. I still have a Bang and Olsen turntable that still actually works.
 
I figured you did know what I was talking about, but for the sake of the audio challenged on this board, I changed it to include more details.

Now about your 500 LPs :) ya know, you can burn them to your PC too! I have not tried this ...yet Check this out!

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-5532630-1.html
I understand:). Yeah, I know I can burn em'. In fact, I've had a dedicated home audio CD burner since those damn things came out. In other words, I could simply record directly through my main system. To be honest? Most of my albums have been through absolute hell, lol. The 70's were a great time for me....so I've been told:D. Beside, when I started buying CDs I was basically replacing what I had on vinyl. Of course, there are MANY I didn't replace via CD, as it wasn't feasible. Yeah, I figure I'll hit EBay with the LPs....... some day.

I have quite a number of Rock and Roll albums also, probably not 500 but alot. I still have a Bang and Olsen turntable that still actually works.
I never owned a great turntable like B&O. I've still got a functional Sony (my dad gave it back to me 5yrs or so ago) and a Pioneer PL105 that I think still works. Again, the truth is....most of my albums are pretty scratched. About 20yrs ago, I did record some to cassette (I can hear you all laughing!), and even using Dolby B&C they were VERY marginal in quality. With some dbx processing equip I have, I could make them sound better, but it really isn't worth it to me anymore, you know?
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
I understand:). Yeah, I know I can burn em'. In fact, I've had a dedicated home audio CD burner since those damn things came out. In other words, I could simply record directly through my main system. To be honest? Most of my albums have been through absolute hell, lol. The 70's were a great time for me....so I've been told:D. Beside, when I started buying CDs I was basically replacing what I had on vinyl. Of course, there are MANY I didn't replace via CD, as it wasn't feasible. Yeah, I figure I'll hit EBay with the LPs....... some day.

I never owned a great turntable like B&O. I've still got a functional Sony (my dad gave it back to me 5yrs or so ago) and a Pioneer PL105 that I think still works. Again, the truth is....most of my albums are pretty scratched. About 20yrs ago, I did record some to cassette (I can hear you all laughing!), and even using Dolby B&C they were VERY marginal in quality. With some dbx processing equip I have, I could make them sound better, but it really isn't worth it to me anymore, you know?

I noticed your from Atlanta, I grew up in Clarkston during the 60's and 70's. Saw alot of great concerts there, it was a great place to grow up/live at the time.
 
I noticed your from Atlanta, I grew up in Clarkston during the 60's and 70's. Saw alot of great concerts there, it was a great place to grow up/live at the time.
I moved from Boston to Atlanta when I was 14. I actually live in Newnan now. I used to hang out at a friend's place up in Clarkston (Indian Creek rd...I think?). That area has changed...big time. I was a concert going animal back then. Saw Zeppelin twice (73 & 77) and Pink Floyd 5 times over the years, just to name two bands. I only mentioned these two because most people today are so envious :). Yeah, Atlanta was definitely Hot-lanta in the 70's.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
I moved from Boston to Atlanta when I was 14. I actually live in Newnan now. I used to hang out at a friend's place up in Clarkston (Indian Creek rd...I think?). That area has changed...big time. I was a concert going animal back then. Saw Zeppelin twice (73 & 77) and Pink Floyd 5 times over the years, just to name two bands. I only mentioned these two because most people today are so envious :). Yeah, Atlanta was definitely Hot-lanta in the 70's.
I saw Yes at the Omni in 75? and I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd record their live album "One more from the Road" at the Fox Threater June 6th, 7th and 8th of 1976.
 
I saw Yes at the Omni in 75? and I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd record their live album "One more from the Road" at the Fox Threater June 6th, 7th and 8th of 1976.
LOL, I saw Yes in 77' at the Omni, and saw LS twice, but not at the Fox. They were all great shows. I was also at the first GA Jam in...74" I think, and then two later ones (including Champagne Jam). I actually have the ticket stub to those, along with dozens of others. I paid $5 general admission to see Zep the first time (same for GA Jam, too). Then it was "highway robbery" when they and Floyd both charged $17.50 in 77' :D
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
I'm really stuck on the fence about this radio thing now. My 69 is not my daily driver but I do drive it as often as I can and tunes would be nice to have while cruising. At first I thought I'll send out the AM/FM radio and have it restored then replace the dash speaker and antenna and I'm good to go but I'm not sure about the sound quality or if I can even get 8-10 ohm speakers that won't damage the freshly restored radio and all of this at affordable prices. Then I thought I might just go with the a Secret audio type set up or a component set up but then I'd have still have to buy a new dash speaker, 4" X 6" kick panel speakers, 6" X 9" package tray speakers and a new mesh package tray with speaker holes not to mention cutting up my original great condition kick panels nor am I willing to cut up the dash. I shouldn't be agonizing over something this simple but it's making me crazy.
 
Just a couple of thoughts that might (or might not) help.

1. I would not cut good kickpanels. Kick panels with speaker holes already cut show up on ebay sometimes, or put a want ad up here.
2. Secret audio and putting modern guts in a 69 case use less than good guts. Do a search on "secret audio", there were a bunch of posts about the "less then impressed" sound quality. :)
3. Original AM/FMs are worth $$ and add value to your car!
4. Dont cut ANYTHING to fit aftermarket stuff in your car! ONLY do mods that can be put back easily.

With that said, this is my .02

Spend the money to restore your original AM/FM radio and have your original 10ohm dash speaker reconed (any antenna is OK). The sound quality of a freshly restored radio should be fine for normal music :) I feel it is money well spent and you will recoup it when/if you sell car.

If you want modern CDs, then you have 3 options that will run different speakers then the dash speakers (kicks or rear package tray)

1. put a din radio in the glovebox.
2. put a cd changer with remote in the trunk.
3. use IPOD with an AMP

Luck!

BTW, anyone have Mountain Climbing or STYX on mp3?
 
Perfect timing. My car is not original & my Alpine 3 cd indash is too old for a direct ipod hook up. I like the unit and i don't want to go rf. I never even thought to go directly to the amp. It will work as an accessory? What is the best way to do it. You guys are geniuses. Brian
 
You just need something like this http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=164

and an AMP that takes line level inputs via an RCA jack (most newer ones do). You will have to figure out WHERE you are going to mount the amp and how to run this adapter to it, in your car.

Enjoy!
 
BTW, anyone have Mountain Climbing or STYX on mp3?
I have Mountain & Styx............... but neither on MP3:D

Perfect timing. My car is not original & my Alpine 3 cd indash is too old for a direct ipod hook up. I like the unit and i don't want to go rf. I never even thought to go directly to the amp. It will work as an accessory? What is the best way to do it. You guys are geniuses. Brian
You might want to go back and read the other Kevin's post, but basically, you just need main-outs & pre-ins on your amp. You'd be using your audio output source on your IPOD (I don't own one, but I assume it's probably going to be the headphone jack) to feed into any amp's audio input jacks. You'd probably just need the mini-to-RCA plug adapter (probably $2 at Radio Shack). In other words, this is nothing special, really. You could dock your IPOD with your home stereo the same way. It's a simple feeding of an audio output source to an audio input source of another device.
 
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