Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

I know we have some custom audio people on here and some that might even be into classic cars so I'm trying to get some other opinions/experiences.

I've found a number of companies selling no-cut, vintage-looking units for older cars and I'd love to replace the unit in my '65 TBird with something that fits perfectly. Unfortunately outside of swapping the internals I haven't found much of a positive response. Most threads just say Custom Auto Sound is absolute trash.

Does anyone know of other brands that may be decent? I really don't need it to do much other than aux-in or bluetooth connectivity (no CDs, navigation, flashy lights, etc). Although I wouldn't be completely adverse to something like this for those parking lot bashes.

kthx

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

I did an install many years ago on a Chevelle that retained stock HU, and mounted an aftermarket unit to a custom ABS panel in the glove box, everything still appeared stock.

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

unfortunately, I don't have anything to add to this accept....



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps4fc14d00.jpg

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

That'd definitely make things easier. If I can't find something, I'll just have to mount that phonograph under the dash.

Well that does change things....

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

This!

And did an install where the cd player is under the dash hidden inside a tissue box..

Like this
http://www.gdwriter.com/graphics/tac...s/DCP_0526.jpg
http://www.gdwriter.com/graphics/tac...s/DSC08918.jpg
http://www.gdwriter.com/graphics/tac...s/DCP_0538.jpg

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

Stop being a cheap ass and buy a McIntosh.

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

There's a few people that can be found online that take the factory HU and rebuild it and ad an aux port or you could do it yourself. Most people nowadays utilize MP3 devices anyways.

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

That is really clean looking. All I really need close is volume control since everything else comes from my phone. Unfortunately the center console is solid and there's no glove compartment. That does give me some ideas though for a remote installation.

:p They day I leave my place and live in the Bird down by the river, I'll invest in such a system worthy of a primary residence.

I saw some mentioning replacing the radio internals but hadn't looked into the level of effort. I'll definitely have to look up some guides. I'm working on an arduino project atm so I'm fairly familiar with electronics, just was hoping there'd be a fairly inexpensive retro brand readily available that wasn't complete garbage. I only use my phone as a source so I guess this could become a pretty simple project.

Thx

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

If you can deal with having no head unit at all, I've heard of people taking the HU out all together and replacing it with a small amp that has an aux input. Very low profile if done right.

Re: Anyone have experience with classic/vintage looking head units?
 

You can also expand on that theme by feeding into an EQ or other sound processor before the amp to get things corrected nicely. All you really need is the proper adapter cable and a signal of the proper strength.