Radio

[georgeramos]

So I've been thinking about adding high quality speakers to my car but my original center speaker is blown. Has anyone replaced that center one with something modern that could supplement side speakers. Maybe a small sub.?? I don't know much about car audio but I'd like to do this job myself with clean soldered connections. Also I currently have a dual radio that the po installed and I'm not crazy about the modern look. I might like to install either a vintage radio or one with a vintage style. Any thoughts or suggestions. I don't need anything too loud or crazy but id prefer good sounding speakers.

Thanks

[kilrwail]

For the head unit, check out RetroStereo http://www.retrostereo.net/. They specialize in compact, up-to-date equipment that's hidden by period-correct faceplates and knobs for vintage cars. They also have good speakers for the same applications. And great seat belts for our cars!

[TX82FIAT]

One of the issues with high quality speakers in our cars is the power feed through the existing wiring harness. You may find that the speakers will require more power in order for you to appreciate the sound qaulity and volume. A number of folks that have looked to improve the overall stereo have added an Amp in the trunk. Car stereo wiring is pretty straghtforward. Just take your time when selecting speaker locations. The speakers in the foot well by the map pockets do not produce a good sound.

[courtenay]

I think one of these is the link to the retro radio outfit Peter was referring to:

http://www.retrosoundusa.com/
http://www.vintagecarradio.com/store/pr ... cts_id=425

The link he posted takes you to an outfit that restores old audio equipment (turntables etc) rather than car audio.

[kilrwail]

Thanks Bruce - needed more coffee before posting.

[supplyguy]

George - Funny you should ask. Last night I fabricated a hokey but effective center mount for a 4x6 dual coil (?) speaker I bought from Crutchfield for $80*. Has two sets of inputs for stereo sound and is a very high quality speaker. Has to frame a good four inches of standoff because of the size of the speaker. Could not find anything smaller, of original size to bolt right up the faceplate. Adding a Custom Audio USA-230 Am/FM/MP3 retro stereo for another $160, with a $20 faceplate, and it should look brand new/old. My expectations for sound are not great - with the engine and wind I would really rather have head rest speakers but that wouldn't look right, and with the dough I just blew on paint I need to lay low for a while on expenditures. I have decent speakers in the map pockets from the PO, so I am hopeful the sound will be acceptable.

* This is what I do when my car won't start, I don't know how to diagnose it, and I need a confidence boost!

[donm]

You'll want to fill that big gap between the speaker and the face plate. Go to a hareware store and buy a piece of foam of the type they sell to seal around window mounted air condidtioners.

[davery]

So I've been thinking about adding high quality speakers to my car but my original center speaker is blown. Has anyone replaced that center one with something modern that could supplement side speakers. Maybe a small sub.?? I don't know much about car audio but I'd like to do this job myself with clean soldered connections. Also I currently have a dual radio that the po installed and I'm not crazy about the modern look. I might like to install either a vintage radio or one with a vintage style. Any thoughts or suggestions. I don't need anything too loud or crazy but id prefer good sounding speakers.

Thanks

My first Fiat over 20 years ago, I installed a 600 watt system w/ 12 inch subs. Now, I have no radio. Eventually I plan to install four speakers, an amp and a cable to my iphone. That's about all I need. It is funny how what's important changes over the years

[supplyguy]

DonM - Is the cushioning for vibration? Will it muffle the sound? Thanks - Chuck.

[courtenay]

Thanks Bruce - needed more coffee before posting.

No worries, Peter. I'd already had a cup and a half. Also, I've been looking at both of these outfits for a radio for my car.
Cheers,
Bruce

[georgeramos]

Thanks all. I will check out crutchfield. Another question...is it possible to take an older radio, add a small amp and 3 highish quality speakers including the type Chuck is using and get decent sound? I'm not looking for super high quality as the sound of the car is way more important to me. When I say old radio I m talking something like SLOSpider is selling that saysw fiat. Id use an mp3 adapter in the cassette. Again not high expectations.

G

[georgeramos]

I'm not sure why the standoff was needed Chuck. Could you explain. What size is the original speaker?

[divace73]

if that stand off is not enclosed you will not get the low freq out of the speaker, you may be defeating the purpose??

[supplyguy]

George - My simple thinking is that if you want the old radio to simply be a power source for the MP3 and the speakers are good, that should be good. I play my ipod through the crappiest powered speakers in the garage and it sounds fine. That said, the cassette/mp3 connect can be iffy if the cassette player part of the stereo is old and tired. Smarter people than me might have tips on splicing the MP3 adapter into the FM radio antennae outlet the way my XM radio is connected. On the other hand, for $150 I went with this (although it is blank where is says Buick - they couldn't do Fiat) that already has MP3 jack in the back, multiple inputs, and is already digital. It doesnt get the best review for sound, but again, it will be competing with lots of other racket.