What radio to install?

[FiatJim]

While I realize that some folks think the engine sound is all the music necessary, I would still like to update the sound system!

So, What I would like to know: What do you recommend for a radio unit? I'd like the unit to handle an iPod, USB connection.

I haven't quite decided upon speakers. I' like to remove the rear seat (kids are too old to use it anymore) and place speakers up front and behind the seats. I'm looking for a decent balanced sound, not a bass thumping machine

Merry Christmas and Thanks,
Jim

[Rambo]

Hi Jim,

I am running a Pioneer MVH X370BT Car Digital Receiver in my 79. It fits perfectly and has lots of features such as hands-free calling, bluetooth audio, USB plug, and I think it has a AUX port but im not sure because i mainly play music via Bluetooth. You can also adjust the sound for bass, treble, and etc.I purchased mine from crutchfeild as they have very good customer service/support. I am running two 6 inch speakers in the foot wells but thats about all i could run without putting too much presure on the head units amp which is just wired through some courtesy light wiring. I would have to install a external amp in the trunk wired from the battery for me to be comfortable with more speakers. I think that this is definitely one to consider.

[rjkoop]

While I realize that some folks think the engine sound is all the music necessary, I would still like to update the sound system!

So, What I would like to know: What do you recommend for a radio unit? I'd like the unit to handle an iPod, USB connection.

I haven't quite decided upon speakers. I' like to remove the rear seat (kids are too old to use it anymore) and place speakers up front and behind the seats. I'm looking for a decent balanced sound, not a bass thumping machine

Merry Christmas and Thanks,
Jim

This is the one I got and I love it. $109 cdn (what's that? Like $50 us?).

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Stati ... 060614.pdf

[spider2081]

This is what I plan to install. I filled the antenna hole in the rear fender and will install this behind the dash.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113M1824BT ... tml?tp=115

[v6spider]

My sound system!


Cheers!
Rob

[FiatJim]

Thanks Rob

You're just bragging! (It's working, I'm jealous)

But cruisin' through downtown (30 mph) the motor's too quiet and I like my music

Happy and Safe Motoring to all in 2016.

[FiatJim]

Thanks for the answers. I should have mentioned an important feature I need. Due to a problem with my eyes when I look downwards, I need to have a display that is fairly large, with good contrast. I have found that many of the newer, digital faceplate displays are either too small, or lack the contrast for me to safely use when driving. I'd love to have a full time "co-pilot/radio woman" but they can be so hard to come by these days! (or is it because my grey hair effectively cloaks them from my view? )

Jim

[DieselSpider]

Personally I don't really look at the display when driving only when initially setting up a radio as once your driving its only trivia. When driving I press the seek button until I hear what I like and if I really like it then I turn the volume up until I hear whats playing at an acceptable level. Does not really matter what the volume, bass, balance, treble level numbers are or even the channel number since that's all trumped by what the sound coming out of the speakers is like anyways.

Have not bothered installing a radio in mine yet even though I have three to choose from with the stock radio being one of them. When they did the diesel conversion they bypassed the rear hanger and put a bolt through the trunk floor so the diesel exhaust sound is transmitted very clearly through the car.

[bluespider262]

I have a JVC KDX320BTS in one of my Jeeps. What's nice about it is that its only about 4" deep so you don't have to fight for clearance.

[v6spider]

Thanks Rob

You're just bragging! (It's working, I'm jealous)

But cruisin' through downtown (30 mph) the motor's too quiet and I like my music

Happy and Safe Motoring to all in 2016.

Happy New Year Jim! And yup I'm clowning around for sure.

Cheers!
Rob

[klweimer]

You might consider buying a used OEM radio with DIN mounting dimensions. No, they aren't fancy, but they are easy to see and control. Tons of them on ebay and they take them out all day long at car audio places.

[DieselSpider]

A HD model with blue tooth for your cell phone is a nice feature to consider. That also opens up Pandora, iHeart Radio, Audio Books, etc. I have unlimited data on my cell phone plan so caps are not an issued there. For me again the display is not that important once I have learned where the Mode, Seek and Volume Controls are located.

[njoconnor]

I agree with Diesel about the Bluetooth/digital features. Although it's more expensive, I went with a Retrosound Model 2:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_068RET2CB/ ... Black.html

I did some digging at Crutchfield with one of their techs, and found knobs and a cover plate close to the original setup. Looks pretty close to OEM, but I have hands free calling on the phone, and 2 each USB and iPad inputs for flash keys full of tunes (I ran the USB/iPad jacks into the glve box, along witht the lael mike for phone calls). Display color is user adjustable. I'm only running two speakers, both mounted in the side panels in the rear seat: Sony 3 ways, with blue poly speaker cones. At listening speeds around town, I have not had need for an amp. We've gotten compliments on how well it blends into the interior, which was my objective.

Nice thing is....by the time one's talking radios, one's darn close to being done!

Neil

[McFlash]

I noticed that the RetroSound Model 2 seems to fit seamlessly in many of the older models, but I have a '81. I can't seem to find if the Model 2 fits. Any idea?

Also, which setup would be closest to the original setup on an '81? Black on black on black? Chrome with black buttons and knobs? Black with chrome buttons and black knobs? So many options!

[njoconnor]

I don't know how the 81's mount, nor their original appearance. On the early cars, the radio position at the top of the center console had a metal plate with the usual rectangle and 2 circular holes pre-punched. I had to do a little opening up on the original openings, and cut the right sized holes in the original blanking plate (gave me a clamping effect).

As for knobs, etc, I searched this forum, ebay, all sorts of places for OEM Fiat radios, and got items close to an amalgamation of what I saw on the 'net. Might try that method; tedious, but worked for me.

Here's the best shot I have of my radio:



FWIW, I used the "Retrosound Faceplate and Knob Kit For 1957-77 Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Volkswagen Beetle models (Black "Mini Euro" style plastic faceplate with black metal knobs) Item #: 068EUMBABK" from Crutchfield; their phone line tech found it for me.

Hope some of this helped....

Neil