Leave original radio in dash and mount a new one elsewhere?

[M491]

I was wondering if anyone has installed a new radio in an invisible or stealthy location while leaving the original radio in its place in the dash? I am thinking of places like under the seat, in the glove compartment, under the dash, or elsewhere. Has anyone done this? If so, where and how? I really do not want to remove the original mono radio from my 1972 dash, but I'd like to have some deent sound (other than the engine exhaust note). Any information including pictures would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

[Sacto S]

I have not done so, but I am aware that many of the older pieces are being equiped with an IPod fixture. This could be your solution. You could keep the original look and have the additional use of a more contemporary system.

Look at a couple of the vintage radio websites. They can show you some of the options.

[Sacto S]

I found that the Blaupunkt Boston was correct for the '66, '67 and '68 model years. If this is the case, I would consider this model to be a dealer option for '67. Maybe, maybe not. It fit my budget and the year of my car so I went for it. I made a new faceplate and I think the end result looks nice. Can't wait to see it in the car.

I'm not sure if you could add an IPod feature to this unit, but it would be nice.

[1971-911T-Mark]

I used a radio called SECRET AUDIO. It has a small unit you can mount under the ash tray or in the glove compartment. You can also order a 10 disc changer I placed in the smugglers box and all is run by an infared remote. I've had this in 2 cars now and am very pleased. And you can leave your original radio for the stock look!
Mark

[NickP]

One solution I heard about was to directly connect a Ipod to an amplifier and conceal the wire under the carpet discreetly snaking up under the front seats or where the carpet is split near the handbrake. No headunit is needed if all you want is music not a radio. The amp could be hidden under the passenger set or in the smugglers box. But where do you install the speakers?

[naparsei]

I used a radio called SECRET AUDIO. It has a small unit you can mount under the ash tray or in the glove compartment. You can also order a 10 disc changer I placed in the smugglers box and all is run by an infared remote. I've had this in 2 cars now and am very pleased. And you can leave your original radio for the stock look!
Mark

Mark,
I assume you installed in the display unit in your glove box? Could I see pictures of that? Any more insight or detail on this system would be great.
Thanks,
Alex

[bmendel]

But where do you install the speakers?

I put mine up in the footwells, very understated and you don't need to cut your door panels. i also just had an amp in the front trunk with a wire running into the cabin for an ipod.

[Alan.uk]

Hi Mauro,

Here is what I did. This was 3 years ago now so I am sure things have changed with things like Ipod fixings. In case it helps here are a few pics.







HTH

Alan

[Andy B]

I have been considering same sort of options. My current theory is an old Becker radio as they have an "Aux in" on some of the units. Hook this up to an extra amp to give some decent power. Add an Ipod cable and I think it covers most bases. Speakers in the doors as the panels have already been cut, use old speaker covers to cover modern speakers. If you want tweeters place them under the original speaker grille in dash ??

Questions:

1. Anyone got a Becker and use the Aux input, how is it switched on for use ?

2. Anyone know if this will work ?

3. Were different models of Beckers used in USA for different frequencies ??

Cheers Andy

[orange911]

Questions:

1. Anyone got a Becker and use the Aux input, how is it switched on for use ?

I have a Becker Mexico (cassette) with external amp. I sent mine to Becker N.A. and they rebuilt the head unit and cassette drive. While they had it, I had Becker attach an aux plug for an iPod. The audio switches to the plug once a signal is received.


2. Anyone know if this will work ?

It is easier if you do not have a Mexico. The output plug on these units are in mono (per Becker NA). I had Becker attach my aux plug to the stereo inputs from the inside. If you do not have a Mexico, then just plug the adapter to the aux in on the back of the head unit.

3. Were different models of Beckers used in USA for different frequencies ??

Yes, but I did not worry about that since I primarily use the Ipod