Radio AM/FM

[81kix]

I need some help on this, radio what can I put in my 81 beside the original I had taken out yesterday?

I don't want to cut anything up to fit, I just want an Am/Fm in place of the 8-track AM/Fm radio.
CD player is going in the back in the storage area, not worried about that.
Just do not like seeing today, a big hole in my console when I took my KIX to work.
Thanks,

Janine

 

[bill81vette]

I think the best idea would be to measure the opening left by the radio and start to look around to at wally world or whereever you plan on bying the new one and see what you can find to fit it.,or else geta new center panel and cut it up for anew radio and you still have the original,if you ever need it!!!


bill.....

 

[steelblue75]

CustomAutosound makes a unit that fits in the opening & will accept a C D changer if you want to go that route.

 

[81kix]

Thank you, Started to check out Mid America and Corvette Central, will have to do some homework on this also want new upgraded speakers.

 

[Mr. Chuck]

I would check out Mid-America Motor Works at www.mamotorworks.com their catalog have basic Am/FM direct replacement radios, You will need to tell them you current center dash console configuration, clock or oil gage, etc. Most of the radios I have seen there come with a digital clock display in the radio. Hope this helps!

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-the KENWOOD am/fm/casette -unit is great...

Yes, the jap/Kenwood-radio (50-60watt total quad-sound) that some of the supliers offer is a swell aftermarket unit that fits perfectly, and operates the oem/auto-antenna where so equipped; --here's some photos i took of my installation, i chose to blank-out the corvette-name thereon as it seemed a bit much; --and watch ebay, you occassionally find a used bargain on these... ~Bob vH

 

[81kix]

Yes, the jap/Kenwood-radio (50-60watt total quad-sound) that some of the supliers offer is a swell aftermarket unit that fits perfectly, and operates the oem/auto-antenna where so equipped; --here's some photos i took of my installation, i chose to blank-out the corvette-name thereon as it seemed a bit much; --and watch ebay, you occassionally find a used bargain on these... ~Bob vH

Thank you for your help, the radio is still out of the car.
I am thinking of getting the original one fixed and put back in, not sure yet. I have time now that winter is coming soon.

 

[USNA1969]

The AM/FM in my 72 is belly up and I've decided to try to get it fixed. If I'm luchy and it's fixable, I'll hook up an ipod with the FM transmitter adapter. That way I can avoid the dozen or so CD cases taking up permanent residence in the car and the 6 CDs in the CD changer that never seem to change.

 

[6 Shooter]

How about XM?

 

[red70vette]

Custom Autosound makes a unit that fits the center guage bezel. It is offered in all the Corvette catlogs. They all sound like crap. I have had 3 of them in my 70 and none of them was worth anything. The original AM/FM stereo sounded better than any of the autosound units but it was 35 year old technology and not what we are used to today.

I finally broke down and bought a Pioneer unit cut the bezel for it to fit and have been happy ever since. My bezel was broken in the usual place so there was no great loss. If I ever want to bring it to NCRS standards I would have to replace the bezel anyway.

My recommendation if you can live with the original sound quality(I am sure the 81 version was better than the 70) get it fixed. If not forget the bezel and cut it and get a nice modern unit. Whatever you do don't waste your time and money on the Custom Autosound radios.

 

[81kix]

Red70vette, I am going to get the old one fixed, thank you.

 

[matthud]

Yes, the jap/Kenwood-radio (50-60watt total quad-sound) that some of the supliers offer is a swell aftermarket unit that fits perfectly, and operates the oem/auto-antenna where so equipped; --here's some photos i took of my installation, i chose to blank-out the corvette-name thereon as it seemed a bit much; --and watch ebay, you occassionally find a used bargain on these... ~Bob vH

So they charge you $200+ for a Kenwood unit that they just add the word corvette to? Seems like it would be a better option just to buy the radio from a kenwood dealer and save quite a bit of money.

 

[midyearroadster427]

Hey J

dont get an autosound...send yours out and have it fixed..there are alot of guys who can repair and or update radios around....I've had three autosounds...last about a year before something happens to them no matter which one you get from them....kenwood or not.

 

[matthud]

I personally am looking to add a better aftermarket unit. I am not doing any judging so the originality isnt an issue. I just need to find a spare bezel. I dont want to spend the $400+ that they are charging for the bezel + radio.

 

[81kix]

dont get an autosound...send yours out and have it fixed..there are alot of guys who can repair and or update radios around....I've had three autosounds...last about a year before something happens to them no matter which one you get from them....kenwood or not.

Peter, read my lips...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red70vette, I am going to get the old one fixed, thank you.

 

[srs244]

dont get an autosound...send yours out and have it fixed..there are alot of guys who can repair and or update radios around....I've had three autosounds...last about a year before something happens to them no matter which one you get from them....kenwood or not.

i totally agree. they (custom autosound) don't make a very good product. i would definitely look elsewhere if you choose an aftermarket radio. for what it's worth, they make replacement center gauge bezels that are cut out larger to accept newer DIN type radios. i would certainly consider that before i cut up my original.

 

[matthud]

i totally agree. they (custom autosound) don't make a very good product. i would definitely look elsewhere if you choose an aftermarket radio. for what it's worth, they make replacement center gauge bezels that are cut out larger to accept newer DIN type radios. i would certainly consider that before i cut up my original.

But at $225 for just the bezel with the DIN opening, that is ridiculous.

 

[GaryS]

why not buy an aftermarket radio, sold in Mid America Catalog and others, that supposedly fits right in without any cutting. Second choice would be to go to Crutchfield.com and ask them what fits in? You could then buy an aftermarket center dash and cut that one as required. Original center consoles are rare and the repros are close but not exact, I am told.
Gary