New radio Install without chopping dash

[kyklops]

Since the rest of my project is going dismally, I thought I would at least show how my new stereo looks.  I'm quite proud of it.  I bought this unit from RetroSound USA (well... from a refurb outlet)

I had to cut the left bracket to make it fit.  I also had to make my own bezel out of the stock AM radio since none of their options will work. This is how it looks:


It comes with nice metal knobs but I opted for the factory ones.
It also comes with a remote unit for USB/SD/AUX which I stashed neatly in the glove.



I still need to put some rear speakers in, but I'm waiting until I can find some stock grills (let me know if you have a set).  For the front, though, I am getting good sound with a Dual voice coil 4x10 form Custom Auto Sound.
Let me know your thoughts.
BTW,This is my first post.

[eaglefreek]

Looks awesome, great job!

[jim]

Is this a wagon?  I happen to know where there is a pair of rear speaker grills.

[kyklops]

Nope.  It's an '81 4 door sedan.

[thereverendbill]

very nice job.  I went with a pyle unit I bought off amazon with an aux port and usb port on the face of the radio (still shaft style).  I like the radio you installed a bit more though cause you where able to use the factory AMC knobs 

[kyklops]

They go for $150 - $260.  I got a refurbished one from ebay for like $170. It's cheaper if you don't need the additional inputs and remote control (also the the base model only comes in the chrome face-- I really liked the black one).
Another note: The closest size faceplate to ours is their 74-86 mustang, but it was just a little too big. That's why I frankensteined it with the old faceplate.  But they also have a universal that could be cut down to size. Plus they have these Knobs:

[TwoEaglesForMe]

That's a sweet looking radio.  Did you just use a 4x10 in place of the AM radio speaker above the glovebox?  Casper, I had a similar problem with my radio not fitting and it was that plastic L shaped guide or stop that is riveted on the lower left rear corner inside the dash.  I had to remove that and then my radio fit nicely. 

[rohnk]

Great looking install. You should do a little write-up on your install and send it to the company. Maybe they could put that on there website to offer more than a couple AMC vehicle solutions.

[kyklops]

On their website, Retro Sound encourages chopping up the brackets that hold the knobs to make things fit.  The face is also removable with a 4" or so ribbon wire for tighter spaces.
I started to cut that bit of plastic behind the dash, but I swore I could feel the old girl twinge.  Quoting from RetroSound's website: "cutting or modifying the radio, not your dash is what this radio is all about!" The radio's bracket was easier to bend and cut down anyway.

Both RetroSound and Custom Auto Sound sell a direct replacement 4x10 speaker that has two voice coils for stereo sound.  I got mine from the latter, but RetroSound's is lower profile and would fit inside the stock plastic housing better I think. 

I did look through the company's install gallery and thought I should submit mine, but, as always, I neglected to take decent pictures of the process.  I still may do it, I think I need to start a flicker account first.

[Whuntmore]

That is freaking awesome.  Looks old with new tech.  perfect for older cars where the driver still wants the tunes via a AUX or mp3 player...  Totally cool

I looked at the website, and some of those radios are really great looking.  Nice find!!

[vangremlin]

Looks great!  How does it sound?  I've had a couple radios from Custom Auto Sound in my other older cars and the sound was good but not great.

[kyklops]

I just have the one DVC speaker hooked up so far, vangremlin, so the sound is just so-so.  I mean, it's clear-- it's just not really got the power or range yet. I'm still looking for some grilles for the back to hook up another set.  I've got a 10" sub ready to hook up as well. When it's all done I'll post an update.

[85AmCfreak]

Clean install looks fantastic

[drock87]

What year did the Eagles go to a "solid" radio...meaning without the separate knob holes?

[vangremlin]

What year did the Eagles go to a "solid" radio...meaning without the separate knob holes?

I believe it was 1985