I am trying to figure out the best location for a CD deck. My dash is already cut so I don't mind cutting it more if need be. The factory location is a tough spot because of the angle of the dash. I was also thinking of using that spot for three 2" gauges. How about a seperate box mounted under the dash? Some how attached to the center console?
I think to use the dash area you need some kind of a mounting faceplate that has the correct angle. What I don't want is a stock type unit controling a seperate CD unit. What have you done in your 69?

my dash was cut in my 69 so i just stuck it in the dash to fill the hole.you can also put it under the seat or in the glove box.

Go with the glove box and a remote David!!

David, while I prefer the deck in the glove box (as I have it, and the original in the dash) you can get an ABS plastic housing from most stereo shops that mounts just under the dash. This covers the deck on the sides and from the bottom and keeps the deck about an inch or so above the console. These come in black, with a similar Camera Grain texture...

This sounds like what you are looking for?

Then you could mount your gauges, and your good to go!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

At this point the box under the dash looks like the best option for me. If I went for the glove box location, I think it would be hard to use.
I have not given up on the dash yet, it's the angle thing that gives me the problem. I was also thinking of using the AC vent area of the dash but I would still have to deal with the angle. How about the ashtray area???

Get a piece of metal fabricated to correct the angle issue,attach it to the dash opening for the radio and slip your deck into this adapters measured to fit your decks opening.It will give you a clean look by not seeing the sides of the deck.All the other places you mentioned about possibly installing it will cause you the same grief with the angle.You could just mount it under the dash in front of your console as suggested by Brett.

David

Dave,

I am not a show-winner or anything near that, but trust me on this: Keep your bird console like the original - An AM or AM/FM radio and maybe an 8-track down in the ashtray opening.
People young and old will always flock around your car, and seeing a CD-player in the console will take something away from their experience at being near your bird. A CD player is obviously not original and not nostalgic, and folks see that and know that what they are seeing is not CLASSIC! Keep whats out in the open CLASSIC! There are plenty of ways to have a great CD stereo without it being part of the upper or lower dash.
Put the old AM/FM radio and an 8-track in there for all to see, even if it isn't hooked up. Put the CD player somewhere where the gawkers don't see it, but you can use it for your music.

Trust me please, our younger generation knows the original stuff and envies it for some reason, my friend. An in-dash 8-track just freaks them out, cause they have heard of it but have no idea how it worked....hence your chance to explain a long-lost marvel of technology! You won't get anyone asking about your CD. We FGFers need to continuously astound and marvel our spectators, whether they be at shows, at the Walmart parking lot, or just neighborhood kids taking a look at the Bird. Only then will we make our cars true Classics.

I'm sorry for sounding so snotty, but I am truly so proud to drive and own an FGF.

That sounds great Nash,but his dash has already been hacked up. Unless he shells out the big bucks for another dash that hasn't been cut and keeps it original he's looking for an alternative.

David

My bad, did not read into it enough to see that his dash was trashed. There ARE options though, such as getting new dash plate. Sorry for sounding so forcefull, just have a strong opinion about FGF dashes.

Agreed Nash. Maybe to much april gold blurred your vision temporarily

David

My car is so far from original that there's no going back. At this point I will just make it the way I like it. Thanks for the replys.

Have not seen this offered in any catalogs, it was a factory option for an 8-track.
8-Track Housing

Has anyone seen one before?

Plan on installing a Sony CD/MP3 unit in there.
Sony MP3

It's getting to the stage in my '67 convertable's restoration that I'll have to make decisions about a sterio. I agree totally with 67nashville68bird that the car should stay original. (In the early '80's I had a '67 convertable for a daily driver and did not have any tunes for 8 years! because I refused to cut the dash up.)

But anyway, I see in Classic Industries catalog that they have in-dash pontiac custom fit AM/FM sterio and 6 disc capacity CD player. Does anybody have an opinion on the in-dash options they have in the catalog? I want good sound quality, and at this point in the restoration, money is not an issue, so I want to do it right the first time and not compromise the looks or alter the dashboard in any way.

Any ideas what to do?

Not the greatest photo...


Original AM/FM stereo in-dash (works, connected to single speaker), aftermarket MP3/CD/stereo underdash connected to 4 speakers and a subwoofer, slip fit between console and dash. Made of 1/2" plywood, wrapped in Madrid grain vinyl. All wiring disconnects easily and harnesses tuck away neatly for shows.

Well car audio is about the only thing I have a decent understanding of when It comes to cars. I can't say too much about the six disc player you are talking about as I have no experience with it. The sony however, I have plenty to say but I'll stick to main points. Its not worth the money! There, I said it. Flame away. The components and stats of all sony head units are so completely, ridiculasly priced for what you are getting that the original 8- trac wouldn't be such a bad idea. Thats not to say sony is a bad product, its just that you could get the same quality out of a deck the sells for half as much. If you plan to have a system that sounds decent, at best, under lower loads the sony will do. If you plan to give it any kick, I would suggest something else. Pioneer has a decent product in that upper echelon of the low end market. If you really plan to do some thumpin, go for something better yet. My suggestion would be a clarion. They are better priced for what you get. Yes, they are more expensive, but the internals and base stats are better. Eclipse is better yet but they do not have a removable face plate so its easily seem by theives and your car becomes an easy target. Anyway, I guess I'm done with my anti-sony speach. Choose wisely, bad audio will ruin any ride.

If you want some more details/options, feel free to pm or e-mail me.

Jordan

Vikki, before restoration I had the trio set of gauges under dash, so what to do in this sitution? Relocate the instruement cluster, or I was even considering purchasing the in-dash fuel/temp/oil and gen instrument gauge cluster. But again, I'm trying to stay original with the car so is something like that 'trivial' in the restoration, or should I keep it with just the fuel gauge as it is now? I really get confused on what 'original' encompasses.

Jordan, the product whitestripe is enquiring about is the custom fit in dash unit that is capable of running a 6 pack changer.This unit is a two dial am/fm tuner and some are tape decks as well that put out far better quality sound and power with the option to tuck a hidden cd changer without comprimising the originality of your classic car.This is for people who want a somewhat original look to there car but without the price of "butchering" the dash.I'd say if you can shell out the $ for a system like that to go for it, once your dash is cut, you may kick yourself for it down the road plus to get a newer deck to fit in the original space requires some decent custom work due to the angular design of our dashes to make the appearance clean.My friend had a 72 monte carlo and he opted to not cut his dash and to find a proper fitting unit for it and his stereo sounded great with amps and upgraded speakers. I like the bass and powerful clean sound and opted to cut my dash, which i now regret as i could have done the same thing with a deck like you are asking about.Forget the removeable face decks if you want more power as well,the custom unit can work well with
amps tied into the custom fit deck. As for faceless decks, i had one ripped off my convert' just for the head unit or they were plan idiots so they aren't theft proof.Do what you feel you need to do.You have a few options with a convertible.I believe jordan is talking about newer decks/generic decks for most of todays vehicles.My two cents
Whitestripe and Jordan,check out the links here:
http://www.custom-autosound.com/prodFam.php?CatID=2

http://www.custom-autosound.com/prodList.php?FamID=6

http://www.custom-autosound.com/secretaudio.php
David

thanks Jordan, I'll probably be contacting you in the near future about this. Good, no, outstanding audio is what I prefer, but, again, I don't know much about anything-I admit it. Are the components you mentioned all in-dash I presume? that fit in dash without cutting it? And what about speakers? I've been known to blow out high quality in-home speakers in my youth! But hopefully I can contain myself in my ride...

The car already has exsisting factory speaker openings in the doors. I'd like to have four speakers, but don't want to cut up the rear passanger arm rest area (convertable), but, I hate to give up good sound. I've seen convertables with portable speaker boxes in the back seat, but I think it tooks tacky. Are there any other options to accomodate having four speakers without altering the interior too much?

The original convertible rear seat speakers were mounted in the trunk and the grill mounted through the vinyl well that covers the trunk when the top is up. When the top is down you can't hear the speakers well because the layers of canvas and vinyl just smother the sound. That's why I did the 5 x 7s in the convertible piston covers. Repros are available if you don't want to cut originals. The kids don't mind sitting next to the speakers, as long as I play music they like!

The subwoofer is an Infinity BassLink in the trunk, and is a detachable and very compact 10" sub. It's not so big that the car shakes, rattles and rolls from bass, but 200w puts out a nice bass kick. The Pioneer head unit has auto level control, so the volume tapers down at a traffic light, back up when driving, including the subwoofer.

Door speakers were not a factory option in the Firebird. Kick panel speakers were, and you can also buy stereo speakers to fit the speaker cutout in the dashboard.

There are a lot of options, but sound is a very personal preference.

I second the negative on the Sony. I bought one of those a couple of years ago and thought it was great, because it plays MP3s, but the sound was never impressive. Even upgrading the speakers didn't help. Bought a Pioneer DEH-P9400 for the 'bird, what a difference! No more Sonys for me!

The Custom Autosound are a classy way to go if you want a truly stock look. I don't mind unclipping the harnesses once a year when I need to.

I' will agree on the sony's as well, i had one in another car but only because it came with it.I think the sony coupled with an amp will help a bit but for the money you probably are better of getting somewhat more quality sound.I believe pioneer also makes a custom head unit,if it's not in those links i can find it for you.I'm a pioneer man and stand behind their products.Like Vikki mentioned, door speakers were no such option.I have an extra set of well pieces i am cutting out to fit a set of speakers in and see how i like them.You can also fit a couple hidden under the dash speakers.If your doors are already cut,either use them or if they are not quality speakers,upgrade them.

David

I guess a previous owner must have cut the doors up for speakers. Again, shows how much I know on the topic. Since the inner door panels are in good condition (other than the holes for speakers...) I imagine the body shop is planning on using them instead of replacing. I'll have to check with them before I make any decisions about speaker location.

Hmf, didn't realize I'd have so many things to consider in this resoration...I still get hung up on what encompasses 'original' and at what lengths I should go to keep it that way. I want the car to look genuinely like a classic, but I also plan on driving it and keeping it for a long time, so I want it to have 'creature comforts' such as a nice sterio, too! Ah, the tradeoffs...

White Stripe, That's pretty much my view's on my 67... I want it to "look" stock, especially to the average Joe, but I want ALL the upgrades and creature comforts I would enjoy and use...

I have the stock AM in the dash that works. And the Alpine in the glove box, 6 disc changer in the trunk with two amps, some 6x9's, 8" woofer, Aura Bass shakers under the seats, 4x6 plate speakers in the stock kick panel location with stock grills, dual speakers in the dash and tweeters mounted in the pillar moldings. (Not to mention motor and suspension mods and upgrades) but all of this is hidden from view, and or you don't notice it.

My car is no show car either, but just a driver that I want to enjoy, and also plan to keep. Given that I want to do it my way, but like Nash, I also like it to "look" stock or original....

Here are a few pix, you can see the kick panel speaker grills, and the tweeters etc:
http://tinyurl.com/3qelm

Do it the way you like it, but be true to your bird! Lol..

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

The problem is that his car is a 69 - like mine. My dash was all hacked up for an after market radio when I got it, but since then I've installed an uncut original dash panel. For the 67-68 cars you can get an after market AM/FM stereo CD player from http://www.custom-autosound.com/ that doesn't require any hacking and looks pretty much stock. For 69 you get nothing but having to search eBay and pay $500 for just a stock AM/FM radio for a 69 that may or may not even work! So what do we do with the uncut dash and missing radio without having to spend a fortune??? I love to cruise and just listen to the growl of the 400, but some tunes would be nice too this summer:)

69FBconv, you may then want to have a look at secret audio as an option http://www.custom-autosound.com/secretaudio.php This thread was initially about a 69' but swung to a 67/68 rambling recently. You can keep your stock look and appreciate the car how it was built and still enjoy todays technology without having to cut it up or have a stereo unit tucked/bolted somewhere visable.

David

1stgenbirdman, looks like a nice car to me! Thanks for the info. I have 2 '67 converts. and the one currently in my garage has the tweeters mounted in the pillar moldings. I bought the car that way, so I have no idea what quality they were, but I blew them out pretty quickly. My question, then, are good quality tweeters strong enough to handle a more powerful system, or will they blow out. I've been known to blow several high end, in-home speakers in my youth...I try to contain myself in the 'bird, though...

My other 'bird that's currently being restored has the door speakers, and according to Vikki, this was not a factory option for that year. Thus, to keep it original looking, I should put the speakers in the kick panel. Fortunately, Firebird1 (in garage) has speakers in the kick panel; they just don't work!

David, that looks like a pretty interesting website. Thanks for the link. Debbie

If you use Bass Blockers or a cross over etc for the system, you "should" have no problem with a quality pair of tweeters... or any of the speakers for that matter. That's my next step is installing the second amp and the cross over, so I can have the right speakers performing in the range they should perform at their best, and adequate power for good clean sound, and tight crisp bass response... at least that's the "plan" Lol...

Sounds like you have quite the stable! That's great! I'll have more at some point...

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

1stgenbirdman, well, it looks like I'm going to have to print this page off, analyse it, and then take it with me to several car audio stores. Hopefully it won't be like the blind leading the blind with some of the salespeople I'm bound to encounter...

Thanks for the good news on the tweeters. I really liked that option, so was bummed when they blew right away. I really HAVE to have quality sound in my 'bird, so I want to do this right the FIRST time around. As you can see, I don't know anything about mechanics and otherwise, (tying to learn, though) so I'm always 'a target' so to speak, when it comes to having anything done with my 'birds.

Funny you used the term 'stable'...I have horses as well-you know-the four legged kind...I'm spending more time (and $), now on my firebird(s), so I'm having a conflict of interest! I haven't decided yet on what to do with Firebird1 (in garage). It looks good from afar, but needs quite a bit of mechanical work. It drives ok-I've even driven it out of state and back once-but I don't feel confident that it won't break down on me. Firebird2, however, has had quite a bit of mechanical work done to it (previous owner), but really had no body left to speak of. 'bird2, though, was the one worth fully restoring (in my opinion) because it has the original engine, 4 speed trans, Hurst shifter and is less chopped up than 'bird1. It's got some pep to it. Fun to drive! I plan on keeping both, though. I'll probably take 'bird1 in to the same body shop (provided they do me well with 'bird2) and have them do less extensive work on the body. Then I'll take it for mechanical work. This, of course, is if I don't go broke first. Oops, I didn't mean to turn this into "Ramblings'.

Thanks for the info. Also, do you have any idea how many '67 converts are still alive and kicking? I know they only made 15,000+-, I think it would be interesting to find the stats on this. I bet there aren't many. Have searched the net but haven't run across any sites with this kind of info. Debbie

Well, if your willing to pay for awsome sound then I suggest you go for Orion speakers. They are double the price of most good speakers but they truely are amazing. I woun't get into details but if you went with an eclipse deck and orion speakers, it would sound beautiful.

Don't let the sound guys at Best Buy (or where ever you go) try to tell you anything. Generally, they can't tell the difference between a sub and an amp. Try to find a place that has some knowledgeable staff.

Good Luck
Jordan

Jordan

I agree with you on that about Best Buy and others, kind of scary to think about what I have to look forward to...

Printing page three...!

If good sound and originality is what you want and money is somewhat of an object BUT you are willing to spend more a few more $ than a standard budget system, take the car into your local custom car audio shop and a reputable one at that. Tell them what you are after and see what they have to say.Also ask them about aftermarket decks and see what they have to offer as a solution to cutting your dash.If you are planning to keep the car for a good length of time you may want to go with a deck you would cut into your dash with. These pros "should" be able to offer you a clean,unbutchered installation as well as superior sound. It probably will be a great challenge for them on your car as they probably do mainly if not all modern cars and especially being a convertible, good clean powerful sound in a car that usually housed an AM,one speaker stereo with no where to really house any other speakers.Ditto on the cross over and tweeter/high situation.Look to door speakers,pillar speakers,well cover speakers,under the dash speakers,kick panel speakers, under neath the seat tubes,behind the rear seat subs(however i have found that to be less affective) Subs for the trunk.Explore every nook and cranny of your car for locations.Unfortunately if you want a lot of sound in a convert, its pretty much put speakers in places they originally would not be or lug a huge box in the rear seat around and a few other hidden speakers.For this project unfortunately you will need to comprimise either way you look at it to keep the originality or go for the killer sound.Check out a shop thats won awards for their custom sound and see what they can do for you and at what price.

David

David,
That's great advise, and given my circumstances, it's probably the best idea. I guess I can think of it as an 'audio restoration', just as it is now going thru a body/mechanical restoration-by professionals. This is the car I don't want to mess up on, so thank for this piece of advise. It more than likely is the route I'll go. Does anybody know of a shop here in the southeast Michigan area that specializes in classics and has a good reputation? Debbie

The 9 is at a disavantage because you cannot fit anything in the opening. With an uncut dash, you cannot have an in dash cd player because cd's are larger than the raido opening.

If it's already hacked, go for whatever. In addition to the install kits, you can do your own fabrication of facia plates with excellent results. If mine had been hacked, I would have installed a quality indash cd player. I spend numerous hours analyzing the area inside of the dash, and there is enough room to stuff many different raidos/heads/units inside. The problem with the angle of the dash in relation to the knobs can be corrected with custom fabrication. You could use parts from a traditional universal install kit and cut the correct angle for a good looking fit.

If you have an uncut 69, one interchange I found--well the guy at the stero shop found after 3 days of research--is the application for the, dare I say?, 1982 Honda Accord. Even in 87, this unmodified fit was quite limited in selections, so I doubt that today's selection has improved. (I think it was a Clariton or an Audiovox.)

I had to remove the division bar between the raido and the push buttons and shave the sides. I aligned the unit with the back braket, and fabricated spacers/inserts to fill in the large knob area, recessed in the dash.

If a factory unit were reinstalled, the slight modification would probally show. I could restore the altered area because minor plastic repairs like what would be required are fairly easy.

As far as the staro install, good luck at professional installation. I bought my stero components from a shop that specalized in high end components and competition installs. After I got done with the install, I took the car by his shop. He looked at the car and said that his guys could have never done such an install, and he asked if his installers could take a look it so that they could "steal" some of my ideas.

Yellowbird - You said "That's why I did the 5 x 7s in the convertible piston covers". I Didn't think there would be room there. How does it look? Do you have photos? I would like to work on a hiden sound system before spring, but I want to keep my '68 as stock looking as possible.

Thanks, Steven

Steven, here is a link to the speaker topic from afew months ago.Go through it and Vikki posted a picture of hers there.
https://firstgenfirebird.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=23;t=002982

David

Not my field, but just asked the question for another vehicle - the local Radio Shack has a CD player with a small transmitter that transmits on the FM band. Tune your FM radio to 1 of 4 different frequencies and put the CD player under the passenger seat (or anywhere your passenger can access it easily). Power from cigar lighter.

Jon.

JVC makes something similar utilizing the FM band but i think it is not run off the lighter, i think they are somewhat similar to the hidden audio,put it anywhere. I'm looking at those JVC types now and would like to fit one inside the original radio bezel area where the original radio's lense would be,to utilize this space,fit the original radio knobs in there place and run a CD changer to it and hopefully give it a nice clean/updated and "hidden" look.Just need to confirm the measurements and i think that is the route i am going to take this time around.

David