There are newer style radios made that will accomodate a CD player input, they also have MP3 inputs. They mount in the dash like the original and no cutting is required. You do have to mount the CD changer/player in another location tho. Check out Custom Auto Sound for their list of stereos.
Like I said on other place... I wouldnt as they (Dash) are too expensive to replace if you ever want to go back to original, but thats just me. I havent seen any that look really good like that, but doesnt mean it cant be done. The PO of my car did it and it looks like complete arse, and he also put all kinds of black silicone around the stereo face edges and dash. I now have a new dash, that cost me, I think around 4 big bills, that I will be installing once I to that point. I know you didnt want to hear that again, but good luck man, you have to be happy with what you do, I dont!
I am in the process of replacing the original radion right now on my 68. It has the original AM radion in the dash but it was not working. I have seen some custom installs on the web that look good to me. The best custom job I have seen involves a custom angled radio mounting plate that the guy must have welded or bolted to the angled dash. He painted it the same color as the metal dash, then covered it with a modified dash plate that covers the radio, heater controls and AC vent. The radion he installed was a modern aftermarket radion like a JVC or something like that. It looked good in pictures. I think that method is very difficult to do and have it look good. I am considering putting in a Retro Sound AM/FM stereo for $239. It comes with a Firebird trim plate. Crutchfield has it. Cheaper than getting it directly from Retro Sound. I am thinking about it. On the flip side, if I could get a custom plate to look good, I can get a modern stereo for around $100. Any advice?
Has anyone cut out the cassette stereo out and put a cd stereo successfully any pictures or suggestions
I wouldn't.
Doing so would hack up the dash, and in the process you'd be updating incorrect 30 year old stereo technology and replacing it with incorrect 20 year old stereo technology...so I don't personally see the point, with CD's essentially being obsolete already...
My best suggestion is to get a Retrosound, but if you really want to be up-to-date, get the newer/more expensive #2 version with Bluetooth. That way your smart phone is connected wireless every time you step in the car and you have near infinite playlist with whatever is loaded on your phone, plus Pandora or whatever other source of music you might like to use...and 100% invisible connection instead of messing with wires hanging out of the dash.
Plus Retrosound fits in your dash with no mods, looks respectable, and won't devalue the car like a dash mod would.
Thanks for the feedback. I decided to get the retrosound stereo from Crutchfield. I found some 5 1/4" Pioneer speakers that I like that will fit nicely in the kick panels. I will also replace the center dash speaker with one of those dual voice speakers and set that up as the rear channels (use the kick panels for the front channels). I believe this is also an economical solution. $239 for the stereo (no tax or shipping), and then $50 for the Pioneer speakers and another $35 or so for the dual voice speaker.
Hey GeoergeGraf, Did you have to cut the divider plastic on the dash to fit the retrosound receiver? I have a 69 and I'm currently sourcing options for a new head unit. Thanks, -Michael
