Alternative stereo ideas

[jamie]

I took my car out on it's first outing (to Brighton) yesterday. It was fantastic, but I suppose I don't need to explain that bit here!

The car still has it's original MW/LW radio still fitted (and working). I didn't think I'd want a radio because I love the sound of the engine so much (is that sad?)... only problem is, I didn't think about traffic. There was lots of traffic in Brighton and I found absolutely nothing interesting to listen to on AM. Lots of French stations, Gypsy Folk and Meatloaf.

I don't really want to get rid of the original radio because it is part of the car. Is there a way / something I can buy to get FM stations through that stereo? I don't really want to take it out of the car, and I'd rather spend what money I have on important things like oil-fed chain tensioners, new heat exchangers, and more fuel (!). I don't even mind the single-speaker. It does the job, in a suitably retro fashion!

Alternatively, is it still possible to buy box speakers for cars (like people had either side of their parcel-shelves in the 80s) that could be mounted under the dash. Again, I'm not really up for chucking loadsamoney at a fancy under-dash speaker cover thing I found in another thread. Just want a modest, discreet way to prevent boredom when the engine's idling.

[Alan @ CanfordClassics]

Hi Jamie,

This is what I did:




and the speakers are in here:



Alan

[jamie]

I like what you've done there - that's really well-integrated into the car. I was thinking about putting a stereo in the glovebox, but I didn't want to lose the storage, or drill a hole for cables, in case I changed my mind at a later date.

I've just discovered that FM did exist in the early 70s (!), and that you can buy 1970s FM radios on eBay. I'm sorry for my ignorance - it's... err... a bit before my time!

I think a replacement FM radio of the same vintage and a single (new) 6x4" speaker, or two 4x4" speakers in the 9x4" dash speaker hole will probably cut the mustard for traffic and other non-driving applications. I have an FM transmitter for my old iPod as well.

So that is what I think I'll do, unless anyone can suggest more revolutionary ideas!

[hot66]

I don't have a stereo / radio in my car, so do what I do, have conversations with yourself... sometimes they can be quite interesting

[Gary71]

No stereo in mine, i just enjoy listening to every tiny little noise at idle and permanently thinking, "the clutch is about to explode, no wait, the chain tensioners have failed, no just a moment I think it's the exhaust tappet on No. 1 cylinder etc etc" (repeat until bored )

[Bladesman]

IIRC Becker do a retro 70s looking stereo with full CD & DAB capabilities - it may even include some form of Sat Nav system

[Bladesman]

Here we go:

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/acatalo ... _7948.html

A snip at £1100

[duka]

thanks for the link - I'm thinking along the same lines as Jamie.

looks the dogs, not to sure about the price tag though....!

p.s. don't suppose there is a model without the sat nav (not a thing I'd use)

[jamie]

Here we go:

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/acatalo ... _7948.html

A snip at £1100

Hoooly crap! Nice, but pure money.

[k8atu]

Following on from the becker theme, you could always get a nice retro ___FM___ stereo, and then just iPod + iTrip it so you still have your favourite choons with you without throwing too much dough at the problem!

Failing that, Autofarm did a lovely under the dash thingy I saw not too long ago... Only trouble is you are dipping into your 'I don't want to throw money at it argument!'

Personally I love the iTrip solution. I use it in every car I drive...

K