1971454ILvette

I have a 71 with no radio in it now. I would like to put a system in it that is nice, but not so radical that it will get stolen. I live in downstate IL where there is little crime, so I am not to worried. Now that I say that my vette will probably be stolen out of my garage tonight. I like Sony and Kicker and would like to be able to use minidisc. I don't have a set budget, I would like to spend whatever it takes to get a good sounding system. I appreciate any help. Thanks. :seeya

cchristo

A lot of folks on this forum have put aftermarket systems in their cars, myself included. I think you may have to rethink your "no budget" mindset though, as it plays a large factor in what you end up with. If you want to keep everything looking stock-like, but still want CD or mini-disk, there are systems that mount to the console without cutting, look relatively original, have the capability to sound decent and are pretty expensive. With these systems, you end up with an AM/FM/Cassette head unit and a remote CD/Mini-Disk Player/changer. They are pretty low powered so you have to decide what you consider is a "good" sounding system.

I have what I consider a very good sounding system but... I'm a 40 YO that likes loud heavy metal and loud classical music.

I spent under $400.00 for my system by shopping around the Pawn Shops and the like.
Head Unit = Sony Xplod AM/FM/CD with detachable face plate pushing 52W X 4 peak
Rear Speakers = Infinity 6X9 Three ways in homemade cabinets (visibly, they really don't stand out when you look in the car from the outside. Your car doesn't have the big rear window like mine so that will be even less of a concern for you.

Dash Speakers = Polk Audio 4X6 two ways under the stock covers. Can't even see that they are anything more than the horrible speakers the car came with originally.

Kenwood 10" self powered (50W X 2) Subwoofer. The subwoofer makes this system really stand out sound wise. The benefit of it is that it's a self contained system that I can take out or put in as needed for extra cargo space or security reasons . If you want lots of bottom end, you will need a subwoofer

The installation itself is relatively simple after you decide on the end result and match the budget to it.

BTW, there is a whole forum here dedicated to sound systems and electronics. You can find more information than you might even want to know there.
Chris


[Modified by cchristo, 8:10 PM 2/4/2003]


[Modified by cchristo, 8:12 PM 2/4/2003]

LAvetteman

Please register your 71 at http://www.71corvette.com.

Now, I have done exactly what you are after. Get you a mini-discman, I have a JVC that has lasted much better than my first Sony.

Then look at http://www.crutchfield.com. Look for a Panasonic reciever with an AUX jack in the face. You can hook up a discman or mini-discman in this jack, and be able to use your mini-discman anywhere. And mini are virtually unscipable. This should cost you considerably less than a reciever and changer combo. I am pleased with this setup.

OHSIXX

I bought this new in the box on Ebay for $154 plus shipping. I am very happy with it. The face drops down and the CD is inside. :steering:

'71vert

I would take a look over in the Audio/Electronics forum. Those guys over there are very knowledgable. I believe some even do it for a living. If you give them what features you want an a estimated budget, they should be able to give you a couple different setups that will make you happy.

1971454ILvette

Thank you everyone for the info. As you can tell I am new here and didn't even know that there was an electronics section. :bb Do you guys cut the center console to accept the head unit and is there any concern about depth? Thanks again. I love the forum, the only problem is I spend more time here and less working on the vette.

Gotta Fix my '76

Ebay, Ebay, Ebay...

I just got a $1000 system for $300.00 it's well worth the effort to make sure you know exactly what you want by research and by going some place to listen to it...Once you know what you want, start searching... http://www.ebay.com , http://www.caraudioforum.com, I mean there are litterally hundreds of places where you will get better than good deals...

There are some great designs for building your own speaker boxes...

For $300.00 off of ebay I got:

Alpine head unit with 2 amp rca outputs. (reg $289.00)
1 JBL High end Amp 360 watts (4 channel important)
1 MTX 200 watt amp (2 channel)
2 Kappa Infinitys 6X9 3 ways
2 Kappa Infinitys 4X6 (for kick panels) note* 5 1/4 will fit in kick panel, but mine just came with 4X6
All the cables with inline fuses ($100 worth at least)
1 Xplod 10" Sony Subwoofer (that I won't use, so let me know if you want to buy it) as I'll be using another Sub, but it came with the set.


I think thats it...I'm so excited to get it all in...Make sure you run the wires first, and make sure everything is set up before you start to put it in.

Make sure and take pictures...you'll want them for later... :seeya :thumbs: enjoy

zwede

I second the ebay comment. I got a top-of-the-line (atleast it was 2 years ago) alpine headunit for $300 ($550 in stores), and a rockford fosgate 4x50W amp for $300 ($420 in stores). I use 5 1/4 separates in the kicks with the tweeters in dash, some pioneer 6.5" in the rear and a JL-Audio 10" in a sealed box. Sounds absolutely great! The T-tops still fit in the rear.

Fevre

Get set of flowmaster 40's and you'll forget all about the stereo. :)

I have a Kenwood direct fit and it was well UNworth the money, cut the dash and get a real stereo for $.


[Modified by Fevre, 2:32 PM 2/5/2003]