need help figuring out install on 55 Chevy

**keghead** · 03-01-2004, 01:07 PM

My parents just bought a 55 chevy and want me to install a stereo system of some sorts. Not sure what I am planning installing because a normal DIN sized CD/reciever will not fit in the dash with out a hacksaw and a lot of time. I've installed a DIN CD/reciever in a 67 mustang by taking a hacksaw to the radio bezel, but the radio bezel was easily (and cheaply) replacable in the mustang. In the 55, the radio bezel is built into the dash and would be very expensive to replace. So option 1 is to mount the stereo under dash, but i don't like that and my mom is paranoid about thieves as it is. Option 2 is to buy an after market classic car 2 knob fm or fm/cassette radio, but those are of really crappy quality (4 x 11watts) and cost about $250. I saw Secret Audio SS + 10 disc changer (lcd display and receiver/amp are seperated by 10ft cord so you can mount small lcd and put rest in trunk) for about $450, but don't know how those things sound and i don't like cd changers to begin with. So i was wondering if anyone had any ideas... I dont want anything too complicated (my parents barely can turn on the vcr) sorry about the long post...will give more info if anyone has questions

**eCar™** · 03-01-2004, 01:21 PM

There is a lot of aftermarket for your problem. Most classic car owners don't want to hack any original parts up, yet still want good sound. Do a Google search for "classic car" audio system. Here is a good site to start with also: custom-autosound.com.

**aleromaster** · 03-01-2004, 01:21 PM

I can't remeber who makes them but there is a company out there that makes radios for the classics that look exactly like and mounts exactly with out modification the original factory radio but have like alpine or kenwood internals or something like that and teh also control a CD changer. I'll See if I can find the company for you

**keghead** · 03-01-2004, 01:54 PM

I have seen these "classic car" radios but I'm not too big on them. They do look good, but I can't imagine that they sound great (being only 10-20 watts/channel). Also...I'd have to buy the cd changer which would push up the entire price up to approx $500 for questionable sound. I was thinking about buying a 4channel amp and plugging something into it. Either a carputer or just a portable mp3 player with an fm tuner on it. Also was thinking maybe a portable cd player with an RF remote so it could be stuffed into the glove box. I don't want to destroy the look of the car at all...whatever can be stuffed in the small glove box, or trunk... Any creative thoughts?????

**eCar™** · 03-01-2004, 02:54 PM

I saw a 4x35 watt for $280 at that site. Cassette with CD changer control.

**Cherub211** · 03-01-2004, 03:03 PM

I don't think sound quality is something you should really be concerned about in a 55 chevy. The vehicle is probably too loud to really hear the upper and lower level noises anyway.

**keghead** · 03-03-2004, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Cherub211

I don't think sound quality is something you should really be concerned about in a 55 chevy. The vehicle is probably too loud to really hear the upper and lower level noises anyway.

That's kind of one of the problems...with the road, wind, and engine noises, you'll need to turn the stereo up fairly loud...with a generic-low watt system, turning it up loud enough to hear the music (with the highs&lows) will result in low-quality sound with lots of distortion....

**Chevy II** · 04-27-2005, 04:35 PM

keghead,

I'm working on an install in a '64 Nova. One thing I was thinking about was making a screen that pops up out of the top of the dash in the center. I'm not worried about chopping this thing up. But when closed, you wouldn't really know it was there to maintain a clean, stock appearance.

Here is a pic of what I have to work with.

**66 Bug** · 04-28-2005, 07:43 AM

Have you thought about putting a nice stereo somewhere out of sight (like the glove box or under the seat) and then relocating the face plate somewhere not as noticable such as a sun visor. That way you don't hack up the dash and you still have a modern, easily accessible stereo. I have a 66 bug I'm working on and I'm considering that method. I also plan to toss an original stereo in the dash. That way it keeps the original look and makes people less likely to think there is a nice stereo in there.

**sansoo24** · 04-29-2005, 03:53 AM

http://www.gardenofspeedin.com/produ...ail=640&sub=10

Secret Audio SS for 239.95 I would go with that and a nice 4 channel amp with some nice coaxials or preferably a set of seperates up front and some coaxials in back. If necessary you can get a seperate EQ/signal prcessor to clean up the sound before it hits the amp. Just tuck it away where your parents cant play with it and blow a speaker or something. I know mine would.