View Full Version : General Radio ideas
NJP548
03-23-2017, 08:53 AM
I'm currently looking to replace the stock radio in my car, but haven't really found anything that I liked.
Just curious if anyone has recently swapped out their radio for a single DIN style radio and what kind did they get?
I'm just looking for something that supports Bluetooth and Apple/Siri.
Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
VIN 16377
BladeBronson
03-23-2017, 11:33 AM
Consider a Bluetooth amp: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14301-Move-AC-vents-to-accommodate-touch-screen-receiver&p=206870&viewfull=1#post206870
eight8toy
03-23-2017, 11:40 AM
Not sure if your radio still works or not but I ended up getting this for mine. I wanted to keep everything stock so this at least gives you Bluetooth function without having wires all over the place. Certainly easier than replacing the whole deck!
https://www.amazon.com/ION-Audio-Cassette-Adapter-Bluetooth/dp/B00I3YLHAC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1490283596&sr=1-1&keywords=bluetooth+cassette+adapter
Chris 16409
03-23-2017, 05:57 PM
This is the unit I got. It has the dual knobs so it has sort of a retro vibe. I think Blaupunkt may have discontinued this model so it might be harder to find now.
49741
49742
adam_knox
03-23-2017, 09:21 PM
I think there are Bluetooth adapters that plug in the back where the antenna goes. Turn it on and it overrides a designated fm channel when a signal is detected. To my understanding they are wayyyyy better than those fm transmitters, as clear as an fm signal. If i stick with my radio (aftermarket cassette deck), thats what i plan to do. I'd like to find an old minidisc player if i cant get my cassette stereo working. (If anyone has one collecting dust let me know!)
Heres an example of the fm transmitter. You could then hook up a Bluetooth receiver up to it https://rediscoveradio.com
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
88Ngone
03-23-2017, 11:15 PM
Hi Nick,
I recently just installed the Sounstream VRN-74HB from crutchfield a few weeks ago in my D. I wanted something modern with plenty of features that wouldnt alter the center counsel too much. It gave me bluetooth, dvd, gps, android auto, and went well with the backup camera we installed. Best of all it didnt break the bank! It does block the vents when the screens up, but you dont constantly have to have the screen up to work most functions.
V/R,
Jared
NJP548
03-24-2017, 07:52 AM
Hi Nick,
I recently just installed the Sounstream VRN-74HB from crutchfield a few weeks ago in my D. I wanted something modern with plenty of features that wouldnt alter the center counsel too much. It gave me bluetooth, dvd, gps, android auto, and went well with the backup camera we installed. Best of all it didnt break the bank! It does block the vents when the screens up, but you dont constantly have to have the screen up to work most functions.
V/R,
Jared
Thanks Jared!
On my previous DeLorean, I put in a Pioneer DEH-P9300 (this was back in 2002). It allowed you to customize the display with gifs and screen grabs from movies. I was able to make some pretty cool DMC-related animations that fit perfectly with the car. The current owner of the car actually still has that radio in it. Now that I bought another DeLorean, I've been trying to find something that also allows you to customize the display like that, but haven't been able to. I've also noticed that the radios that are on the market these days aren't really catching my eye when it comes to the design of them. I guess I'm a bit too picky.
The search continues..
Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
VIN 16377
bfloyd
03-24-2017, 01:04 PM
I went with the Jensen VX4012 head unit in my car. Single DIN chassis with a flip up touch screen display. Yes, the screen does block the center vents when it's up, but i typically don't drive around with the screen up... too easy to get distracted.
Standard modern features, bluetooth, GPS, DVD, USB, SD card reader, customizable wall papers for the background, rear camera input, etc. This unit has HDMI / MHL mirroring so you can actually control your phone from the touch screen of the radio. Since I don't smoke in my car, I extended a powered USB charging port from the relay bay, and an HDMI cable from the stereo and installed jacks for each INSIDE the center console ashtray. When not in use, I simply slide the lid closed. I can plug my phone into the ashtray and watch what's happening on my phone on the stereo.
Jason
03-24-2017, 01:11 PM
I could never find a single DIN unit I liked. I eventually gave up and installed a 2 DIN computer.
https://youtu.be/QZj-C1csumU
https://youtu.be/QZj-C1csumU
blueshark66
03-25-2017, 11:46 AM
My project for this spring is a whole new sound system - speakers, deck, compact subwoofer, wiring, and a new faceplate to hold the radio. Just waiting for it to warm up enough to get to work. The radio is a Pioneer DEH-X6900BT.
497964979749798
NJP548
03-28-2017, 08:05 AM
My project for this spring is a whole new sound system - speakers, deck, compact subwoofer, wiring, and a new faceplate to hold the radio. Just waiting for it to warm up enough to get to work. The radio is a Pioneer DEH-X6900BT.
497964979749798
What model speakers are you planning on putting in the front?
I think I decided to go with the Pioneer MVH-X580BS. Since I haven't used a CD in my regular car in years, I decided to just stick with a radio that supports streaming/Pandora and the iPhone.
Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
VIN 16377
blueshark66
03-28-2017, 06:33 PM
What model speakers are you planning on putting in the front?
I think I decided to go with the Pioneer MVH-X580BS. Since I haven't used a CD in my regular car in years, I decided to just stick with a radio that supports streaming/Pandora and the iPhone.
Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
VIN 16377
Hey Nick,
The front speaker are Pioneer TS-A878 3 1/2 Inch 2-Way Speakers - found them on Amazon. They should be a direct replacement (at least for fit) for the originals. We'll see. I'm not looking forward to that part of the install. But I am looking forward to having some tunes in my DeLorean. Right now the radio kind of works, but gets terrible radio reception and the speakers are all pretty well shot so I think only one or two of them are putting out any sound at all. I did replace a broken powered antenna, so that does work.
I thought about going with a cd-less unit too. I might still do a last minute trade-in and go with a unit like you picked. I just have a lot of old cds and it's nice to be able to grab one and throw it in.
I'll let you know how the install goes. Hoping to get to it in April.
Chris
5292
NJP548
03-28-2017, 08:39 PM
Hey Nick,
The front speaker are Pioneer TS-A878 3 1/2 Inch 2-Way Speakers - found them on Amazon. They should be a direct replacement (at least for fit) for the originals. We'll see. I'm not looking forward to that part of the install. But I am looking forward to having some tunes in my DeLorean. Right now the radio kind of works, but gets terrible radio reception and the speakers are all pretty well shot so I think only one or two of them are putting out any sound at all. I did replace a broken powered antenna, so that does work.
I thought about going with a cd-less unit too. I might still do a last minute trade-in and go with a unit like you picked. I just have a lot of old cds and it's nice to be able to grab one and throw it in.
I'll let you know how the install goes. Hoping to get to it in April.
Chris
5292
Thanks Chris. I hadn't researched front speakers yet. I'll look into the ones you chose.
I'm probably going to end up replacing the radio sometime later this spring or early summer. I'll keep an eye out for an update on you with your progress.
I did replace the radio on my previous DeLorean and it wasn't that difficult to replace. Just time consuming.
Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
VIN 16377
Lwanmtr
03-29-2017, 01:36 AM
Im also exploring options..Have to replace the rear speakers, and maybe the fronts (been too chicken to crawl under the dash and try n pull them out..hehe).
Not sure what model or anything, but I do want a few things... gps navigation, rear camera, media, usb. I already have the DIN plate from DMC, cause I knew I'd be replacing the original radio.
mr_maxime
03-29-2017, 08:15 PM
My sister wrecked her car a few years back so I just took its radio. I like it cause it doesnt really stand out at all and looks less gaudy than many others. Ideally, I'd want something with bluetooth connectivity and that I could attach some buttons to the steering wheel like a modern car. I had a rental dodge charger and I really like how when I turned the car on, it would start playing my music from my phone and I could skip songs without touching the phone.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/mr_maxime/Delorean/20150826_175727_zpsnxybfl4e.jpg (http://s15.photobucket.com/user/mr_maxime/media/Delorean/20150826_175727_zpsnxybfl4e.jpg.html)
rickjames8
03-30-2017, 12:29 AM
I'm currently looking to replace the stock radio in my car, but haven't really found anything that I liked.
Just curious if anyone has recently swapped out their radio for a single DIN style radio and what kind did they get?
I'm just looking for something that supports Bluetooth and Apple/Siri.
Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
VIN 16377
Nick,
I went with 2-Din unit, but I can't say that I'm in love with the unit I chose. It was a bargain unit that I thought I'd try and I ended up not linking the UI to it. I'm currently working on an Android tablet set up to replace it. I'll be hooking that up to a volume knob mounted in the old cig lighter spot, an active crossover, an Alpine 4/3/2/ amp, Polk Sub and Kicker fronts. I've run 2.1 in a car before (2 mids + sub) and have always been pleased with the result. My crossover would let me install a second amp and an additional set of rears if I find it's not enough.
Chris - I've always loved the look of that Blau unit. I think it complements older cars perfectly! I've considered it for several older builds I was planning, but the timing was never right.
49977 49978
blueshark66
03-30-2017, 07:03 PM
Hey Nick,
The front speaker are Pioneer TS-A878 3 1/2 Inch 2-Way Speakers - found them on Amazon. They should be a direct replacement (at least for fit) for the originals. We'll see. I'm not looking forward to that part of the install. But I am looking forward to having some tunes in my DeLorean. Right now the radio kind of works, but gets terrible radio reception and the speakers are all pretty well shot so I think only one or two of them are putting out any sound at all. I did replace a broken powered antenna, so that does work.
I thought about going with a cd-less unit too. I might still do a last minute trade-in and go with a unit like you picked. I just have a lot of old cds and it's nice to be able to grab one and throw it in.
I'll let you know how the install goes. Hoping to get to it in April.
Chris
5292
Update on the front speakers...
I started the install today. So far, so good, except for a little issue with the front speakers I chose (Pioneer TS-A878 3 1/2 Inch 2-Way Speakers). The old speakers sit flush against the underside of the dash. The ones I chose will not do that - the inner speaker projects a little out in front of the the edge and mounting brackets of the wider speaker. So rather than returning them and waiting a week or so for new speakers that may or may not fit properly, I chose to go ahead and mount the ones I bought. Instead of using factory mounting bolts that the old speakers were on, I turned the new ones 90 degrees, marked and drilled some pilot holes, and mounted them to the fiberglass. They are basically in the same spot, just about 3/4 inch below the surface of the dash. They should work and sound just fine.
I also managed to get one rear speaker installed before I ran out of time for the day. Thanks to those who have posted earlier about how to get those rear quarter panels off! The help was a life saver!
Here's a couple of photos. The before should look pretty familiar. The second one is just everything removed from the front.
5009450095
I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Chris
blueshark66
04-09-2017, 06:51 PM
The new stereo and speakers are in. They look and sound great! I'm very happy with the results and if I had to do it again, I'm sure the whole process would take half the time - it's just a bit of a learning curve, and of course, I really didn't want to break anything. The only casualty of the process was the defroster switch - it came apart and I can't get it back together correctly, even with the help of how-to guides off this forum. I think I have all the pieces, I'm just not sure why they're not going back in right. That's a project for another day.
Here's a picture of the new system:
50837
lazabby
04-10-2017, 11:39 AM
Any tips in removing the old front speakers and installing the new ones? Not a project that I'm looking for to. Right now I have loose wires in the dash and only the left side speakers work.
David T
04-10-2017, 12:42 PM
Any tips in removing the old front speakers and installing the new ones? Not a project that I'm looking for to. Right now I have loose wires in the dash and only the left side speakers work.
Remove the seats to "assume the position" and remove any small children whose ears you will offend from the area. If you install speakers that project (the tweeter cones rise above the edge) you must make up spacers and increase the length of the studs so they can fit. Best to just get speakers that don't have cones that project that high. You will be dropping the small washers and nuts many times till you get them in. If only one side works you may have a problem with the radio, one channel may be dead, not the speakers.
As for the defroster switch, if you really can't get it back together, if you send it to PJ Grady, he can reassemble it for you.
lazabby
04-10-2017, 01:04 PM
Remove the seats to "assume the position" and remove any small children whose ears you will offend from the area. If you install speakers that project (the tweeter cones rise above the edge) you must make up spacers and increase the length of the studs so they can fit. Best to just get speakers that don't have cones that project that high. You will be dropping the small washers and nuts many times till you get them in. If only one side works you may have a problem with the radio, one channel may be dead, not the speakers.
As for the defroster switch, if you really can't get it back together, if you send it to PJ Grady, he can reassemble it for you.
It was someone else who had the problem with the defroster.
What are speaker recommendations or what is the required size of speakers? I see a couple of speaker recommendations on this thread.
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