Im slowly begining my resto on my 69 convert.
One item im debating is the replacement of the sterio system in my car.
Currently it has the standard AM radio in the original position .
My qusetion is about what aftermarket system should i get.
The options are a set like the Retrosound, which physcaly retro fits into the original shaft mounting.
I also see the is a replacement radio/ heater suround alowing the fittment of a modern DIN CD/ bluetooth set up with out carving up the original facia.
The Retrosound looks more original but doesnt play CD, and is conciderably more expencive than the DIN fit version .
I like the idea of Blutooth streaming, and/or plugging in my iphone to playmy own music libary .
Do the members have any insight as to which option works well or any drawback on either ?
Here’s something I did on my '70 C10 and gonna do on my '67 cougar when I get to that point
I kept my am radio in place and kept it working.
Then added. Small round marine Bluetooth stereo behind the bench seat, in this case maybe trunk Wired it into new speakers
So you get the old school operational am radio but then Bluetooth connect to a hidden radio
Bluetooth stereo automatic comes up with ignition.
I did put a small toggle switch under dash so I can turn it off if I wanted to.
Just another option. Inexpensive too
Mark
Phillip, I love this post and finding out how I can transform what I have into the latest technology.
Thank you for sharing this. Do u know how much they charge for the rebuild with the new FFMr 2 and AUX and Voice control like the video?
Looks like they aren’t taking new customers now.
Phillip, I love this post and finding out how I can transform what I have into the latest technology.
Thank you for sharing this. Do u know how much they charge for the rebuild with the new FFMr 2 and AUX and Voice control like the video?
Looks like they aren’t taking new customers now.
Brian
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Brian - I have never used their services but they were recommended over at the SAAC forum so I book marked their page for when I have the AM/FM in my '68 Cougar modified.
And yes, looks like they are so busy they aren’t taking on any new work at this time
I have a RetroSound in my 68 and I hate it. It gets horrible reception, is very static-y even playing from a memory card, and have very little volume. I’ve talked to RetroSound, they said to isolate the wiring and it’ll be fine. So now I’m hooked up directly to the battery, and have dedicated speaker wires, and guess what … no change. Terrible experience. I spoke to them at SEMA in their booth and they said that they get a lot of calls from people who buy before they’re ready to install like I did. Then once they get that far into the project, the warranty is expired, and they won’t stand behind the product. He also kind of smiled when I told him which model I had, something along the lines of 'Yeah, we discontinued that model pretty quickly after releasing it". And I didn’t buy the cheap model, so my advice is stay away from RetroSound.
If you can get past his VERY busy website, and the fact that he is VERY particular about what he works on, how it is packed, etc., Barry, at Barry’s 8-track repair, does excellent, thorough work. (Despite the name, he does more than just 8 tracks.) He successfully repaired the botched job by another conversion shop on my AM/8-track player, and converted a regular Philco AM to multi-media stereo for me. Be aware that although he offers expedited service for extra money, turnaround time can otherwise be several months. And “when will my _______ be finished?” inquiries aren’t tolerated well. But when you do get your radio back, it’ll be right, in my experience. He even sends a video of your unit on the test stand showing all the features and demonstrating that everything is working properly before he ships. http://www.barrys8trackrepair.com/
This is not the first time Ive heard this kinda experience from these guys. I really think they have a cool concept going but they lack the customer service in supporting their product. I originally wanted to go this route as well but with all the negative feedback I think Im just going to go with a conventional Din mounting radio or hidden bluetooth setup. (Obviously Im not worried about originality)Thing is even the most basic DIN setups have better specs and features then even the most expensive retrosound radio.
If originality isn’t a concern, check out these $9.99 units from Wal-Mart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blaupunkt-AM-FM-Bluetooth-Media-Receiver-Toronto/836526302?
Add a few household supplies you’d buy anyway to bring the total up to $35.00, and it even ships free.
I actually bought one for my old F150, and amazingly enough, it works great. Reception is good, sound quality is better than OEM, and I love being able to load a thumb drive or SD card with tunes for long road trips. Also, its tiny. While I installed it in the stock location in my truck, one could easily be hidden in a Cougar glove box.
I do have a few gripes. 1) The graphics on the bottom edge of the screen pulse randomly, which is probably supposed to indicate its high-tech or something, but I just find annoying. 2) It has a clock function, but it only seems to be accessible using the remote, and if there is a way to get the display to default to the clock, I haven’t found it. 3) Installation and hookup were straightforward, but directions for actually using the thing are vague. Basic functions are all simple enough, but more advanced functions like setting the clock and station presets can be puzzling.
Still, its a fully functional AM/FM multi-media player for the price of a fast food meal; and on that basis I can certainly live with its minor imperfections.
I have a retro sound 2 in Mistress Jessica and absolutely love it. I admit I have not use the radio side only Bluetooth to my phone. Sound is loud and clean. Speaker phone works great.
Only issue I have is with the volume post controllers. When it’s cold, they work randomly. I can try turning to the right to increase the volume and it will drop by 10 and then go up by 2 or so. They do sell replacement ones and I will eventually order 2 new ones. I have been using it over 3 or 4 years with no other issues. I installed a self contained slimline subwoofer with built in amp and it controls it flawlessly.
On a 67, do you have to cut the round metal brackets off the back of the radio panel to make a Retro Sound or Custom Autosound unit fit? I picked up a used Custom Autosound unit that says for 67-73 Cougars, but the knobs aren’t long enough to let it fit up into the bracket.
Great fit, very good sound, bluetooth and a remote mic I ran discreetly up the A-pillar on my '69 XR7 Convertible. It’s a hit with our kids, and allows them to control the tunes while Dad controls the go-pedal. Here’s a picture of it installed:
Add the “almost-authentic/almost-period-correct” removable vinyl FORD radio applique, and you’re done. Stick it on when your cat’s sitting at a car show, peel it off when you’re cruising. Here’s the part #:
Retrosound posts had just enough length to fit my 68 console without modifying anything.
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The driver side bracket is shorter than the passenger side. Do you have spacers on there that I can’t see? If not, I think someone may have already shortened your passenger side bracket to make them match. I could do that and make the Custom Autosound unit fit, but I paid more for the uncut console piece than I did for the used radio.
The black brackets and posts on the retrosound have enough adjustment in them to account for the round brackets on the radio panel being different depths. No cutting or spacers needed.
