Best Custom Radio? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OldSkool71 · 10-19-2009, 10:39 PM

Looking for the best custom radio that fits in the factory dash location...wanting something with as many up to date options as possible, while still trying to retain a stock or factory type appearence...pics and any info would be appreciated.

thanks, Ron

unclewatts · 10-19-2009, 11:13 PM

I'm sure there are several radios out the that would fit without your having to cut up the dash, but the only ones I know that are specifically made for our trucks are the ones in the LMC or Classic parts catalog. Perhaps someone else will have more info.

**MikeB** · 10-19-2009, 11:57 PM

RetroSound is much better than anything out there, unless you can find an old shaft-style Sony or Alpine from the early 90s.

Don't be fooled by Custom Autosound's hyper-inflated power specs. Those radios are junk.

http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/details/id/93

jorgensensc · 10-20-2009, 11:40 AM

I second Retrosound! I am getting ready to install the 4th one in someones truck next week. Very nice setup.
Shawn

OldSkool71 · 10-23-2009, 01:50 PM

anybody else out there use retrosound or autosound...are there any other?

BB72CHEVKT · 10-23-2009, 01:54 PM

I got this off ebay for like $70 shipped.

**leddzepp** · 10-23-2009, 03:20 PM

I must have the only Customautosound radio in existence that works.

I have had it over 4 yrs and it is fantastic, no complaints. Everyone else here seems to have problems with them.

k2rm · 10-23-2009, 05:24 PM

I also had a bad customautosound. After just a few months the right channel stopped working. So, I put the stock AM radio back in for looks, and designed a slideout LCD bracket that would take the place of the ashtray. The LCD is a kenwood touchscreen that controls a carportal system. The cool thing is that I can wire up the stock am radio to the carportal and play the am radio through the new speakers.

**MikeB** · 10-27-2009, 06:01 PM

k2rm -- unreal!

BB72CHEVKT -- nice find!

**Tom Vogel** · 10-28-2009, 09:36 AM

K2M... that is one of the coolest things Ive ever seen! Do you do installs?

Zoomin · 10-23-2009, 06:02 PM

Awesome setup there k2rm.

k2rm · 10-23-2009, 06:23 PM

Thanks Zoomin, originally I had the screen flipping out from under the dash, but it was just too akward to use. I figured since I don't smoke, I had no reason for a functional ashtray

The tricky part was getting the hinge and slider all in one plane to fit through the ashtray opening. I still need to clean up the look of the brackets though...

OldSkool71 · 10-23-2009, 08:23 PM

Now thats Kewl....

**WorkinLonghorn** · 10-28-2009, 12:20 PM

Can you watch porn on that thing?

k2rm · 10-28-2009, 01:42 PM

Thanks all for the compliments. I guess I should have written up a "how to" post on this. If people are interested, I can post a list of parts that I found on the internet to make this thing work. Briefly, I mounted a 6" dove tail slider under the top part of the ashtray housing. On a 1" rail car, I mounted a 3" long (1/2" diameter) post that supports the hinge assembly. The LCD screen just fits, as there is only about a 1/4" on both sides. A wider screen could be used if one mounted the slider under the radio and completely got rid of the ashtray assembly.

This could be used for garmin or other nav systems that have the right dimensions. If the nav system has MP3 functionality, it could be hooked up to an amp directly and a head unit is not even needed unless you want radio. But, maybe some nav systems now have fm tuners?

The kenwood carportal is a nice solution because the "head unit" mounts under the seat and is controled by a variety of LCD options. I have the smaller LCD screen. Into the head unit, you can hook up a nav system, video system, Ipod, USB thumbdrive, XM radio, your stock radio, and your antennae.

nickp51chevy · 10-28-2009, 02:22 PM

k2rm, That is the coolest. You should post all the parts needed. I wouldn't mind doing something similar. Everyone that does it though needs to give credit where credit is due.

Jerblazer72 · 10-28-2009, 02:27 PM

Awesome, I would like to do the same. Complete parts and details would be fantastic! Thanks.

dieselarmy13 · 10-28-2009, 02:28 PM

k2rm, dude, that is probably one of the coolest things i have ever seen done

k2rm · 10-28-2009, 04:16 PM

Alright, I will dig up the parts list and post it. I will take some close up pics and try to put together a useful howto from those pics. I will start a new thread if I can figure out how to get permission from the site to do so.

nicke · 10-28-2009, 05:32 PM

k2rm, that is just fantastic work. Nice job!

nickp51chevy · 10-28-2009, 06:55 PM

Let us know what your going to call the thread so we can find it. Thanks.

CJJ67 · 10-28-2009, 07:23 PM

That's really a nice, clean set up. New and the Old blended smoothly together without offending either. Nice set up.

mclairmo · 10-28-2009, 08:37 PM

Super cool. That's what I need.

CJJ67 · 10-29-2009, 02:31 PM

Can't let this one get lost before you post some more info. TTT

k2rm · 10-29-2009, 03:29 PM

I will take more pics this weekend of the parts and start a new thread next week. I will post a link to it from here in case people miss it.

10-19-2009, 10:39 PM	#1
OldSkool71 C/10 CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 993	Best Custom Radio? Looking for the best custom radio that fits in the factory dash location...wanting something with as many up to date options as possible, while still trying to retain a stock or factory type appearence...pics and any info would be appreciated. thanks, Ron __________________ -Ron-

10-19-2009, 11:13 PM	#2
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Best Custom Radio? I'm sure there are several radios out the that would fit without your having to cut up the dash, but the only ones I know that are specifically made for our trucks are the ones in the LMC or Classic parts catalog. Perhaps someone else will have more info. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

10-19-2009, 11:57 PM	#3
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,623	Re: Best Custom Radio? RetroSound is much better than anything out there, unless you can find an old shaft-style Sony or Alpine from the early 90s. Don't be fooled by Custom Autosound's hyper-inflated power specs. Those radios are junk. http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/details/id/93 __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 10-20-2009 at 12:06 AM.

10-20-2009, 11:40 AM	#4
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	Re: Best Custom Radio? I second Retrosound! I am getting ready to install the 4th one in someones truck next week. Very nice setup. Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

10-23-2009, 01:50 PM	#5
OldSkool71 C/10 CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 993	Re: Best Custom Radio? anybody else out there use retrosound or autosound...are there any other? __________________ -Ron-

10-23-2009, 01:54 PM	#6
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	Re: Best Custom Radio? I got this off ebay for like $70 shipped. Attached Images __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

10-23-2009, 03:20 PM	#7
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,058	Re: Best Custom Radio? I must have the only Customautosound radio in existence that works. I have had it over 4 yrs and it is fantastic, no complaints. Everyone else here seems to have problems with them. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

10-23-2009, 05:24 PM	#8
k2rm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 147	Re: Best Custom Radio? I also had a bad customautosound. After just a few months the right channel stopped working. So, I put the stock AM radio back in for looks, and designed a slideout LCD bracket that would take the place of the ashtray. The LCD is a kenwood touchscreen that controls a carportal system. The cool thing is that I can wire up the stock am radio to the carportal and play the am radio through the new speakers. Attached Images

10-27-2009, 06:01 PM	#9
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,623	Re: Best Custom Radio? k2rm -- unreal! BB72CHEVKT -- nice find! __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 10-27-2009 at 06:02 PM.

10-28-2009, 09:36 AM	#10
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: Best Custom Radio? K2M... that is one of the coolest things Ive ever seen! Do you do installs?

10-23-2009, 06:02 PM	#11
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: Best Custom Radio? Awesome setup there k2rm.

10-23-2009, 06:23 PM	#12
k2rm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 147	Re: Best Custom Radio? Thanks Zoomin, originally I had the screen flipping out from under the dash, but it was just too akward to use. I figured since I don't smoke, I had no reason for a functional ashtray The tricky part was getting the hinge and slider all in one plane to fit through the ashtray opening. I still need to clean up the look of the brackets though... Attached Images Last edited by k2rm; 10-23-2009 at 06:24 PM.

10-23-2009, 08:23 PM	#13
OldSkool71 C/10 CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 993	Re: Best Custom Radio? Now thats Kewl.... __________________ -Ron-

10-28-2009, 12:20 PM	#14
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: Best Custom Radio? Can you watch porn on that thing? __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

10-28-2009, 01:42 PM	#15
k2rm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 147	Re: Best Custom Radio? Thanks all for the compliments. I guess I should have written up a "how to" post on this. If people are interested, I can post a list of parts that I found on the internet to make this thing work. Briefly, I mounted a 6" dove tail slider under the top part of the ashtray housing. On a 1" rail car, I mounted a 3" long (1/2" diameter) post that supports the hinge assembly. The LCD screen just fits, as there is only about a 1/4" on both sides. A wider screen could be used if one mounted the slider under the radio and completely got rid of the ashtray assembly. This could be used for garmin or other nav systems that have the right dimensions. If the nav system has MP3 functionality, it could be hooked up to an amp directly and a head unit is not even needed unless you want radio. But, maybe some nav systems now have fm tuners? The kenwood carportal is a nice solution because the "head unit" mounts under the seat and is controled by a variety of LCD options. I have the smaller LCD screen. Into the head unit, you can hook up a nav system, video system, Ipod, USB thumbdrive, XM radio, your stock radio, and your antennae.



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10-28-2009, 02:22 PM	#16
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: Best Custom Radio? k2rm, That is the coolest. You should post all the parts needed. I wouldn't mind doing something similar. Everyone that does it though needs to give credit where credit is due. __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350 Last edited by nickp51chevy; 10-28-2009 at 02:22 PM.

10-28-2009, 02:27 PM	#17
Jerblazer72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kaysville, Utah Posts: 119	Re: Best Custom Radio? Awesome, I would like to do the same. Complete parts and details would be fantastic! Thanks.

10-28-2009, 02:28 PM	#18
dieselarmy13 Phone's ringin Dude. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,426	Re: Best Custom Radio? k2rm, dude, that is probably one of the coolest things i have ever seen done __________________ I pitty the fool with only two headlights!! 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL

10-28-2009, 04:16 PM	#19
k2rm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 147	Re: Best Custom Radio? Alright, I will dig up the parts list and post it. I will take some close up pics and try to put together a useful howto from those pics. I will start a new thread if I can figure out how to get permission from the site to do so.

10-28-2009, 05:32 PM	#20
nicke Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 503	Re: Best Custom Radio? k2rm, that is just fantastic work. Nice job!

10-28-2009, 06:55 PM	#21
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: Best Custom Radio? Let us know what your going to call the thread so we can find it. Thanks. __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350

10-28-2009, 07:23 PM	#22
CJJ67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Temecula, Ca. Posts: 64	Re: Best Custom Radio? That's really a nice, clean set up. New and the Old blended smoothly together without offending either. Nice set up.

10-28-2009, 08:37 PM	#23
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Best Custom Radio? Super cool. That's what I need.

10-29-2009, 02:31 PM	#24
CJJ67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Temecula, Ca. Posts: 64	Re: Best Custom Radio? Can't let this one get lost before you post some more info. TTT

10-29-2009, 03:29 PM	#25
k2rm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 147	Re: Best Custom Radio? I will take more pics this weekend of the parts and start a new thread next week. I will post a link to it from here in case people miss it.

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