What radio is best for my '77 GMC?

[5Tractorguy]

Looking to put a new radio in my '77 GMC this spring so I can get rid of my homemade radio box on the seat.

I put one of THESE (or one similar) in my '88 square. It's been a good radio, but the tuning and volume knobs have started to work intermittently on occasion (especially when it's real cold, teens-20's). Thinking about buying the GMC branded one for the '77...

Main thing I'm looking for is an original, or darn close to original/old school look as possible, and AUX and USB drive input is a must.

What are you guys running in your trucks? Any recommendation on what to look into?

[Bloodhound]

Originally Posted by 5Tractorguy

Looking to put a new radio in my '77 GMC this spring so I can get rid of my homemade radio box on the seat.

I put one of THESE (or one similar) in my '88 square. It's been a good radio, but the tuning and volume knobs have started to work intermittently on occasion (especially when it's real cold, teens-20's). Thinking about buying the GMC branded one for the '77...

Main thing I'm looking for is an original, or darn close to original/old school look as possible, and AUX and USB drive input is a must.

What are you guys running in your trucks? Any recommendation on what to look into?

Check this out.

https://www.retromanufacturing.com/c...your-own-radio

[SilverMiner]

Originally Posted by Bloodhound

Check this out.

https://www.retromanufacturing.com/c...your-own-radio

I agree with Bloodhound - try out a RetroSound. Over 2+ years I've been extremely happy so far. I put an older Model 2 into my 1980 Suburban, and with the optional "Part Number: 27-87" knob set I've had passengers comment they thought the radio was original and were shocked when I changed songs using the bluetooth on my phone. They aren't the cheapest, but I feel they are worth it.

[5Tractorguy]

Thanks guys! I'll check 'em out...

[TKCR]

I had already gotten this before I found RetroSound. But I’m happy with mine, I would have gotten one for sure. But I did get my knobs from RetroSound. My radio came with cheap black ones.

[5Tractorguy]

Originally Posted by TKCR

I had already gotten this before I found RetroSound. But I’m happy with mine, I would have gotten one for sure. But I did get my knobs from RetroSound. My radio came with cheap black ones.

Pretty good quality sound for the most part with that one? Does is have the USB pigtail out the back? Just curious as it looks to be the same model in the link I had in my first post.

Leaning more towards that one... Nothing better than a good stereo, but I can't swing the price of RetroSound yet.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 5Tractorguy

Pretty good quality sound for the most part with that one? Does is have the USB pigtail out the back? Just curious as it looks to be the same model in the link I had in my first post.

Leaning more towards that one... Nothing better than a good stereo, but I can't swing the price of RetroSound yet.

Yes the sound quality is great, I also put all new spaeakers in. And it has the USB out the back. I have it going over and into the glove box, for the iPod.
http://customautosoundmfg.com/produc...cam-chtkll-230

[TKCR]

I’m confused when you talk about the price of the RetroSound, it is $199, for the base model. But it has the AUX input, just not all the other bells & whistles. You can chose your bezel and knobs.
The other radios are $169 and you have to pay extra for the accessories. And they only come with the cheap plastic knobs.

[5Tractorguy]

Originally Posted by TKCR

I’m confused when you talk about the price of the RetroSound, it is $199, for the base model. But it has the AUX input, just not all the other bells & whistles. You can chose your bezel and knobs.
The other radios are $169 and you have to pay extra for the accessories. And they only come with the cheap plastic knobs.

I saw the $199 base model but didn't know what it had for inputs. The AUX input is good, but it's the USB that I really need. All my music is on a usb drive that I plug into my '88. And since I don't have an iPod or phone with my music, that's a must. Started playing around with retro sounds website so I'm going to keep looking around there. May give them a call/email about that base model.

Just came up with this, knobs included that I like the look of...
https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...nt=34820028174

[SilverMiner]

Originally Posted by 5Tractorguy

I saw the $199 base model but didn't know what it had for inputs. The AUX input is good, but it's the USB that I really need. All my music is on a usb drive that I plug into my '88. And since I don't have an iPod or phone with my music, that's a must. Started playing around with retro sounds website so I'm going to keep looking around there. May give them a call/email about that base model.

Just came up with this, knobs included that I like the look of...
https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...nt=34820028174

5tractorguy - that is a heck of a good deal. I went back to check what I paid for a Model Two back in 2016, and I plopped down $269 for the head unit and another $27 for the knobs I wanted.

The only additional features I have are two USB inputs plus Bluetooth, which now I'm trying hard to convince myself was worth it. The Bluetooth has been quite handy for guests, so I'm going to say YES.

[5Tractorguy]

Originally Posted by SilverMiner

5tractorguy - that is a heck of a good deal. I went back to check what I paid for a Model Two back in 2016, and I plopped down $269 for the head unit and another $27 for the knobs I wanted.

The only additional features I have are two USB inputs plus Bluetooth, which now I'm trying hard to convince myself was worth it. The Bluetooth has been quite handy for guests, so I'm going to say YES.

Woah, guess $199 isn't too bad of a deal! Especially if they came down from that... and since this already has the knobs for that price. I suppose Retro sound is the route to go!

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 5Tractorguy

Woah, guess $199 isn't too bad of a deal! Especially if they came down from that... and since this already has the knobs for that price. I suppose Retro sound is the route to go!

I would have to dig out receipts for mine. It was about 5 yrs ago now, but mine was right around $250-$300. And to get more bells and whistles, it would have costs more. Not sure why the costs are lowering, maybe because they are more popular now?