Ability to make sound

[Rey S.]

Here's a different scenario for me. I have finally progressed with my car to the point of wanting to buy a stereo system.
What will fit the original dash opening and have at least a built in CD player.
Thanks Rey

[Patrick H.]

Re: Ability to make sound

Short answer? Nothing. The hole in the cluster isn't wide enough for a CD.

I would look at something like this:

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecentral/dyndetail.pta?catalog=0000050g&ukey=26630

[Jim D.]

Re: Ability to make sound

I'd forget about a CD player. CD's have gone the way of cassettes and 8 tracks. Something like Patrick linked above is far superior. You can fit hundreds of CD's on a USB thumb drive that's the size of, well, you're thumb.

[Jack M.]

Re: Ability to make sound

Would any of these less expensive options be a reasonable solution for you?
I've never used the products... just hear people talk about similar items:

• FM Transmitter, Nulaxy Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter Car Kit Radio Receiver W 1.44 Inch Display 2.1A USB Car Charger MP3 Player Read Micro SD Card and USB Flash Drive-Brown: CLICK HERE
• VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Wireless In-Car FM Transmitter Radio Adapter Car Kit With USB Car Charger AUX Input 1.44 Inch Display TF Card Slot: CLICK HERE

[Anthony F.]

Re: Ability to make sound

I just installed the 'Retro' radio ( link: http://www.retroradio.biz/forsalecorvette.html ) in my 72. It has bluetooth, and an auxiliary input that you can hook into an MP3 or CD player. It looks ( almost ) exactly like the factory radio ( finish on the pre-set buttons is a little off ). It's about 1/4 the size of the original radio, installs easily. The sound is pretty good, definitely more power. You will need to install 4 ohm speakers. The radio light dims along with dash lights, but it is a little brighter and the hue is a little off. The electronic tuning takes some time getting used to. It's also expensive ( $595 ) from Retro Radio, but they are nice folks and will be repairing my original radio. You can find it a little cheaper on eBay, but there is waiting list for delivery.

[Frank D.]

Re: Ability to make sound

Those 'Retro' radios look like they are manufactured by Antique Automobile Radio (AAR) right here in Florida; they are only about 3" deep and do somewhat look like the original but the prior poster is correct about the finish and push button action - but they are passable looking. There were a lot of QA problems early on (AAR is a mom and pop small shop) but they've moved on to the Aurora board with voice control (or a close clone) and I have had about four of them in various cars now and the quality is consistent. They aren't a cheap alternative but if you want the original 'look' you have to belly up to the bar... The later C1 AAR radios were missing the small red sensitivity switch on the front and that was a dead giveaway that they weren't original...98% of people wouldn't have a clue though.

You'll have to get a new speaker too..

Secret Audio makes a CD player you can squirrel away somewhere hidden but why bother ? They are passe and low tech at this point...