Car Stereo Thoughts?

[Frank]

Just got a Pioneer head unit delivered (thank God they still make cassette players!) and this'll be the second system I've installed in a Wag. The first was a Blaupunkt that worked well but the Jeep dash bezel is the thing I have most trouble with. With the Blaupunkt, I cut/trimmed the bezel to fit the nosepiece of the radio. This Pioneer has a different nosepiece and I was wondering how any of you guys might have handled your installations. Critchfield is great fot all the accessories supplied but the Wag's bezel can't be included in every install on all vehicles and poses a problem for FSJers.

This is where my persnickety/anal retentive side comes in as I'm looking for a very finished look and do not want 'the dog's breakfast' installation... Pics would be most appreciated.

[BBB]

It might not be your ideal solution, but I found that when I removed the glove compartment innards there was plenty of room to put a regular size head unit in there. I won't post pictures because I haven finished it yet, but I plan on building some kind of larger insert to cover the wires and heat plumbing and incorporating my head unit into it. Obviously the problem with this solution is that you have to open the glovebox door to change the radio station. This doesn't affect me much though as I almost always use an iPod attached to a windshield mount.

[men in black]

I left the stock radio in there and used a FM modulator.
Then put the IPOD in the glove box.

Or make a full length center console and put the new radio
or NAV in the console.

[indianafsj]

when I installed my Sony unit I took out the glove box liner so I could work everything from there. Then, once I had the old unit out I held the mounting bracket up to the opening on the dash, traced it with a pencil, then used a Dremel cutting wheel to cut along the INSIDE of the pencil line. You wont ever be able to put the factory stereo back in, but who cares... just take your time and cut carefully, it works great. Good Luck

[710 Burner]

I put a Pioneer 1/2 DIN unit in an '87 with no problem. You may be shopping for a new dash bezel.

[Frank]

Well, the bezel is a sacrifice I'd make rather than the glove box - too much stuff in there!

It looks like about 1mm shaved from each side of the opening in the bezel will do the trick. No too bad, considering. I can't use the Pioneer trim piece that would finish it off nicely as the bezel won't allow its use. So, I'm off to sit in the snow-covered Sluggo and turn it into a rockin' babe machine!

Yeah, right....

[710 Burner]

Yeah, I left off the Pioneer bezel. IIRC, there was a small gap in the sides that would have been covered by putting a filler piece around the nose of the unit.

[Hubjeep]

I have a Tuffy Stereo console in mine. One in the CJ too, stereo is right there (no reaching, I have ADD when it comes to songs, volume, change it every 30 seconds or so, lol), stereo is secure, and provides ample storage, cupholders too. The one in my CJ is over 8 years old, works great, even with only a bikini top on all summer. Tuffy stuff rocks.

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-85-013-deluxe-stereo-security-console-8-wide.aspx

Light tan is very close to sand waggy interior.

[egoods]

I had the same issue getting my Pioneer into the dash on the 91 waggy, I ended up trimming the dash about a 1/4" to get it to fit, it turned out pretty nice. I also put 2 more speakers in the rear doors. So 6 speakers in all (all upgraded to Pioneer Premier 6.5" speakers). And a stereo amplifier to make it sound awesome. Now the only problem I have is the rear speaker frames vibrate too much, suppose this is a good problem to have though :p. I'll take pictures after the snow storm tonight.

[CJ the noisemaker]

I just use the AMC tape deck from an '84. Works better than the Kenwood I used to own.

[lost1]

Radio? Is that the thing you're supposed to hear when the engine's being quiet? :D

I haven't got one of those fancy things... but I'm on the hunt for a cheaper version of this. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/15/retro-sound-radio-brings-modern-music-to-your-classic-car/ Crutchfield has it listed with some amazing installation pics... pretty darn flexible unit.

[billyj7175]

I have a Tuffy Stereo console in mine. One in the CJ too, stereo is right there (no reaching, I have ADD when it comes to songs, volume, change it every 30 seconds or so, lol), stereo is secure, and provides ample storage, cupholders too. The one in my CJ is over 8 years old, works great, even with only a bikini top on all summer. Tuffy stuff rocks.

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-85-013-deluxe-stereo-security-console-8-wide.aspx

Light tan is very close to sand waggy interior.

Very nice! I like the idea of not hacking up my dash...and having the controls at my fingertips (totally spoiled by my steering wheel radio controls on my chevy pickup).

[Logs0012]

I just cut a slot where the old radio was. That way I get to keep my glove box and I still have a new head unit. I'm about to take my dash out to work on it if you want some pics.

[suzq044]

Well, y'all know my idea.. I haven't done it yet though.. click to enlarge pics:
Open:
http://th01.deviantart.com/fs44/300W/i/2009/100/1/1/Cherokee_Dash_Concept___1_by_suzq044_chopartist.jp g (http://www.deviantart.com/download/118785620/Cherokee_Dash_Concept___1_by_suzq044_chopartist.jp g)

Closed:
http://th02.deviantart.com/fs45/300W/i/2009/100/0/8/Levi_Dash_Concept_2_by_suzq044_chopartist.jpg (http://www.deviantart.com/download/118785738/Levi_Dash_Concept_2_by_suzq044_chopartist.jpg)

[iroc86]

I don't think I've ever found a mainstream aftermarket head unit that fit well AND didn't look like a video game. After searching around for weeks, I ran across some offerings from the "heavy duty automotive" sector -- as in, tractor-trailers. Delco (Delphi), Panasonic, and other companies make some very nice units that actually look stock. You might want to check out Pana-Pacific (http://www.panapacific.com/) to see the current offerings in both CD and cassette versions. These radios aren't cheap, but if you truly want something that looks stock in a later-model rig, I think it's the only way to go. Otherwise, manufacturer Nakamichi makes some normal-looking radios for the mainstream aftermarket. Unfortunately, price is proportional to how "normal" you want the radio to be. :rolleyes:

For my '89, I picked up a Delco heavy-duty CD player that was original equipment in a Freightliner tractor. I used a Best Buy installation kit (forgot to order a better one) and the radio fit better than I could imagine. It only required a bit of trimming behind the bezel and absolutely NO cutting on the outside.


http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/webinternets/Wagoneer/100_4088.jpg

[dadof3byz07]

I just cut the dash,and installed a Sony head unit from Walmart.

[madmikeX3]

Well, y'all know my idea.. I haven't done it yet though.. click to enlarge pics

That looks Really Clean and modern like that.:thumbsup: When you do this you MUST post a How-to.

[letank]

The Ipod with the amp under the seat, or for the poor soul like me, the amp is where the AC exchanger was. Cassettes do not last too long in the test of toughness and length of play.

Otherwise ebay has a lot power 15watt unit which nose piece fit the compact style of FSJ, VW beetle...

in fact for 200 watts (the second pict has the JEEP logo)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stereo-Radio-Volkswagen-Beetle-bug-Ghia-VW-Bus-am-fm_W0QQitemZ110437308125QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item19b69396dd

One seller has units for $50ish sometimes.

[CJ the noisemaker]

I just cut the dash,and installed a Sony head unit from Walmart.dash bezel?

[will e]

In my 81 and 82 I just cut the hole out bigger for a standard DIN.

Amp under the seat won't work if you have power seats since the motors and stuff get in the way.

[Hippie Metal]

took a dremal..cut that stock dual dial radio holding bullGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley out to fit the normal sized radio cage. stuck a cage in bent the tabs. Viola...pretty install, and looks factory

[suzq044]

That looks Really Clean and modern like that.:thumbsup: When you do this you MUST post a How-to.

will do :thumbsup:

[Frank]

Well, I got the unit in and all my soldered connections worked nicely - no wire nuts like last time. I had an old, broken bezel in the garage that I used to mock-up the fit. Worked out very well and the thing performs as described. I'll post a pic tomorrow. Now, for the speakers...

Front ones are easy but I'm gonna fab some 6x9 frames or mounts for the rear. I don't know why they didn't put bigger speakers back there...

[egoods]

Front ones are easy but I'm gonna fab some 6x9 frames or mounts for the rear. I don't know why they didn't put bigger speakers back there...

This is an age old audiophile argument. 6x9s have a fundamental problem, the cone shape moves in such a way that you get that thumpy bass sound but without the high end to match it. To me it sounds almost silly (like you want everyone else to hear the music besides you), so I stick with nice 6.5" speakers. If you want good bass, add a 10" sub, but match it with mid-high range speakers through the rest of the setup for a well balanced sound system.

[cu4whln]

I eliminated the ash tray and non - working clock.

Made a bezel to sort of match the Cherokee faceplate. ALum - used a high quality epoxy to attach to the IP. Make a cardboard templet first- than trim to fit. Cover it with a turned metal decal.

Made the radio opening to fit as required. Used the extra space on each side to mount swiches.

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2792.jpg



http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_3051.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_3028.jpg

[krek]

Mine isn't finished yet either :rolleyes: but all this chatter and outside temps back in the 40s are giving me the itch to go work on it.

Welded up all the holes in the center (center console replacing glovebox storage) and adding modern radio/nav unit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3557165876_4a50b24c3c.jpg

[cu4whln]

Mine isn't finished yet either :rolleyes: but all this chatter and outside temps back in the 40s are giving me the itch to go work on it.

Welded up all the holes in the center (center console replacing glovebox storage) and adding modern radio/nav unit.



Hi Krek !

Yea, get back to work !! lol

You should be refreshed by now.:p

[madmikeX3]

I eliminated the ash tray and non - working clock.

Looks really clean and factory. By the Way how hard is the removal of a dash on these FSJ's?

[krek]

Looks really clean and factory. By the Way how hard is the removal of a dash on these FSJ's?

Not so hard if you remove the windshield... it's putting them back in that will test your sense of humor.

[madmikeX3]

Well there goes my weekend project thoughts.:mad: