D
%Start Replacing a Classic Car Radio GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Smart & Connected Life > Connected Car Tech
visibility
160 views
thumb_up
25 likes
S
When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 30, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email
In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Why Replacement Is Challenging Classic Car Radio Troubles Replacing a Classic Car Radio With a Standard DIN Unit Direct Classic Car Radio Replacements Maintaining a Factory Look Other Benefits of a Direct Radio Replacement Classic cars will never be as safe or as efficient as their modern counterparts.
thumb_up
47 likes
L
There are certain safety features, like seat belts, that you can install yourself without too much trouble, but for the most part, driving a classic means fewer of the conveniences and innovations we take for granted. You're probably never going to graft anti-lock brakes onto your Chevy Bel Air, and retrofitting air conditioning or power steering can be a bear.
thumb_up
22 likes
J
Still, the biggest sticking point for many people is the difficulty in replacing a classic car radio. Car Culture Collection / Getty Images
Why Replacement Is Challenging
Even if you have a classic car radio that still works the same as it did the day it rolled off the factory line, your entertainment options are limited. The first AM/FM car radio didn't show up until the 1950s, and cars and trucks with AM-only radios were available into the 1980s.
thumb_up
32 likes
S
Car stereos weren't a thing until the 1960s when the first car audio systems with separate left and right channels started showing up. Modern aftermarket car radios largely conform to the DIN standard, but cars built before the 1980s used radios that were a mixed bag in terms of size and shape.
thumb_up
31 likes
S
So, while upgrading the head unit in a car built in the last 20 or 30 years is usually a simple affair, a classic car radio replacement can be a stickier issue.
The Trouble With Classic Car Radios
When you're stuck with an eight-track player, cassette deck, or a classic car radio that is just a car radio, modern portable media formats can look attractive, even if you're adamant about hanging on to your classic.
thumb_up
10 likes
A
Whether you want to listen to CDs, MP3s, or internet radio in your classic car or widen your horizons just enough to make the jump from AM-only to an AM/FM radio, there are a few ways to go about it. Most of them don't require you to ditch the OEM look of your classic dash.
thumb_up
6 likes
C
The main problem that you'll run into is that most classic car radios and the dashes they were designed to work with don't play nice with the modern DIN standard. Many classic car radios are integrated into the dash, and even the modular models typically used a shaft-style radio that you don't see much today.
thumb_up
44 likes
B
Designed for a shaft-style radio, the dash typically has two holes for the shafts and a small rectangular hole in the middle. Good luck fitting in a DIN head unit without cutting into the dash.
thumb_up
19 likes
S
Replacing a Classic Car Radio With a Standard DIN Unit
In some cases, it is possible to replace a classic car radio with a standard DIN aftermarket head unit by mounting the new stereo under the dash, which has advantages and disadvantages. The main reason to mount a modern DIN head unit under the dash of a classic car is that it allows you to take advantage of all the options available from new car radios today without cutting into the dash. The trade-off is that mounting a head unit under the dash of a classic car usually isn't going to look that great, and it may get in the way.
thumb_up
19 likes
R
If you mount it far enough under the dash that it isn't an eyesore and your passengers won't bang their knees on it, then operating it while you're driving can be problematic. In terms of wiring a modern DIN head unit into a classic car, your experience will depend largely on the vehicle you're dealing with.
thumb_up
33 likes
Z
You should be able to use the same power, ground, and antenna connections, and you may also be able to use the same speaker wiring. The main issue is that you'll have to run new speaker wires if your car shipped from the factory with a mono car radio. If it shipped with fewer than four speakers, you could have trouble figuring out where to put your new speakers.
thumb_up
46 likes
E
Direct Classic Car Radio Replacements
If you aren't excited about grafting a modern DIN head unit under the dash or cutting into the dash to make room, there are two options you can explore. The first option, which works with any make, model, and year combination, is to go with a hideaway car stereo.
thumb_up
6 likes
E
There are no compatibility issues to worry about since hideaway car stereos are designed to be "hidden away" in a glove compartment, under the dash, or under a seat. In a typical scenario, you leave the old car radio in place for aesthetic purposes, but the hidden unit is hooked up to the power, antenna, and speakers. Hideaway car stereos are often controlled by a portable remote control unit, which is less convenient than twirling the knobs on the dash like you're used to.
thumb_up
47 likes
Z
A smartphone or tablet can also control some. In either case, for the sake of convenience, a dash mount can provide easy access to your control method of choice.
thumb_up
45 likes
S
Another option is to use a semi-universal classic car radio replacement and a faceplate kit appropriate for your vehicle. These units typically follow the shaft-style design aesthetic, and the shafts are usually adjustable on a horizontal axis to fit a variety of classic cars. Due to the size limitations involved with a direct classic car radio replacement, the features of these units are typically limited.
thumb_up
38 likes
G
You won't usually find a direct replacement for your classic car radio capable of playing CDs out of the box. However, they often include features like RCA or 3.5 mm audio inputs, USB ports, and SD card slots, which open up different options for listening to music and other audio content in your classic car.
thumb_up
50 likes
C
Maintaining a Factory Look With a Classic Car Radio Replacement
If your classic car came with a shaft-style radio with two holes for the shafts and a rectangular hole in the middle, you might be able to find a modern replacement. If you're looking for a catch, you'll likely find the price tag less appealing than that of a bargain bin single DIN head unit. The trade-off is that you can achieve a close-to-OEM look through the use of knob and faceplate kits that are available in a variety of designs.
thumb_up
31 likes
T
You identify a set of knobs and a faceplate that closely matches the rest of your dash and pair them with a head unit that has a lot more going for it than staticky AM radio. The other option is to find a replacement radio designed for the make, model, and year of the vehicle. For popular models, this is a viable option.
thumb_up
25 likes
G
For less common classics, you'll be better off going with a unit that accepts customizable faceplates and knobs.
Other Benefits of a Direct Classic Car Radio Replacement
The primary motivation behind replacing a classic car radio may be to move beyond AM radio, but modern replacements can offer more.
thumb_up
49 likes
T
In addition to multiple audio sources, such as listening to music from a USB stick or plugging in an MP3 player via an aux input, you may also be able to take advantage of features like Bluetooth hands-free calling, wirelessly stream audio files or internet radio, or Direct iPod control. Was this page helpful?
thumb_up
50 likes
Z
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is a Single DIN Car Stereo?
thumb_up
23 likes
K
How to Fix a Car Radio That Won't Turn Off Double Din Radios Explained How to Identify Aftermarket Car Stereo Wire Colors Can You Use Factory Steering Wheel Controls With Aftermarket Head Units? How to Listen to an iPod in a Car How Difficult Is It to Replace a Car Stereo? What Android Auto Is and How to Use It How to Listen to Music in a Car From a USB Flash Drive In-Dash vs.
thumb_up
10 likes
J
Portable GPS for Your Car 9 Things to Consider Before Buying a Dash Cam How to Fix Common Car Amp Problems How to Install a Head Unit With No Wiring Harness Why Doesn't My Car Radio Doesn't Fit? How and When to Upgrade a Car Stereo Fixing a Car Radio That Stopped Working After the Battery Died Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
41 likes
Similar Discussions
-
WWE News Roundup Big title change could happen soon Major star spotted training ahead of his return The next Undertaker found? Possible spoiler on Roman Reigns vs Logan Paul
-
Valorant Night Market All eligible skin collections to look out for in Episode 5 Act 2
-
Tennis fans shower praise on Iga Swiatek after history making US Open title
-
The Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek Relationship Timeline Explained
-
Solo Leveling Chapter 149 Release Date Raw Scans and Spoilers
-
Radio ADN en vivo Deportes CL APK Download for Android
-
Photo Background Replace APK Download for Android
-
American Truck Simulator 2022 APK Download for Android
-
MyMcKesson APK Download for Android
-
DNS Service APK Download for Android
-
Monster Truck Racing Car Games APK Download for Android
-
D mission de Liz Truss la campagne clair pour Downing Street commence ce vendredi Afp Type Pf Afp G n ral
-
60 ans apr s la crise de Cuba l id e d une guerre nucl aire de nouveau plausible
-
Caso Villarejo llega la primera sentencia sin haber investigado el contenido real de los trabajos encargados al comisario Audiencia Nacional
-
Matt Pokora comment sa nouvelle vie de papa a boulevers sa mani re de travailler
-
USD INR Price News Indian rupee extends RBI led gains below 83 00 despite firmer yields Usdınr Swingtrading
-
Messaging App Telegram to Auction Usernames on TON Blockchain
-
These Arizona Macy s stores will have Toys R Us pop up shops for holiday season
-
Red Bull Empire Co owner F1 Team Owner Dietrich Mateschitz Dies at 78 Breakibng
-
Daniel Craig y Kate Hudson protagonizan Pu ales por la espalda 2 En el rodaje hac amos fiestas de resolver misterios Hollywoodeh Cineman a
-
Ghostbusters Afterlife Sequel Release Date Announced The Nerd Stash
-
quot Sula quot Limited Series in Development at HBO Max The Nerd Stash
-
This Vietnamese Hairstylist Creates Intricate Hairstyles That Sometimes Take Up To 2 3 Months To Finish 37 Pics
-
Yes Malaysia Airlines really did launch a bucket list competition
-
Daniel Radcliffe is astonishingly good at rapping really
-
Free Slogan Maker Online Slogan Generator Free
-
Wisconsin Supreme Court denies Trump campaign s attempt to bypass lower court in election challenge CBS News
-
The Dell XPS 13 2 in 1 Surface Pro alternative is on sale Digital Trends
-
Father and daughter bond in the first trailer for Aftersun Digital Trends
-
2022 Newest How to Mirror Android to Apple TV?