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Old 11-05-2019, 10:05 PM
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MikeNoun MikeNoun is offline
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Default Retro AM/FM Stereo Radios

Does anyone have one of these radios from Antique Automobile Radio? They've been around a few years, sold through several different distributors including Classic Industries, vintageautoradio, and others.

Just curious about their quality.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

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  #2  
Old 11-05-2019, 10:52 PM
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Scarebird Scarebird is offline
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I did at one time: link 142

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Old 11-06-2019, 12:26 AM
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S&M Electrotech generally gets good marks, they can do a conversion of your existing radio: http://www.turnswitch.com/radio1.htm

Another possibility is the adapter that's made and sold by board member Engine-Ear, allows you to connect your personal device (smart phone, etc.) into your existing radio: https://redirad.com

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Old 11-06-2019, 12:40 AM
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68pongto 68pongto is offline
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Ditto what Stuart said, S&M does great work. I have had them convert 3 radios now. As for the reproduction radios, I had one in my 66 Corvette and it looked and sounded fine, but there is little resistance in the knobs, so if you're changing the volume and hit the slightest bump the volume would jump way up. Also at night with the dash lights on the Corvette the radio does not look right when lit up, maybe the GTO radios light up better? I ended up putting a stock radio in the 66 Corvette and putting the reproduction one in a 63 I'm selling. When you get an original one converted you have the correct feel in te knobs and they light up correctly.

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Old 11-06-2019, 09:25 AM
TAKerry TAKerry is offline
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I dont think the 'retro' radios look right. They are close, but just not right. If you want the original look and good radio I would opt for the conversion. If you want radio that doesn't look quite right, just get a new unit that works great. Having said that, I know of a couple people with the 'retro sound' radios that they say are great. Dont know about the one listed.

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Old 11-06-2019, 09:34 AM
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I just soldered a input jack into my stock Delco AM and run my I-pod thru that. Sounds good enough for me... These cars are noisy anyhow so I wouldn't put too much into a sound system...

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Old 11-06-2019, 09:50 AM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
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For my 62 Catalina, I had a factory AM radio that didn't work. I had it converted to AM/FM using a pushbutton to change bands. It has an AUX jack I attached to my portable satellite radio. Mounted the tiny receiver in the glovebox. Looks stock and sounds OK through a 3-way retro 4x10 front speaker in the stock location up front. The only thing you can see is a silver dollar size magnetic disc satellite radio antenna at the very rear of the trunk lid. Wish they had a wireless antenna, then nothing would be visible. At least 60's music can be heard while driving.

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Old 11-06-2019, 11:30 AM
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Anther option if the stock radio works is a Bluetooth enabled amp - you can swap out the OEM speakers for 4 ohm modern units.

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Old 11-07-2019, 10:34 AM
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I bought one for my 67 Firebird from AAR 3 years ago. No complaints as it works good.

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Old 11-07-2019, 12:25 PM
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I have one in my '70 It's kind of a POS but it works.. better than nothing..

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Old 05-01-2020, 11:47 AM
EddieGTO EddieGTO is offline
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I too am interested in these radios. Have you gotten any further with research?
Quality?
Price?
Appearance?

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Old 05-01-2020, 11:57 AM
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Nothing much new. The RetroSound units are great with a slight not-so-original appearance. The high end ones in the original post fit beautifully but the tuning is off. Ultimately if you want the original feeling, you need to get an original one upgraded. The digital potentiometers are good for what they do, but they aren't the same as an old analog knob.

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Old 05-01-2020, 01:47 PM
tolerico tolerico is offline
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I have the Antique Audio Radio in my 1969 Firebird.

No issues. Really like it as it looks close enough to stock and is smaller than an original radio so easy to put in and out. Can't go wrong. Plenty of power.

I highly advise buying one. Nothing better looking on the market.

https://www.classiccarstereos.com/po...ca-radios.html

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Old 05-01-2020, 02:28 PM
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92GTA 92GTA is offline
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I also have an AAR radio in my 69. I bought it for the BT connection, and also because my cars original AM/FM stereo head unit (chrome buttons) was long gone and replaced with just a standard AM/FM unit (black buttons). The AAR unit is close enough to stock that I'm happy with it, but I have more of a pro touring car than a stock show car.

I ordered it with custom red lighting and they had no problem doing it and it came out great. I have mine going to an amp tho to power my speakers/sub. I bought from an eBay vendor for $589 before tax and shipping.

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Old 05-01-2020, 03:27 PM
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I have one for my El Camino. Plays well, but volume control is very sensitive and tuning is glitchy. I bought primarily for Sat radio. Would not buy another one.
Better options are now available with your factory radio.

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Old 05-01-2020, 03:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tolerico View Post
I checked the link and they don't have one for the 66 GTOs. There is a difference between the 66 and 67's AM/FM radio faceplates.

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