[1969GPSJ]

Just exploring options here. I have a 1969 GP that is my resto-mod project. I am trying to maintain at least the sense of originality while still adding comfort and performance improvements. I have a used (not working at this time) '69 or '70 GP AM/FM radio. I could get it repaired and updated with a bluetooth module. Or I could get an aftermarket sound system - some (like OPGI and Ames) list radios verified to fit the GP dash. There are other companies that sell updated sound systems that fit the Lemans GTO, but they do not list these systems as fitting in the GP. Is there any reason why a radio that fits in the A bodys cannot fit in the GP? I can't realistically see any, but I'm just not sure. Ideas? Thanks!

[chiefpontiac66]

Hard to say without measurements of the two different radios. It could also be the fact that some aftermarket radios require cutting out the bar between the selector buttons and the dial, and they don't consider that a direct fit. I'm fortunate because my AM/FM radio still works in my 72. I don't drive it enough to justify putting in bluetooth. In your case, you may not care so much and that's perfectly fine. I just think once a dash is cut, there's not much you can do to undo the decision. Although I have heard of some guys who have successfully replaced the cut-out piece. It's all a matter of personal preference. Make it your own. Good luck with your car!

['ol Pinion head]

'69 & 79 GrandPrix radios were the exact same size & shape as those used in '69 & 70 LeMans & GTO's. An aftermarket somewhat stock appearing unit that will fit in a '69-72 GTO without cutting the bezel will also fit in a '69-72 GrandPrix.

For owners searching for original Delco AM-FM's for these years, the '69-72 Pontiac A-body AM-FM MONO radios had black buttons.

The '69 GP & GTO AM-FM multiplex (stereos) were near identical. The main difference is the designated '69 & 70 GrandPrix AM-FM multiplexs had outputs for two rear speakers while the Pontiac A-body only had one rear speaker. Also, '70 GrandPrix radios continued the use of chrome plated buttons, while '69-72 Pontiac A-body AM-FM MONO's & '70 "GTO" AM-FM Multiplex's had black molded buttons. For '71 & 72 model Pontiac A-body's & GP's, the top option AM-FM stereo was a one piece unit, no longer having a separate amplifier; ie, the multiplex unit.

[1969GPSJ]

Thanks, OPH!
That is pretty much what I expected. It just did not make sense that there could be a fit issue for GPs vs the A body cars. The decorative dash trim pieces I have now are both missing the divider between the push buttons and the body, and the car is a resto-mod, so I am not searching for a perfect trim piece, just one that looks good in the car. Even though I have repaired all of the obvious of any structural problems or dash flaws in the body of the dash (including some prior owner gratuitous butchering of the radio area, the radio opening is now a continuous rectangular hole, which mostly matches the unmolested dashes I have seen in the past (none of which included a "bar" between the buttons and the display area of the radio - to the best of my recollection and ability to find images on the internet).

[1969GPSJ]

Thanks CP66!

Good information!

I am pretty sure that the dash itself does not require the cutting of anything to fit the average, decent 2 post GM style radio (intended to fit the rectangular opening in the actual dash structure), but the woodgrain/chromed plastic trim piece was often cut for installation of aftermarket radios, since those units often filled the entire rectangular dash opening with the display area and a cassette opening or something similar. Sometimes the owners would perform other significant modifications (Butchering?) of the dash structure to fit a larger aftermarket stereo, but I have repaired the dash structure to the point that it is now pretty close to appearing like an unmolested '69 dash. Since mine is a resto-mod and my theme is to keep as much of the "flavor" of the original '69 GP as possible, but add some enhancements I should be set up pretty well to accomplish my plan. OPH answered my primary question about the overall fit of similar radios, and it would appear that any aftermarket radio which will fit the basic dash opening for the GTO will also fit the GP, allowing for modifications to the trim facing the passengers. By the way, there are several guys (like Kevin Wagner of Wags Klassic Electronics - http://www.facebook.com/groups/613613486896043 ) who will repair (if necessary) and add bluetooth functionality to your factory radio. It's not cheap, but it can really add to your driving experience if you are driving longer distances.

[roger1]

RetroSound. I really like the quality of electronics in their units. I have their Daytona Longbeach 4 in my '69 GTO. Only thing I don't like is they don't offer Pontiac knobs. I modified a set of Pontiac knobs to make them work along with some other optional knob collars from RetroSound for the radio controls. I'm happy with how it came out but it wasn't simple to do.

[1969GPSJ]

Thanks Roger1!

Useful information. That is one of the modern electronics based systems I am considering.

[roger1]

Originally Posted by 1969GPSJ

Thanks Roger1!

Useful information. That is one of the modern electronics based systems I am considering.

Here's the details on the knob modifications I did:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...0&postcount=22