Clarion radio faceplate

Picture?  Yours is mounted in dash face?  Most are in a plastic casing under dash - it can be moved back so its unseen.

I don't see why you couldn't adapt a different faceplate, However:

There were a bunch of different spacings used for the knob shafts back then, as well as the opening for the dial - it seemed like just about everyone had different measurements back then for both the car radio openings in the dash as well as the radios themselves, like a Ford Philco wouldn't fit into a Chevy Delco.

Then, someone had a vision and created radio models which had moveable shafts (left and right) which allowed an aftermarket radio to fit into different car makes and a special faceplate which allowed for the shaft movement with special spacers on the shafts.  

So, see what you can find on-line to match your radio head, or lurk around flea markets and car swap meets and see what'cha come up with.  The solution is out there!

Here is the install of the Clarion radio.

From experience I would urge shying away from Retrosound radios unless you really like cruddy sound and reception. To get them to sound half way decent you need to run an amplifier.

I just had the stock push button AM radio (that did not work) for the '55 Chevy converted by a company in AZ. It now has AM/FM, USB/MP3 hook ups hidden in the glove box, outlets for amp hookup. It was not cheap to have it done...$550, plus shipping both ways. It is ten times the radio now than the Retrosound (about $325 new with out amp or speakers)ever was and it looks 'stock'...you have to be in the car and look directly at the radio to see the FM channel guide when the radio is off...and best of all it has great sound and the radio does not have to be cranked up to be heard over the exhaust or road noise like had to be done with the Retrosound.

Retrosound has a lot of neat features in that they fit so many classic cars with the adjustable shafts and 'period' face plates...yet their electronics leave a lot to be desired.

Just my two cents worth...

I agree with GR about Retrosound.  To me, the sound and performance of a car radio is much more important than the looks.

Get one of these, and have the guts replaced with modern stuff.

Even the newer Beckers (MB/BMW) and Blaupunkt (Porsche) look better that the glitzy neon light Chinese stuff.  Careful on used as some require a security code.  Get one with auxiliary input or USB and hide MP3/Iphone under dash.

what is about this? it's build by a german company, classic look, modern technology. Bluetooth CD mp3...

the company is called "Gelhard" the Name oft the radio is "classic 40"

I just ordered it for my speedster. the radio is here, looks pretty cool but can't test it cause my speedster will not arrive before Januar here in germany...

What would be ideal is to have a faceplate, like the Clarion, that has an old look that just pops in.

I agree with comments about RetroSound. Sound quality without amp leaves a lot to be desired. One of these days I'll install amp & subwoofer. Meanwhile while cruising around town I use USB port for music on thumb-drive, and hands-free blue-tooth phone while driving. 

    > Click on pic to enlarge photo <

Just swapped out my existing light show producing Clarion dashed mounted unit to a RetroSound unit in my IM. Dave at what was formerly Intermeccanica US did the work. After looking at all the options discussed previously, I went with RetroSound due to appearance and flexibility. At the end of the day, this is an open air, fiberglass, squeak producing, poorly insulated environment. So yes, RetroSound isn't audiophile quality sound--but I'm not listening to Keith Jarrett in the tub. The Black Keys sound just fine.....

Jim.  Nice interior.  Love the Cocomats.  Porsche horn button would complete it.  In my first Spyder I didn't want to pay for a Porsche horn button so I just put a Porsche sticker on the button.  It looked great.  Just an idea.

Phil;

I got a Porsche leather key bob, separated the metal insignia and glued the metal logo to my plain black horn button.

$15 on ebay.

Art

X2  Black and tan is always a great combination, and the entire car looks sweet.

I too would like to replace my Clarion with something that has bluetooth and looks vintage.  Reviews on Retrosound are not good,  I just read reviews on Blaupunkt.  They are not good.  Clarion sounds great and works well with iphone and front USB.  I'm just going to keep my ears and eyes open.

Phil, here is the black version go the Gelhard Classic 40 which would look good in your car.  I used the google translate to read the reviews. 

http://www.amazon.de/gp/produc...p;pf_rd_i=B008AYXUFU

Or just add bluetooth when you need it.  I am getting one of these but my car is in storage till 4/1/15.  Cant review until then. 

http://www.amazon.com/Streambo...mm+bluetooth+adapter

This is the system that I will be installing.
I don't want to see it, I just want to hear it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-40...c24dcb41&vxp=mtr

I've seen places that clear the code for $10 - I thought owner was able to set/reset code though (if they remember it).

Marty

I already have a bluetooth adapter.  I used to use it with motorcycles and ear pods.  Now I use it for mowing lawn.  Problem with those devices, they need to be charged and only hold a charge for about 8 hours.  To permanently place that device in the car you would have to charge it with the USB on the front of the unit.  Ugly stereo even more ugly.

The maybe go with a totally hidden unit and put a face plate in.  

With today's advances in audio technology for automobiles you don't even need a stereo in the car.  You can add an amplifier with a remote USB plugin that you can position near your right hand behind the E-brake.  You can add a volume control knob there as well or mount it under the dash.  You plug in an Ipod or an Iphone and control all of your music that way.

You could even add a Bluetooth receiver under the dash that no one would see and have your Iphone/Ipod connect wirelessly.  My personal opinion is that Bluetooth enabled music does not accurately reproduce the sounds so it always sounds muddy, but that's me.

Here is a Speedster with a similar hookup.  The sound of the music reproduced in the video is not very good but that is due to the limitations of the phones recording mic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umnczGIcdJk

Many people opt for that solution in Tri-fives, leave the old radio in place then add a hidden system.