Topic: New radio, speakers, and their wiring

[73Formula]

Got car back - sounds awesome.  The radio was 155$ - I believe it was repaired and the MP3 plug was added. FYI my radio system did not work at all before the installment. The amp was 270, and the speakers were 125. The down side is because of the old radio, adjustment can be an issue. However, there is slight adjustment through the amp. BTW- the sound is crystal clear. There was also some other little charges (around 15 bux) for cables and sech. I had the 8-track removed and a console map pocket installed- I control the system through the map pocket

[Schroeder]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_070XDM6510/Dual-XDMA6510.html?tp=5684#details-tab

What do you guys think about that receiver and the 1 dual front speakers that someone posted in here?

Also looking at this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170974061032?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

6x9's for the rear are iffy.  I'll pry have to get them in person so I know the tweeters don't stick out past the package tray.

EDIT:  After doing a little research and actually looking at some radios at the place in town here I think I'm gonna go with this radio.  Sounds like it packs a punch for the money it costs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpine-CDE-121-USB-CD-MP3-Dash-Receiver-/181060473550?pt=Car_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers&hash=item2a280b92ce

I'll pry get a used one off ebay.  It's TOO EASY to drop a lot of money in audio stuff.  I'll get new speakers though of course.

[TTAPaceCar]

If you wish to keep the original radio & look a good solution would be to add a hard wired AUX input to the original radio, install a power amp and new speakers and you'll keep the original look with a much improved sound system that can be customized as you wish. Even add a sub-woofer.

Check out Crutchfield.com they have a nice selection of audio components. They carry the Sound Ordnance P-69 6X9 that fit nicely with the standard TA grilles.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_777P69/Sound-Ordnance-P-69.html?tp=105

We can add the Aux input for iPod, MP3, XM radio etc.. to the original Delco radios.
If anyone is interested visit our http://www.transamradio.com page.

[Grand73Am]

You have me wondering.... if you connect an external amp to the original radio, do the speakers then run from the amp? And if so, will the amp make it so you can use modern 4 ohm speakers, even though the original radio used 10 ohm speakers?

[TTAPaceCar]

You have me wondering.... if you connect an external amp to the original radio, do the speakers then run from the amp? And if so, will the amp make it so you can use modern 4 ohm speakers, even though the original radio used 10 ohm speakers?

Absolutely! As long as the new AMP has speaker level inputs feature, you can easily add it to your original radio. And yes the speakers will be powered by the new amp AND can be any impedance and power rating that the new amp will handle.

Andrew

[Grand73Am]

That's good to know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[Schroeder]

Wow thanks a lot TTAPace.  PM me a price to have the AUX port added. I do think I am going to go with that Alpine I listed in my last post though. It seems there are so many options for everything involved in this car.  I have to do so much research to make a little progress!

Is everyone in agreement that the dual speaker mentioned in this thread: http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=48771.0  is the best option for replacement of the front speaker?  What about retro fitting a 5" speaker on the factory bracket or something like that?

I'm considering one of the following two hidden antennas to run to my rear window or package tray.

1.) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Rod-Car-Auto-DUAL-AMPLIFIED-AM-FM-Hidden-Antenna-/150977259274?pt=US_Radio_Antennas&hash=item2326f2270a

2.) http://www.ebay.com/itm/METRA-44-UA20-HIDDEN-ELECTRONIC-AMPLIFIED-CAR-ANTENNA-/150960941070?pt=US_Radio_Antennas&hash=item2325f9280e&vxp=mtr

I'm still looking in to 6x9's.  The car audio store has some alpine speakers on sale right now for $33.  I think the tweeter is almost flush too.  I may just pick those up.

[Greenbird76]

It sounds like you made your choice already, but I figured I would show you what I did with mine.  My dash is prestine except for the fact that some one cut the dash for an newer stereo . 
I have this reciever in my 76 in the stock radio location and love it.  It is loaded with features and sounds crystal clear.  The usb port is the reason I chose it.  Also, now it is $30 cheaper with free shipping from crutchfield. 
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX395/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X395.html?tp=5684
I also have these 6x9 in the rear.  I am very biast to polk and these make my sytem thump; in addition they are certified for marine use and I see this as more protection.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DXI690/Polk-Audio-DXi690.html?tp=91
Up front, I had the stock mono 4x10 speaker.  I gutted the original dry rotted speaker, modifed the out metal support to house to 4 inch speakers.  I did do some welding so the new 2 speaker unit fits as the original did.  I found the 4 inch speakers to be biggest you could go.  They fit just fit with out having to do any modifications to the duct work.
I used pioneers similar to these-
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130TSD1002/Pioneer-TS-D1002R.html

I also prewired for an amplifier when I removed the interior.  I have the REM deluxe package tray with speaker accomidations.  Here is a picture of what it looks like.  Makes the speakers practically invisible and i had no clearance issues what so ever.  I also bought the 6x9 foam speaker bottom covers which really keep the sound out of the trunk and in the interior.  Since my car did not have speaker grills from the factory, I chose this option and like it alot.

[Schroeder]

Are you talking about this REM place greenbird?
http://www.remautoinc.com/products.php

I can't even look at their products.  How did you know what they had available?  Did you happen to get it from Ames?  Ames part FA603 or FA604?

Thanks for the input!  I'm not sure if I'll get those same speakers, but now I have some dimensions to go off. GREAT info greenbird!  Thanks for chiming in.

[Greenbird76]

I bought mine from Classsic Industries.  Classic's catalog had a good picture of it and good sources online recoomended it.  I think it was some one from AGTA.  Anyways,  I am glad I could help you out.  If you need me to look up the Classic Part # Just let me know. 

[Schroeder]

I'm still trying to decide if I want to cut holes in my existing package tray, fit speakers, and then cover with speaker grills from a 78 or 79, or if I want to go your route greenbird.  If I can find some cheap grilles I may retro-fit what I have now.  Your package tray is sexy though, and I may end up going that route.

[ScottD3]

Here is what I did radio and speakers in my car sounds good.
http://www.78ta.com/HTAF/index.php?topic=6244.90

[Schroeder]

Can anyone get me a link to a harness adaptor that I can plug into the back of my modern day radio and right into a 78ta harness?  I just purchased a new under dash harness and it is a 78 one.  Ames said it would fit fine in my car.  Any extra options that the 78 harness has I will just let empty.

At one point I found a topic about this and the guy had links and pics and everything.  I can not find this topic anymore.

[Angelo]

Aftermarket radio's have proprietary harnesses that plug into the back of then. The old days we would hack up the factory harness and use twist caps to connect the appropriate wires. The past 10-20 years the trend is to use a special pigtail harness to bridge that gap between the factory harness and the proprietary harness from the back of a modern receiver.

Search eBay or Amazon for Scosche GM01B, it's a harness for 1978 -1987 General Motors Radios. It will come with two pigtails, the smaller one does not apply, it taps into a separate factory harness that provides power for the clock, which 78-79 was not wired for. I'm going to guess that this may be what you got from Ames as well, if you have the Ames part number that tell us what harness it is.

You also need the proprietary pigtail harness that plugs into your aftermarket receiver. If you purchased your receiver new, it will be in the box. It should have instructions what wire goes to what speaker, power, etc...

I still use twist caps for these application specifically, but more and more I see folks either solder or use butt connecters, which would be an improvement.

I will be wiring up mine in a couple weeks and can take some pictures if that help.

[TTAPaceCar]

Can anyone get me a link to a harness adaptor that I can plug into the back of my modern day radio and right into a 78ta harness?  I just purchased a new under dash harness and it is a 78 one.  Ames said it would fit fine in my car.  Any extra options that the 78 harness has I will just let empty.

At one point I found a topic about this and the guy had links and pics and everything.  I can not find this topic anymore.

Try Crutchfield they used to have them.

www.crutchfield.com