Radio Modifications and Antennas

[Langheck]

I am beginning to put my 1600 back together after a hiatus of a few years, and have trying to research examples of anyone who has modified (or modernized) a Roadster's sound system?

 

To admit off the bat, I'm not all that knowledgeable about sound systems and installations in the first place, but my ideal setup would be to keep the stock AM radio in place while concealing a modern unit in mounted within the glove box. Speakers would either be implemented in the door panels (not sure if I want to tear into those) or behind the seats. I'm not looking to irritate a three mile radius of traffic with a thumping bass, just something adequate for decent to good sound quality within the car.

 

The other big unknown is a choice of antenna. For years, I have been on and off finding an original antenna, and realize they are without any doubt rare. Has anyone opted for alternatives? I'm trying to return the 1600 to as close as stock as possible, so I'm curious if anyone out there has a good solution that they may have put into use.

 

I'd love to hear suggestions, thoughts, and opinions on this modification. I'm really starting from scratch with the idea, so any feedback or advice would be much appreciated!

[Lockleaf]

There are companies who will gut your factory stereo and install a stereo output driver and a Bluetooth connector unit and/or an aux port inside it. Basically the only control the deck still does is power and volume. Everything else is run by a modern device.

 

Companies (like crutchfield) also sell modern stereos that look like vintage stereos and fit the factory 2 post radio position on the dash.

 

Google "vintage stereo Bluetooth" as you should have plenty of examples

[datsunfreak]

The other big unknown is a choice of antenna. For years, I have been on and off finding an original antenna, and realize they are without any doubt rare. Has anyone opted for alternatives? I'm trying to return the 1600 to as close as stock as possible, so I'm curious if anyone out there has a good solution that they may have put into use.

 

While the stock one is tough to find, there are heaps of universal models that are fairly close. 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Replacement-AM-FM-Car-Stereo-Radio-Antenna-Aerial-Telescopic-Chrome-/231852318344?hash=item35fb799e88:g:wEMAAOSwWnFWBCxs&vxp=mtr

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIRSCHMANN-AM-FM-Radio-Telescopic-Chrome-Aerial-Antenna-MG-TC-TD-MGA-MGB-Midget-/231879732616?hash=item35fd1bed88:m:m--7BBqgROlOZY_EsR9WiQg&vxp=mtr

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jaguar-XKE-E-Type-Semi-Retractable-Cowl-Mount-AM-FM-Radio-Chrome-Antenna-Aerial-/361498806019?hash=item542b020703:g:DHgAAOSw8d9UymL5&vxp=mtr

[mzdat]

I kept the stock AM radio and hated the idea of the receiver being in glove box because I didn't want to make holes in that either. I mounted an amp utilizing the stock mounting hole for the factory speaker. I purchased a RCA jack to an-I-PHONE adapter cable and ran it straight to the amp.