aftermarket stereo

[/6Volare]

Hi everyone.
I just joined as my son picked up a 77 Volare for his first car. Slant 6, auto, 2 door. Only 65000 km. Runs great but the body needs a bit of work.
Anyway, he wants to put in a new stereo. AM radio doesn't do it for him. I've never dealt much with Mopar products and from looking at the dash it seems that an adapter plate of dome sort is needed.
Any suggestions? The am/fm unit will be a modern pioneer system with 6x9s in the back.
Thanks
Jeff

 

[Jack Meoff]

Welcome aboard!
Hopefully some of out gurus will chime in.
I always use Chrysler radios so I don't have a clue how to install new ones.

 

[/6Volare]

Thanks for the welcome.
Basically he wants fm. Would it be simpler to find a stock radio and install that? Would be nice to have an aux input and bluetooth

 

[slant6billy]

pretty simple with the adapter. The dash adapter is a few bucks for a din and a half hole. Also the plug adapter may work it easier, but the early plug in the 77's harness does not have a constant "on" 12 volts for new radio memory. You will need to splice the cigarette lighter's 12 volt leg (to the center of the barrel). The Volare dash is not real deep so steer clear of an aftermarket radio with a deep profile or cooling fins for an internal amp. Otherwise the radio will be sticking out. Any mopar radio from 76 Volares to 97 rams will take the same dash adapter. The plug harness is only needed if you don't want to splice.

Now if you want to get clever, gut the AM chassis and put in a modern MP/SAT unit using the factory AM housing. Again, some mild fab

 

[/6Volare]

Thanks for the info. So if I understand correctly I can use any 76 to 97 radio or is just the same adapter?
Jeff

 

[slant6billy]

Yep, you could slap a radio out of a 94 to 97 ram or van in there CD dash type.

 

[Jack Meoff]

The plugs changed around 81ish?
If it was a later model you could just plug and play a newer Dakota CD/Cassette unit in.
The older ones have a different plug setup.
But they mount exactly the same in the dash.
I vaguely remember a converter kit from Walmart you could buy.

 

[Jack Meoff]

The mounting pattern is identical.

But the wiring is different.

Old.

vs Newer.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Point being.....
Both will fit in the dash with no mods whatsoever.

 

[/6Volare]

Interesting. Seems it may be easier to find a stock unit at the wrecker and rewire. Any suggestions for speakers? I assume front and rear would be required for the newer units
Thanks.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Does he just have the one dash speaker?

 

[/6Volare]

Yes. Basic am radio with a single dash speaker. Overall the car is low optioned. Power steering but manual brakes. Slant 6 auto. It was owned by a rural school teacher. It was a second vehicle for her and hubby.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Well your choices are to run new lines and cut holes.
Or buy a new full range 4x10 for the dash.
I have a link for the speaker if you want it.
That's the route I'm going with my Volare.

 

[Dr Lebaron]

Why not just go to Metra and get what is required for a aftermarket stereo.
http://www.metraonline.com/products

Most of the stuff can be had a Wally's or Crappy Tire.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Good plan also.
I'm just nuts and I try to keep things stock looking.

 

[Dr Lebaron]

There's lots of Mopar cassette/c/d combos on Ontario Kijiji, but none in MB.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Wouldn't be that much to ship with Criminal Post.

 

[/6Volare]

Virtually nothing in Manitoba but cant be that difficult to find one at a wrecker.
Thanks guys

 

[Jack Meoff]

I know there's one here.

www.jopar.ca

And Joe's a good guy.

 

[/6Volare]

Thanks for all the help guys. Ended up going with a single DIN Sony with 6x9's in the back. It has bluetooth as well to allow hsnds free calling. There was factory stampings in the sheet metal including holes for the attachment screes. The underlay was also factory marked where to cut. Worked out very well.