20 replies to this topic

[Bagman]

So, my car has the standard AM radio (that stopped getting reception at some point). I'd like to install a modern stereo, but keep the AM player in its slot. Has anyone found any good products or methods to do this?

Here are two ideas I had....

Mount the stereo under the dash where it can be reached but is generally out sight.

Somehow just install a hidden amp and then have like a 1/8" stereo plug hanging out somewhere that I could plug into an ipod-like device and have that be my only source of music (no radio).

[TK826]

This is what I'm leaning toward.

MP3 jack installation


edit:
And this is supposedly a tutorial on how to do the same thing... for just 5 dollars.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Famateurdebeauxchars.forumactif.com%2Fhors-propos-la-banquette-f11%2Finstallation-prise-mp3-jack-sur-nos-ancien-radio-t9329-15.htm%3Fhighlight%3Dradio&sl=fr&tl=en


It is translated through Google, from French to English.

[TI4438]

You could hide a CD player behind a radio delete!

[Steam McQueen]

This looks cool ...

Quote

Secretaudio SST is a hidden audio system that offers great flexibility for mounting in any type of vehicle. The main receiver/amplifier unit is usually hidden under the seat, or behind the dash. A 10ft cord from the Tuner/Amp plugs into a LCD display.

Included with the system is a flush mount bezel for console or dash mounting. The small dimensions of the flush mount system allow you to install the LCD display almost anywhere. The LCD also comes with a bracket mount for easy installation in the glove box, under the dash, in the ashtray, sun visor, console, or wherever you choose.

Secret Audio System Specifications

http://www.bluesbrotherscentral.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/icon_cool.gif

[sigmfsk]

I learned of the "redirad" here:
RESTORED AUTO RADIOS

This site
Frequently Asked Questions
has more info. You plug your antenna into the redirad, and then the redirad into the radio antenna socket. Connect the the headphone jack on the your external device to the redirad, and tune the car AM radio to 1000Khz.

---

This guy
Stereo Conversions MikeHaganAntiqueAutoRadio.com
can replace all the internals of the radio with a new setup, but leave the external controls the same, so the radio looks stock. Sounds very cool.

your friend in tunes,
arthur

[Bagman]

That's just what I was looking for Steam, thanks.

[Bagman]

Anyone know what size speaker fits in the front left and right circular holes? I measure the top of the hole at 5 inches exactly, but not sure if the standard 5.25" speakers would fit.

I know the rears are 6x9s.

[sigmfsk]

Bagman said:

Anyone know what size speaker fits in the front left and right circular holes? I measure the top of the hole at 5 inches exactly, but not sure if the standard 5.25" speakers would fit.

If I go to crutchfield:
Car Selector
look for speakers, select 1974 Dodge Monaco Sedan, then select speakers that fit the dash area, I get a list of 3.5" speakers and nothing else.

Here's one that requires a 3 3/16" mounting hole:
Sound Ordnance™ P-35 3-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com

If I unfilter the results, I see that a 5.25" speaker needs about a 4.5" hole
Kenwood KFC-1362S 5-1/4" 3-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com
so despite the fact that web-site keeps telling me that a 5.25" speaker won't fit, I don't know why it wouldn't.

Maybe they're talking about having the screw holes in the car line up with the speaker mounting holes. I don't mind drilling new mounting holes in the car.

> I measure the top of the hole at 5 inches exactly
Here's a pic of my passenger-side hole, with the windshield at the bottom of the pic. I measure the hole diameter right at 4 3/4".

So we need a speaker that will mount in a 4 3/4" hole, and we probably want one that mounts within that recessed "lip". And we want one that's not so tall that it interferes with the metal tray that fits between the dash and the windshield.

your friend in things that fit,
arthur

Attached Files

•  P1010002a.jpg   204.3K   4 downloads

[Bagman]

I did the same thing on crutchfield earlier but I stopped trusting it after it was wrong about my Accord's sizes. Plus, 3.5" is clearly too small too! I'll just try some 5.25s.

[Bagman]

I posted this in my car's thread but I'll post the link here as well for posterity.

Bluesmobile Secretaudio SST install:
Picasa Web Albums - ryan.albarelli - radio

[Steam McQueen]

Awesome! You weren't kidding about the ton of inputs and outputs. :o



I hope you get alot of fun out of it. The website said the remote will work from 40' away, and you don't need line of sight to the car! You could scare the hell out of the curious with a well timed audio blast lol.

[sigmfsk]

Bagman said:

I posted this in my car's thread but I'll post the link here as well for posterity.

Bluesmobile Secretaudio SST install:
Picasa Web Albums - ryan.albarelli - radio

Yes, thanks! I like having all these reference points.
I e-mailed bob@soundmove the following question about the secretaudio and didn't get a response:

> I have a question on the specs of the "aux in". What type of connector is it? And what
> line voltage?
> I ask, because I'll need to convert my speaker-level output from the 8-track to
> line-level (aux-level), and I'm looking at using this:
>
> SoundGate LOC4.2 2-Channel Line Output Converter
> SoundGate LOC4.2 2-Channel Line Output Converter
>
> and it says it is selectable for 1.5V or 4V line-level outputs. Does the "aux in" on the
> secret audio consist of (2) RCA jacks? It looks like it from the wiring diagram.

Do the manuals say anything about the line voltage of aux-in (1.5V or 4V)? Maybe the correct choice is obvious to someone in the car audio field. I'm thinking about using an 8-track with speaker-level outputs to drive the aux-in, and want to ensure that I can get an appropriate line output converter.

thanks,
arthur

[Bagman]

You can't do what you're trying to do without some really fancy equipment (I've never seen such equipment in, I just assume it exists somewhere). If you were to do that, you would surely overload the aux-in. This would apply equally to all audio products, not just car audio.

Your best bet is to just leave the center front speaker in place and leave the AM radio connected to it. It should be just as good as trying to run it through an amp, it is only AM after all.

[sigmfsk]

Bagman said:

You can't do what you're trying to do without some really fancy equipment (I've never seen such equipment in, I just assume it exists somewhere).

I think that's the equipment I referenced:
SoundGate LOC4.2 2-Channel Line Output Converter

Here's a description of a (different) line-output converter. Its only $20:
> The LOC80 handles a speaker-level signal up to 80 watts RMS per channel, and
> converts it to a line-level signal you can plug into your amp's input.
> The LOC80 reduces the incoming speaker-level signals so you can use a stereo RCA
> patch cable (not included) to make the connection to your amp.
Scosche LOC80 2-channel line output converter at Crutchfield.com

I think this is exactly what I need to convert the speaker-level output of the 8-track into a line-level input to the Aux in on the secretaudio.

The question I have, and I'm wondering if you see any reference in the secretaudio documentation, is regarding the voltage level range of the Aux in. It seems that Aux in/out can have a range of either 1.5V or 4V, because this line-output converter allows selecting between the two:
SoundGate LOC4.2 2-Channel Line Output Converter

For example, this audio equipment has a 4V line-out
LAC3800R Car Audio TV/Audio/Video

This one has 1.5V line-out
Universal SiriusConnectâ„¢ Controller System FMSC1 with SCC1 | TSS-Radio

Whatever range the secretaudio uses doesn't really matter. I was just curious if the information was in the documentation. If it is, it will save me having to explain my question to the salesman.

thanks,
arthur

[Bagman]

The manual is on their website:
http://www.casmfg.com/images/sst_manual_web.pdf

I imagine it is 4 volts, although I can't find any definitive source. My best guess is that phonograph players used 1.5v, which is why phono-in jacks are specially amplified on old stereo receivers. In any case, you could just try 1.5 and if it doesn't work bump up to 4V. There probably is no "right answer" because the voltage is determining the amplitude (i.e. volume). So, the louder it is, the higher the voltage on the wire.

I maintain my general suspicion of audio converters. Every component in an analog system is going to add noise, even simple extension cables.

[sigmfsk]

Thanks for the link to the manual. It didn't specifically see anything about the aux in range, but it was informative in other areas. It looks like a nice setup; and with your writeup about it I feel more comfortable getting one.

I found this about the line converter:
> The “High” setting can be used with almost all amplifiers and will produce the best
> signal-to-noise ratio in the sound system. Output voltage using the “High” setting will
> be approximately 4 Volts. The “Low” output setting will provide approximately 1.5
> Volts and can be used with those amps that cannot accept the higher output voltages
> that the “High” settings provide. A constant ‘hiss’ will be heard if the amplifier cannot
> accept higher voltages.
SoundGate | KICKER

So its try the 4V, and if that yields a constant "hiss" with the secretaudio, then try 1.5V.

> Every component in an analog system is going to add noise, even simple extension
> cables.
Yes, but I'm not too worried about the best audio quality when using a 30-year old 8-track player. I'm just happy there's a way to attach it inexpensively.

thanks,
arthur

[sigmfsk]

Thanks to Bagman's link to the Secret Audio owner's manual:
http://www.casmfg.com/images/sst_manual_web.pdf

I went to a list of the dealers
Dealers
and generated a list of on-line prices.

I found two web-sites that had pictures of a different-looking Secret Audio:

looks different
$290
Mustang Parts from Mustangs Plus :: Radio-Stereo :: Stereo Kits :: Custom Autosound SecretAudio SS Hide-A-Way Audio Solution

$240
Corvette America - Online Catalog

I'm guessing those are pictures of an earlier version of the Secret Audio. I don't know if they are selling the old version or the new version. Here is a list of prices for the Bagman-style Secret Audio (the new style, the style I wanted):

$300
1964-1972 Chevelle Secretaudio Sst Hidden Stereo System
Classic Industries | Restoration Parts | Camaro Parts | Firebird Parts | Trans Am Parts | Nova Parts | Chevy 2 Parts | Impala Parts | Truck Parts | Chevy Parts
Inland Motorsports


$290
Camaro Camaro Secret Audio Stereo SST, 200 Watts, Custom Autosound, 1967-1969 - Rick's Camaro Parts
Search results for: 'secretaudio' - Eckler's Chevelle Parts
El Camino El Camino Stereo Systems, USA Series Secret Audio With Rf Remote, 1959-1985 - El Camino Parts
Corvette Corvette SST 3-Piece Secretaudio Sound System, Custom Autosound, 1953-1982 - Corvette Parts and Accessories
Truck Chevy Truck Secret Audio Stereo, With Radio Remote, Custom Autosound, 1955-1972 - Eckler's Truck Parts
Chevy Chevy Secret Audio SST Stereo, Custom Autosound, 1955-1972 - Eckler's Late Great Chevy Parts
Mustangs Unlimited - The Premier Source for Mustang, Shelby and Cougar Parts and Accessories
1955-1995 Chevy Custom Autosound Secretaudio Stereo System


$289
Classic Car Audio for most classic cars


$280
SECRETAUDIO SST STEREO WITH RF REMOTE 200 WATTS 1965-1973 - CJ Pony Parts, Inc.


$279
secretaudio hidden car stereo


$255
SecretAudio SST stereo


$230
Skylark 200 Watt Am/fm Stereo Cd Controller With: Audio Electronics & Radio, Secretaudio


That last web-site is interesting. To buy something on the web-site, you have to first select what type of car it is for. There is only one make/model/version of the Secret Audio, but you can't just say you want to buy a Secret Audio. You have to say what car it is for first.

If you say it is for a 1961 Buick Special, the radio is $300

Buick 200 Watt Am/fm Stereo Cd / Mp3 Controller
Fits 1961 - 1969 Buick Special

1961 - 1969 Buick Special Hideaway 200 Watt AM/FM Stereo CD controller with USB MP3 iPod interface and more Featuring Remote Control
Part No: BUK-6169-SST


If you say it is for a 1961 Buick Skylark, the radio is $230

Skylark 200 Watt Am/fm Stereo Cd Controller With
Fits 1962 - 1963 Buick Skylark

1962 - 1963 Buick Skylark Hideaway 200 Watt AM/FM Stereo CD controller with USB MP3 iPod interface and more Featuring Remote Control
Part No: BUK-6263-SST


Being that $230 was the cheapest price on the internet that I could find, I ordered one for a 1961 Buick Skylark. I received it in the mail yesterday. I hope that it fits a 1974 Dodge Monaco.

Thanks for finding this cool item, Steam. And thanks for the further info in it, Bagman.
your friend in good deals on great stuff,
arthur

[TI4438]

Here's a shot of my car with the dashpad removed.It looks like there are holes for optional speakers on either side of the one in the center.

[sigmfsk]

sigmfsk said:

That last web-site is interesting. To buy something on the web-site, you have to first select what type of car it is for...

I see they have now updated their web-site so that the secret audio is $279.95, regardless of what car you say it is going into.

your friend in lucking into hot deals every once in a while,
arthur

[TK826]

Are they basing their prices off of eBay? .... or the other way around?

(rhetorical question)

Secretaudio items - Get great deals on eBay Motors, Electronics items on eBay.com!