Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi All: Looking for aftermarket ‘drop-in’ stereo recommendations (pictures would also be helpful).
Caveat - I’m not a ‘stereo guy’ and am not looking to set off alarms in parking lots

* Currently have an old style, late ‘80s am/fm/cassette player installed in factory location on my ‘69 SPL311 with four 5.25” Pioneer speakers. No amp, no sub … pretty basic. Intend to use existing speakers which are new.

** Wanted features: AM/FM, MP3 and/or USB and if possible, Bluetooth. Would also like it to have a small built-in Amp.
What I would like is a drop-in that fits in the factory opening without cutting things up.

I know these stereos were from a time before standardization of size, so I’m really trying to avoid making the mistake of buying something online and having it shipped up here to the Great White North just to find out it doesn’t fit - Like I said, I’m not a stereo guy.

If you can help out with various recommendations (and maybe some pics), I would much appreciate it.

Cheers,
Kai

If I were to change what I have currently I would probably move to something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Blaupunkt-AMP180 ... 08H7DR56W/

You could still use the am/fm from your current stereo and then use BT to play from your phone etc.

I currently run a 20+ year old Alpine 4ch amp to a set of 6.5" component speakers behind the seats and an 8" sub that I built into the back of the rear package tray. The only source I use is an external BT receiver that provides sound to the amp and and then volume is controlled from my phone. Still have the stock radio but it is not plugged in.

Lots of option/photos here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26856&p=243295&hilit=stereo#p243295
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25794&p=232729&hilit=stereo#p232729

another great idea for a sticky!
most keep the stock head unit and run a new one in the glovebox, or a hidden MP3 player, etc.

lots of info/pics here:

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... eo#p104548



Peter's:

I too went with the retrosound, mainly for cosmetics (can't hear even an upgraded speaker at all top down once you're past like 30-40mph).

You have to do a good amount of work yourself (or pay someone) and imo it's pretty expensive for what you get. But they are niche so they can charge whatever they want I guess.

With a 69, you'd be in the vertical radios right? Not sure what would fit in that case.

Thanks for all that. I will read through the threads and check out the pics more closely.
Also, Yes, sadly mine is the vertical stack stereo (below). Since it’s not the original anyway, I don’t mind replacing it with a modern one. However, I want to keep the clean look and layout proportions similar and not have to add an external amp.

Any clear brand/model winners that you know fit? Something I should be looking closely at? It does not have to be a full out ‘retro’ look either.

Thanks.

Bwk2000 wrote: Wed Sep 22, 2021 5:11 pm Thanks for all that. I will read through the threads and check out the pics more closely.
Also, Yes, sadly mine is the vertical stack stereo (below). Since it’s not the original anyway, I don’t mind replacing it with a modern one. However, I want to keep the clean look and layout proportions similar and not have to add an external amp.

Any clear brand/model winners that you know fit? Something I should be looking closely at? It does not have to be a a full out ‘retro’ look either.

Thanks.

Just another option, find an original vertical Roadster radio. It doesn't need to be in working order but needs to have a relatively clean face with knobs, push buttons.... With that there are a few companies that convert them to modern electronics. AM / FM, USB input, Bluetooth and more. Not cheap, but as I said an option. Here is one company, no affiliation, I have never used this service.

https://www.ricksradioconversions.com/

Bwk2000 wrote: Wed Sep 22, 2021 5:11 pm Thanks for all that. I will read through the threads and check out the pics more closely.
Also, Yes, sadly mine is the vertical stack stereo (below). Since it’s not the original anyway, I don’t mind replacing it with a modern one. However, I want to keep the clean look and layout proportions similar and not have to add an external amp.

Any clear brand/model winners that you know fit? Something I should be looking closely at? It does not have to be a full out ‘retro’ look either.

Thanks.

Here's my journey in getting updated electronics into a stock vertical radio for my '70 1600.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=33072&p=310541#p310541

I have an extra stock radio that I could sell to you and you can send it out for the conversion. PM me if you're interested.

-jt

I used Joe's Classic Car Radio Co, for my '69 and I am more than happy with it. It's very hard to find something modern that would fit, and you can get everything built into the old unit.

https://www.joesclassiccarradio.com/

Thanks Guys, I’ll do a little more research and check those ideas out.

There is no easy stereo install, and you can't hear the stereo over the wind/engine/exhaust anyway. A digital music player with one headphone in your ear is the best way to go.

Will

with the top down and cruising I find it's very hard to hear the speakers behind the seats , I have Miata seats with speakers in one of the cars and even these are hard to hear.

so now when I go for a long drive i bring a JBL flip BT speaker with me, and leave it in the passenger footwell if alone or behind the seat it sounds surprisingly well , having multiple cars it makes it easier also to always have tune whichever one i take out
Eventually I'd like to try a slightly larger model like the Charge 4

This is where a good amplifier plays a key role. I have no trouble hearing my speakers behind my seats even at 70+mph.

I know of no aftermarket head unit that wil fitthe small space and offer a vertical dial type face. The space the radio fits in is very tight and most units now a din sized and far too long.
I put a am/fm radio in the 69 like shown in thed wiki. I found a vintage unit similar to yours and put it in the 68 with a couple of encolsed speakers that I fit unter the dash. My plan was to add a ISimple IS32 fm modulator with input and usb charging jacks. The plan was to modify an ashtray insert to accept the jacks, that way, I'd be able to use my phone or an mp3 player as a music source and play them through the car speakers.
If you're not familiar with a wired fm modulator, it is abouth the size of a pack of cigarettes, plugs into the antenna wire between the antenna and the head unit. When active, it cuts out the antenna input and produces radio input on a set frequency that is then fed into the car radio. You tune the radio to a specific fequency and hear the phone (or any input) through the car radio setup.
They work well, no static or lag and allow the existing radio and speakers to remain in place.
Since its all on the input side of the radio, it doesn't prevent adding an amp if needed.
In the roadster, speaker placement is important, The 69 had 5.5 inch two ways just behind the door pillars. At 760 with the top down, they were useless. The 68 had smallers speakers in housings mounted under the dash aimed directly at the seats and could be heard pretty well at 70.
Good luck with your project.
Dan

That’s what I thought …
Not looking to spend the $$$ on a modernized retro one, so, I guess there will be a degree of fabrication in my future.

Thanks again all.

Well … I’m sure that would have been much more fun if I was 20-something again. Not perfect, but I’ll call it the 95% solution. Nice to have BT back again.

Out with the old (really old with some questionable wiring)…
In with the new …