Installing an aftermarket stereo in a 1980
 

I've bought a Panasonic CQ-DFX983U stereo, and I'm wanting to install it in the stock radio slot. I have some questions about it.

Is the stock radio slot a standard DIN size, once the face has been modified to install an aftermarket receiver?

What's the best way to carve out the dash face around the stock radio slot to accept the new stereo? I have a Dremel...suggested bit to use?

I'm also upgrading the stock speakers, and planning to replace all of the speaker wire. Could anyone suggest an economical source for well-insulated wire?

Lastly, I'm going to need an alarm system (live in an apartment complex). What's the best to get on the cheap?

im glad you asked this cause im doing dam near the same thing except i want a panasonic cq-hr1003u

Panasonic
 

I got mine for $150, thanks to my wife working for Matsushita, the parent company of Panasonic.

Sorry, just had to say it at some point. *so pleased*.

I just installed an aftermarket radio in my 82'. It was not the standard din size. The air ventilation controls have a mounting bracket that was in the way. I had to cut them off and install new ones....it's hard to explain, i wish i had pictures to show you...

Dash face
 

So FD, what did you use to modify the dash face?

Try Crutchfield, see what fits, what kits are available to modify your dash.

Why don't you just take out the little pocket below the stock radio location and mount the stereo in there?

Because it looks like crap there,and gets in the way of the shifter if you're changing CD's and such.

When I had my 83 and my 81, I just cut part of the dash reinforcment to make it fit, and they did perfectly.

1979silver
 

1979silver,

This is what fits:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...&avf=Y&search=

I'm not doing this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...&avf=Y&search=

So, modification of the dash is the most palatable option.

i have an 82 and my stero fits just fine, i didnt have to modify anything.

Lotus00
 

Lotus00,

Does your '82 have a full-rectangle-faced stereo, or the small rectangle with two knobs?

-dave

Not much selection at Crutchfield is there. I just thought they might have some wiring adaptors, or face plate kits to make the install easier. Both those cassettes look bad. Keep us posted on your progress, I would like to put a cd in my 79. The dash was modified from stock to accept an aftermarket cassette years ago.

Lotus00,

I'm also curious on what stereo you had originally. I've got an 83 and mine has the small rectange style with two big knobs. Pulling it off, it looks smaller than the standard 1-din.

Wankleguy,

Does a stereo fit exactly where the pocket usually is? Anyone have a pic of this?

There was a stereo installed in that pocket opening on my '80 when I first got it. It seemed to fit pretty well, the hole wasn't trimmed out or anything. I don't like car stereos in my cars, so I take 'em out first thing.

Hmm... an '80, that has a different center section than the '83 right?

I don't play the radio that much, but I do like to listen to CDs... especially on the 6hr trip between school and home :)