greasycheeseman

Hello all,

- Been looking for an Rx for quite a while, and I found one! I just can't pick it up for another week. Until then, I'm left with thinking of things to fixup/change and make it my own. Anyway, the car comes with only the stock radio. No tape deck, no nothing, just the factory Clarion 2 - **** analog radio. I need digital - Cd or Mp3. I was thinking of installing an RF modulator in line with the radio antenna, and running an input to an Mp3 player. This would alleviate the mounting problem associated with CD players and the factory SA dash. My question is, would the factory stereo be nice with an Mp3 player this way? I'm going to replace the factory speakers regardless - thinking Infinity References for that I have yet to see a CD player installed that did not require more modification than I want to do. I want a stock look, yet functional. So - with the factory radio, just tuned to 88.7 or whatever the modulator setting is.. I get completely stock, not much modification (other than running a cable to the antenna input) and the essential digital music. Does anyone have this setup or something that would be more nice looking to do? I would really like a CD player in-dash, but I can't see doing that without serious modification from what I've read. Storage bin changer and glove box head units are out. Other than the modulator solution, anything better? Does anyone make an aftermarket replacement radio surround or anything to make cd player installations easier and require no modification to the ac/heater control brackets?

Thanks!

challer2000

There isn’t too much modification that is needed. I think when I installed mine I just trimmed the center counsel an inch on both sides for the CD and it just slid in (I might have got lucky). The install turned out good and looks nice and clean.

I have to go start my 7 tonight (stupid winter) I’ll post a pic tonight.

Also there are some good threads already posted.

1stgen4life

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I bought an extra surround from a member on here and trimmed a little bit. Took maybe 15 minutes to do with a dremel. I installed an alpine head unit with green lighting to try to match the stock as much as possible. I have been very happy with the setup (until the head unit broke around a month ago).

ourxseven

iTrader: (1)

search the threads on this , i thought i saw a recent one where an MP3 player was able to be plugged into a device plug in the back of the stock clarion with a small modfication

greasycheeseman

I've been searching on this for a while now

I had some infinity refence 6x9s in another car... and they were connected directly to the head unit. But this one is 27 years old - will it have enough power to make a decent sound? I've heard Clarion stuff is/was good, but 27 year old products of any brand seem like they wouldn't be up to par.
Thanks for all the input everyone!

challer2000

Greasycheeseman,

It should make a plenty of power to sound good depending on how loud you want to turn it up. The clarion receiver should have some kind of built in preamp.

I’m currently running a kenwood receiver with stock speakers and I think they sound just as good as any other speaker (depending on how loud you want to turn them up). I can max out the receiver and I’ll go deaf before my speakers start to crack .

greasycheeseman

Yeah, i've read that the factory Clarion unit in the '79-'80 has a built in amp. I'm hoping that it's still good and has enough power. I'll find out soon.
Ourxseven, I found the tread you spoke of. I'll be making that cable this week before I pick up the car next weekend.

Thanks!

djessence

Cant tell you about the factory amp output or factory output from the old clarion receiver. BUT i can tell you this. The speaker technology has come so far, that i would highly recommend upgrading the amp or head unit if you are sticking new speakers in

The worst thing you can do to a speaker is to underpower it and new speakers are roughly 30W speakers running either 2 or 4 ohm resistance depending on brand. Infinitys are usually weird and are like 2.5 ohms. Old speakers were about 10W and the deck output or even amp output was MINIMAL.

Have alot of experience with upgrading stereos in older cars and thats my 2 cents. It will most likely sound crap if you dont upgrade one of the 2

Good luck let us know what you decide

greasycheeseman

I was thinking of making an adpater in so I could connect an mp3 player to the factory Clarion radio.... I know this will be sub-par performance, but there isn't much that can be done without cutting... the dash up to install a CD player...

djessence

I apologize for that post (though its true) i misinterpreted you saying you were putting new 6x9's in ur 7 hence my post. Fm transmitter will sound alright at lower volumes but you will hear alot of 'noise' at higher volumes especially since it is an old system

greasycheeseman

No offense taken -

Yeah, I figured it wouldn't be the clearest system, but at least some music. Does anyone know of any quality replacement factory-size stereos that will fit in the SA dash mouting hole? I'm pretty sure that there isn't, but if someone knows of one - that would be most excellent.

1983GSP

iirc the amp is under the drivers seat and its 25 watts. thats where mine is anyways.

greasycheeseman

I read somewhere that the '79-'80 had the amp integrated into the head unit... did I misread somewhere?

1983GSP

i have an 83 limited edition. mines under the driver seat. not sure bout and sa. sorry for the confusion.

7aull

iTrader: (2)

gcman-
Yep, SAs have amp IN radio (unless you have a 79 Ltd. THAT one had it separate).
I went the "transmitter" route with my iPod, like you are thinking, and upgraded the speakers. Sounds great, no chopping up the dash brackets or console panel!
Stu Aull
80GS