I have an 1984 GSL-SE. I want to replace the stock stereo but without getting too far away from an original feel.

I measured the central piece of the stereo (with the tape deck) and it *appears* to be exactly 1-din tall. Is this correct? If that is the case, could I presumably *just* replace the center section with an aftermarket head unit such as this McIntosh?

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products...-cd-player.asp

It's obviously not silver like the factory one, but I think it would look quite decent with the factory console.

 

You have terrific taste in audio equipment, my friend. That is an incredible piece of equipment right there. I put in a single din with success in both my s3 and my s2, and they looked good. However, my cars' radios have already been messed with and removed before I got there. So maybe wait for more responses from folks who've replaced the factory gear to be sure.

 

Well I didn't realize QUITE how expensive those head units are. I'm now on the hunt for something similar looking, but cheaper.

I've heard you can get knock-offs in hong kong for around $200.

edit: Found this one by dual, the look seems about right. Price seems to indicate it won't be very high quality though

http://www.amazon.com/Dual-XR4110-3-...520425&sr=1-20

Just wondering if I can take the faceplate off and change the color of the lights and stuff. I want red/orange!

 

agreed that radio face looks era appropriate for the 7

 

Anyone else know whether you can just take out the cassette-deck section of the clarion stereo and put in another single din component?

 

wasn't those with the radio/tape deck/equalizer all one piece? or is that not what he's talking about? and wouldn't the size be considered double-din?

 

It is three different pieces I believe. Not 100% on this....what I'm currently trying to determine.

 

The FSM has drawings and wiring diagrams in the stereo section at the end of chapter 15 Body Electrical. This thread has lots of info.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/stereo-modernizing-sound-system-21375/

 

I removed mine and it's a solid one piece unit. I mounted a single din CD player using a stupidly expensive one off aluminum mount.

 

Is yours the premium clarion audio unit? I've read the pieces are separate and they look separate in my car?

 

The sizes for the 84-85 cars has a half DIN radio, full DIN cassette, half DIN filler or eq. You can replace the cassette pretty easily by redrilling some holes on the bracket which holds all 3 items. I haven't tried, but I assume you can fit a double DIN in that bracket; assuming the depth is fine on the bottom.

 

The one I'm looking at is actually much shorter than normal CD players (as it is only an mp3/tuner) Thanks for the info, I think that is what i'm going to do. Just put that new headunit, and run all new speaker wire and it should sound pretty good. 60w head unit, and if I want more later I can always wire in an amp.

 

I'm removing the factory stereo today and ran into a snag. It appears that the antenna lead has been soldered to the back of the radio? Is that supposed to be like that? I didn't read about it anywhere. I believe it's the antenna, it is a simple black cable connected to the top left (looking at the front of the radio) and the connector is soldered to the bracket.

 

Just an update. I ordered that Dual mechless receiver and the color was much darker than I had expected...which is kind of a bummer because now it doesn't match the other stereo components. Might also be a bit strange with the blue lights instead of the orange in the rest of car. Might try to fix this.

Anyhow, after taking out all of the stereo I was able to easily separate the three components and after just a very small amount of modification (had to bend two tabs on the metal bracket flat, and then file down two tabs on the EQ), the receiver slides in like a glove. I was even able to use the factory mounting screws to hold it in place!

pics:





"stock photo"



bit misleading eh?

I might see if I can get the faceplate off and paint it later. Super cheap at $43, so no big deal if I screw it up.

 

not my taste but good work

 

I don't know how that sounds, but that looks like @$$.

Just take out the rest of the stock components. I have no clue as to
why you tried to sandwich it in there.

 

Double dins look great, or get the adapter and just go with the cd player like i did.