How Do I Install A New Radio In My Classic Car?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Installing a modern stereo in

the glove box

has become commonplace with classic cars. … In order to safely operate the , you would have to first pull your car over to the side of the road, then lean over the passenger seat and open the glove box just to swap out your CD or change the dials – what an inconvenience!

Can you put a new radio in an old car?

In some cases, it is possible to replace a classic car radio with a standard

DIN aftermarket head

unit by mounting the new stereo under the dash, which has advantages and disadvantages. … The main issue is that you'll have to run new speaker wires if your car shipped from the factory with a mono car radio.

Can you put a modern radio in an old car?

Installing a modern stereo in

the glove box

has become commonplace with classic cars. … The only other option would be cutting a rectangle in the dash and completely ruining the timeless design of your classic car by sticking an ugly modern DIN radio in the dash.

Does any stereo fit any car?


Almost any type of car radio will fit your car

. But it's important that you take measurements of your current stereo before going shopping to make sure you get one that will size properly. The most common type is a single DIN stereo, but this can be replaced with either a Single or Double-DIN head unit.

Can you put a new sound system in a car?

From there, a car audio expert can help you put together your ideal stereo system. Depending on your budget, you can make small, incremental improvements like replacing your front speakers or getting a new head unit, or you can replace the system altogether.

How much does it cost to change the radio in a car?

Service, electronic, and car shops will have a somewhat hefty price for installing radios. While they're not necessarily hugely expensive, you may see prices ranging from

$50 to $200

depending on the complexity of the piece. The most complex radio systems may be over $500 to install.

How do you wire up a car radio?

Most car stereos will require the following connections: The power wire coming from the stereo is usually

red

, and likely will connect to a red wire from the car. The ground wire for the stereo will be black, as will its corresponding wire from the car.

Do all car stereos have the same connectors?


All aftermarket car stereos can use the same car stereo wiring harness

, but it all depends on what the owner of the vehicle wants to do for one main reason.

Which is better single DIN or double DIN?

When it comes to sound quality, there is little to no difference between the

single DIN

and double DIN head unit. The real difference between the two receivers is in the size of the display and the features that can be added to the stereo system because of the size.

Is it worth it to upgrade car speakers?


Absolutely

. With age, your car's factory speaker may not sound as before. And, you want to get an ultimate sound quality. So, it is worth upgrading your existing factory speakers.

What is the best car sound system brand?

  • Pioneer.
  • JL Audio.
  • Boss Audio Systems.
  • Polk Audio.
  • Alpine.
  • Kenwood.
  • Morel.
  • Rockford Fosgate.

Does upgrading car speakers make a difference?

Upgrading Your Stock Car Audio Speakers

Can Drastically Improve Sound & Performance

. Replacing your stock speakers with aftermarket, high performance car audio speakers is the #1 way to get better sound from a car stereo. … Generally, the speakers have paper cones, small magnets, and are of a lower quality.

How much does car audio installation cost?

Entertainment Regular Price Total Tech Support Member Price

1
Standard

Speaker Installation


$64.99

Included
Component Speaker Installation $99.99 20% discount Rear-Seat Video Installation $119.99–$199.99 20% discount Subwoofer Installation $19.99 Included

How much does it cost to rewire a car?

If the vehicle does need to be rewired, it can run

from $1,200 to $1,500

depending on the vehicle, the amount of wiring and the time to do it. Older cars, especially those with less complex wiring, are easier to get to and cheaper to wire.

How long does it take to install a car stereo?

With all of the above caveats in mind, installation of a car stereo should take anywhere from

one to four hours

. However, times may vary and the only way to get an accurate quote on car stereo installation is to take it into a car audio shop.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.