dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Is there anything out there that is just a radio?

No tape deck (what I have now), no DVD, CD or Sirius, nothing.

Just a radio.

I will be running a mini heater for my HVAC so I won't be using the stock controls. I plan to install an aftermarket gauge panel in that spot of the car to monitor some info from the LS3.

I do still want a very basic radio. I don't even need presents. Just simple radio.

Is there anything out there that does this? Or is my best bet to put a simple radio MP3 player in the dash someplace and use the radio on that?

Looking for ideas, anything really.

scooter

iTrader: (11)

I have a single DIN Alpine radio with no CD/DVD drive, I think these are more common now that MP3/Bluetooth devices are widely used, but I don't think you're going to find anything AM/FM only, even basic radio's usually have presets, and LCD screen.

In the "pro-touring" world I am seeing a lot more guys just putting amps and speakers in the cars and they use an MP3/Android/Rotten fruit device for music.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

What those pro touring guys are doing is exactly what I am going for.

I just want radio though. I know Zune's used to have a built in radio receiver.
Maybe I can find something like that and integrate it into my dash somehow.

I need to make a LOT of interior pieces due to the mini tub. Making a small pocket for something that I can grab is also fine. I just don't want anything in the stock location at all. I need that area gutted completely.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

You could purchase a bluTooth amp and just have your phone connect via blu tooth to the amp. There are lots of options for music then, apps like TuneIn Radio, iHeart and numerous others let you listen to a radio station and search for local stations. You could also run a 15' 3.5mm headphone jack to your phone or any battery powered radio. I use a tablet in a mount that I made and run Pandora, TuneIn or downloaded music and have yet to miss a normal radio or CDs.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Hey Tibo - I am trying to stay away from anything that has to use data to stay connected. I don't have an unlimited plan and don't plan on getting one.

I also like to listen to news on the radio mostly so MP3s don't really work for me.

I think I can piece a "kit" together from electronic component websites for hobby type stuff.

Don't care too much for a screen even, just want something I can hook the stock speakers to, a dial even, 1 for TUNE, 1 for volume. Done. That is something I think I can piece together.

Just gotta find the right parts. Might talk to some electrical engineering co-workers I have.

scooter

iTrader: (11)

Putting together an FM radio is pretty easy, there used to be kits available.
With what you want, you may just want to look for a radio from an "old vehicle" like a second gen radio may fit your requirements, and some people will modify them so you can have an 3.5mm input so you can still put on music from another player or phone

BovineZro

iTrader: (11)

I'm planning to do something similar with mine. 3.5mm AUX cord and 5V micro USB cable coming out of the center console so I can plug in my phone, and a very minimal amp inside the storage space in the center console to drive the speakers (probably under a false bottom so I can still keep stuff in there).

I have all my music stored as MP3s, so I can just copy them onto my phone and go. But a lot of Android phones also have a built-in FM tuner. You need to download an app to enable that functionality, but it lets you use your phone (or a spare phone) as an FM tuner directly - no or very little data use (a few MB a month).

I'd suggest NextRadio, but you will need to check that your phone is compatible with the FM Mode, not the Streaming Mode (the former will get you free FM radio as long as there are radio stations nearby, the latter requires streaming data). Also, keep in mind that your AUX cable acts as the antenna for the phone, so if you have a 2' cable buried in the middle of the car body you may not get great reception.

http://nextradioapp.com/faq/

scooter

iTrader: (11)

That's cool. Never knew that

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Classic...-/362225613515

7thdarkangel

If you need a blank plate to cover the location of the radio/hvac controls. I can get you a 3d file for one.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the offer 7th. I plan on making a new center console from scratch so no need for the cover plate.

Never knew about Next Radio. Just installed it. Might have solved my problem with that. Now I just need a way to install a phone charger and head phone jack that powers the speakers. I figure I need some kinds of amp to do that.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

You are looking for Digital Media Receivers (Mechless Car Stereos).
Look here: https://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_...r-stereos.html

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

For $26.50, seems like a good option. I would have to deal with mounting it in some other location that is not stock. My S7 cellphone has an FM tuner in it. I just need to test it out.
Only problem I see with using the phone is that I don't believe it can power the speakers in the car to make them loud. It can only output enough power to power up ear buds.

For this reason, maybe a standalone unit like I stated first may be the way to go. Not 100% sure yet.

85TransAm406

iTrader: (1)

They make small four channel mini amps that are easily concealable since they are pretty small (I don't know how best to make a size comparison, but you could fit like 4 in the console compartment). They can be hidden and then fed with just a headphone jack to RCA conversion cable. Or a universal Bluetooth receiver feeding the amp. There are pro-touring guys doing this so they don't have to try to mount a modern head unit in a car that originally had shaft radios.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

That's exactly what i want to do. Just not sure how to do it. This is far down the line for me, i just like to research as much as possible ahead of time. I think i have enough framework on this thread to sort things out when the time comes.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

The NVX is what I plan to use (first one).



https://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_...mini-amps.html
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_...mini-amps.html

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Clearly I still need to learn more. I am unclear as to how this would all get hooked to what.

I understand the speakers need something to power them. What you posted will do that.
How do I get my phone to output to this thing? Is this overkill for the stock speakers?
I really don't care about "Audio". I just want to listen to talk radio every now and then. That's it.

What is linked seems like a "Good" amp. I don't really care for a good one, just something that works OK will be fine. Equal to stock or slightly worse is fine. This is $180

The small head unit posted before costs $30. Way nicer cost and I am guessing can power the stock speakers.

Thanks for the alternate option though.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

OK, so by "talk radio", I assume you mean AM radio?
This unit https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...ss-611UAB.html
I believe will satisfy your needs.

General Features:
In-Dash Digital Media, AM/FM, MP3, USB Receiver
Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free and audio streaming
Blue illuminated button lighting
Power Output:
Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
CD text information display
MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
Authorized Platinum Internet Dealer
1 year Sonic Electronix, and 2 years Manufacturer's warranty
Playback and Audio Features:
AM/FM tuner with 18FM/12AM presets
Electronic Shock Protection (ESP)
5 selectable tone curves
8GB SD Card reader for (audio and video) playback
Expandability Options:
2 Sets of 2V preamp outputs (front, rear)
Front Auxiliary Input: 3.5mm headphone jack allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players
Front USB Input: USB port allows connection to digital devices such as flash drives, portable media players, etc.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Didn't mean AM radio. Still FM.

That being said, that is the unit i have my eyes on. More features than i need, but some might come in handy actually. I will find some location to stuff it when i get started on my custom interior. Going to make a center console from scratch and heavily mod the dash.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Would you consider something like this?

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

Really the issue is finding a source that you like for AM/FM. If your phone will work, that's gotta be the easiest thing I would think.

From there, you can output via your headphone jack (3.5mm) with a 3.5mm to RCA/patch cable. Phone on one end, amp on the other.

I'm using a small Rockford Fosgate PBR300x4, and it works great. Sounds a little pricey for your needs but there are lots of options. Nothing exotic.

I have an in dash EQ/sound processor that has an AUX input, and that's all I use. Completely bypass the actual head unit. Now, I've left it in there for now, but honestly it doesn't do anything, lol.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the suggestion DynoDave, but that is way more "pretty" than what I need to listen to the radio.

Abubaca, yes I want to use my phone for the radio. I do so when I am running and it works great.

I agree, all I need is phone on one end, amp on the other. Amp then connected to car speakers. That is what I have ZERO experience with. What to buy to make that happen.

I figure since all I need is a small amp that can power the 4 OEM speakers, it can't be all that much. I could even control volume from the phone and not even bother with a **** in the car. I figure I would want a way to switch the amp off, so maybe a small button in the dash or console to kill its 12V switched power.

Any idea what amp I could get to do this?

To be honest, even something like this seems WAY overkill for what I want. I don't know (or care) about half the controls on this unit:

I just want it to be ON, and OFF, with volume. Just like headphones, but in the car.

More complexity than that, and I am positive I will be wasting my money.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

1000 watt amp on the stock speakers = OVERKILL. And blown speakers.
You are looking for something more like this: (from China)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Mini-Hi...wAAOSwONBZFZFj


Or this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BOSS-R1004-...4383.l4275.c10


Or you could get just a 2 channel and and wire both front and rear speakers to 1 channel, same on the other side.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

NoEmissions84TA: NOW WE ARE TALKING!!!

Those price points and features look perfect. The first one even has a little antenna so does that mean I don't even have to use my phone for the radio from what I can tell.

I could also wire up a AUX jack on the dash and wire it to the rear 3.5mm jack to be able to use my cellphone for navigation (to car shows).

I could see myself cutting a hole in the dash or center console and mounting the face thru the hole, exposing the controls. I am thinking more console than dash, that way I can mount my mini heater where the stock radio went. (DSE did this sort of thing on their car).

Great suggestion!

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

I thought you might like that. The antenna is because it should have a built-in FM receiver.
I could see myself cutting a hole in the dash or center console and mounting the face thru the hole, exposing the controls.
That's exactly what I thought also.

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

I like that little amp! Even has the FM. .....but my question would be: If you're gonna cut a hole in the dash for the controls/face.....then what problem are we solving by not simply using a stock radio? Is it simply to leave that area open? for what reason?

As I touched on a little earlier, I was after a similar solution, although different requirments and reasons, but I ultimately left the traditional stereo in place. I felt that the work needed to essentially re-invent the wheel wasn't necessary.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

I plan to stuff this into a hidden center console area. Not the dash.

That being said, it is also not going to be just a hole in the dash, I plan to make almost an entirely new dash from the stock item. I am deleting the side air vents, only keeping the middles and defogers. Then I am making a gauge cluster from scratch.

With all that going on, no HVAC or radio, I don't want to deal with the big OEM shaped stuff.

Just need something small I can tuck in the a console.

In the HVAC area I plan to have some kind of data logging touchscreen/tablet deal. Not sure yet.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

A few years ago I played around with making a new center console and I gave up. By the time you factor in how it has to fasten to the floor pan and dash and how the shifter and E brake fits in it you become very limited with the chnages you can make. The only worthwhile change that I would have been making would have been to make the center console's glove box have a lid that slid forward instead of lifting up. That's why I went with keeping the stock unit and upholstering the sides, installing the 6" round speakers and making a tablet mount in place of the heater and AC mount.

FUNIROC

iTrader: (4)

I am looking for rear seat belts in Gray for a Camaro if you have any. Right and left rear seat belt receivers gray buckle please.

Aviator857

a little over kill for what you want but a good option is the android based radios -- Examples below not recommendations (I have a joying but not 100% happy with it)



Especially the ones that don't comply with din sizes and have little to no depth. Bonus is if you have a engine swap with a obd2 you can run torque and use it to show gauges, and there are obd1 solutions but I've never used those.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

I hadn't seen anything like those, They look like great solutions for modernizing older cars like ours!

SbFormula

A

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Not a bad idea, but yeah quite overkill for something I was trying to leave "simple".

As for making a center console, for me it will be worth it as I am changing the location of the E-brake to the left of the driver seat area or going with an electronic E-brake.

Once that is moved, the sky is the limit with what you can do since all you have to accommodate is the shifter.

BovineZro

iTrader: (11)

I'm glad this thread popped up again, I finished testing my "final" setup a few months ago and thought you might be interested in the results. I'm using this amp (and I'm the only person who has reviewed it):

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722Q8KH7

I ran this for about an hour at a time on three separate occasions, and it seems to hold up fine. More notes below:

Pros:
Sound quality is good, I'm sure some audiophiles out there will disagree but it meets my needs.
More importantly, loud enough to overcome exhaust/road noise.
Board is tiny, draws very little power (about 1A).
Cons:

Board gets HOT. After my first run I jury rigged an old server heatsink onto the big vertical "chip". That helped a lot, but also tripled the size and weight of the board.
No fader/balance control. You can right something, but that adds cost and complexity (I'm still trying to figure out the best way to get fader control at least).
No volume control. I just adjust the volume of my input (cellphone).

All in all, about what I expected for $20.