Need hidden audio in Vintage carto use with my iPod

[MJT]

I am installing an original AM radio in my 65 Mustang this winter (removing
an aftermarket am/fm/cassette) and will need some way to play my iPod.
(currently, I use a cassette adapter)

The original dash mounted speakers will be connected to the original AM
radio, but I will be installing speakers in the kickpanels for an alternate
source (i..e. iPod)

Don't really want a full blown am/fm/cd unit, just something that will take
an aux input from my iPod, with volume controlled from the iPod. Ideally
something that will be completely hidden under the dash, with no need for
controls other than the iPod volume and maybe an on/off switch.

Any suggestions on how to do this and where to get the gear?

Thanks.

Michel.

[Spike]

On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 10:02:28 -0400, "MJT" >
wrote:

>I am installing an original AM radio in my 65 Mustang this winter (removing
>an aftermarket am/fm/cassette) and will need some way to play my iPod.
>(currently, I use a cassette adapter)
>
>The original dash mounted speakers will be connected to the original AM
>radio, but I will be installing speakers in the kickpanels for an alternate
>source (i..e. iPod)
>
>Don't really want a full blown am/fm/cd unit, just something that will take
>an aux input from my iPod, with volume controlled from the iPod. Ideally
>something that will be completely hidden under the dash, with no need for
>controls other than the iPod volume and maybe an on/off switch.
>
>Any suggestions on how to do this and where to get the gear?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Michel.
>
I think you are out of luck for an out of the box experience. I think
you might have been better to stay with the am/fm. Apparently, you
don't want to cut out the dash to make way for a late model stereo,
which I understand fully as the owner of a classic car.

I can't attest to it since I have never personally tried it, but I
have heard not such good things about the Custom Auto Sound "Hidden
Audio" system... which I had considered in order to leave the original
am radio in the dash of my 65.

I'm far happier with the CAS O6 with the 10 CD changer in the trunk,
to which I have added a) graphic equalizer, b) amp, c) rf modulator,
d) portable cd/dvd player, e) 13" lcd cable ready cd. The rf modulator
allows me to pipe the sound from the portable dvd player through the
stereo system, while the video is channeled to the 13" screen.

At least with the am/fm you have the opportunity of using an iPod
adapter, or a plain old RF modulator (I recommend the wired in as
opposed to the portable).

Something to consider.
Spike
1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2, Vintage Burgundy
w/Black Std Interior, A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok;
Vintage 40 16" rims w/225/50ZR16 KDWS BF Goodrich
gForce Radial T/As, Cobra drop; surround sound
audio-video...
See my ride at....
Feb 2004- http://207.36.208.198/albums/86810/003_May_21_3004.jpg
Feb 2004- http://207.36.208.198/albums/86810/005_May_21_2004.jpg
Jul 2005- http://207.36.208.198/albums/86810/davescar_7_11_05_002.jpg
Jul 2005- http://207.36.208.198/albums/86810/Engine_rebuild_006.jpg

[Matt Ion]

MJT wrote:
> I am installing an original AM radio in my 65 Mustang this winter (removing
> an aftermarket am/fm/cassette) and will need some way to play my iPod.
> (currently, I use a cassette adapter)
>
> The original dash mounted speakers will be connected to the original AM
> radio, but I will be installing speakers in the kickpanels for an alternate
> source (i..e. iPod)
>
> Don't really want a full blown am/fm/cd unit, just something that will take
> an aux input from my iPod, with volume controlled from the iPod. Ideally
> something that will be completely hidden under the dash, with no need for
> controls other than the iPod volume and maybe an on/off switch.
>
> Any suggestions on how to do this and where to get the gear?

Well at the simplest, you could get a stereo-headphone-to-RCA cable and
connect your iPod's headphone jack directly to the input of an amp, but
in my experience, that's just inviting noise problems. YMMV.

A better idea may be to find an underdash EQ that has an auxiliary input
jack you can plug into, and mount it out of sight under the dash, or in
the glovebox where it's hidden but you can still access it. You could
either get one with built-in amp, or a line-level unit and run it to an
external amp. Depends on whether you're after high-quality soundy, or
more concerned with just getting some music in your car with an
inexpensive, simple, compact solution.

Of course, the ultimate would be to have someone gut the stock radio and
build a good AM/FM(/CD?) unit into the shell. It's tricky, but I've
seen it done.


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[jw]

Oops, I inadvertantly replied to posters, not group. Sorry guys.

I've done this with an iPod and an a/d/s/ amp with no noise problem (and,
years ago, with a walkman and an a/d/s/ amp; also with no noise problem). As
long as the cable is of good quality any noise will be from your amp's
connections, not the iPod. I'm assuming you're running the iPod off its
battery, not an adapter.

"Matt Ion" > wrote in message
news:gYT6f.275363$1i.224152@pd7tw2no...
> MJT wrote:
> > I am installing an original AM radio in my 65 Mustang this winter
(removing
> > an aftermarket am/fm/cassette) and will need some way to play my iPod.
> > (currently, I use a cassette adapter)
> >
> > The original dash mounted speakers will be connected to the original AM
> > radio, but I will be installing speakers in the kickpanels for an
alternate
> > source (i..e. iPod)
> >
> > Don't really want a full blown am/fm/cd unit, just something that will
take
> > an aux input from my iPod, with volume controlled from the iPod. Ideally
> > something that will be completely hidden under the dash, with no need
for
> > controls other than the iPod volume and maybe an on/off switch.
> >
> > Any suggestions on how to do this and where to get the gear?
>
> Well at the simplest, you could get a stereo-headphone-to-RCA cable and
> connect your iPod's headphone jack directly to the input of an amp, but
> in my experience, that's just inviting noise problems. YMMV.
>
> A better idea may be to find an underdash EQ that has an auxiliary input
> jack you can plug into, and mount it out of sight under the dash, or in
> the glovebox where it's hidden but you can still access it. You could
> either get one with built-in amp, or a line-level unit and run it to an
> external amp. Depends on whether you're after high-quality soundy, or
> more concerned with just getting some music in your car with an
> inexpensive, simple, compact solution.
>
> Of course, the ultimate would be to have someone gut the stock radio and
> build a good AM/FM(/CD?) unit into the shell. It's tricky, but I've
> seen it done.
>
>
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>
>
>

[Matt Ion]

jw wrote:
> Oops, I inadvertantly replied to posters, not group. Sorry guys.
>
> I've done this with an iPod and an a/d/s/ amp with no noise problem (and,
> years ago, with a walkman and an a/d/s/ amp; also with no noise problem). As
> long as the cable is of good quality any noise will be from your amp's
> connections, not the iPod. I'm assuming you're running the iPod off its
> battery, not an adapter.

Well, in my case, it was with a cassette walkman, and done many years
ago, but I got horrible buzz that seemed to correspond to the deck's
motor...


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[Matt Ion]

jw wrote:
> Oops, I inadvertantly replied to posters, not group. Sorry guys.
>
> I've done this with an iPod and an a/d/s/ amp with no noise problem (and,
> years ago, with a walkman and an a/d/s/ amp; also with no noise problem). As
> long as the cable is of good quality any noise will be from your amp's
> connections, not the iPod. I'm assuming you're running the iPod off its
> battery, not an adapter.


oops, hit Send too soon. Anyway, the point is, there IS potential for
noise using this method. Again, YMMV - it's certainly worth a try: if
it works, great; if not, no great loss.


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[MJT]

For anyone who followed this, I ended up with a very simple solution.

Picked up a Pioneer GM4000 4channel 300w (peak) amp
Got a pair of Pioneer 6.5" speakers
Got 4 x 10 Pioneer speaker

Hooked up my iPod from the headphone jack into the RCA inputs of the amp
using a 1/8" jack to RCA cable.(set amp for 2 channel input, I am actually
using L / R output on the A channel with the 6.5 Pioneers and B channel as a
mono into the 4 x 10, which mounts in the dash to replace the sole stock
speaker - no other room for speakers the convertible....)

Works like a charm! (bench tested with the battery from my mustang, which is
now in a storage garage....)

Now I just need spring to come so I can install it (amp in trunk) in my 65
Mustang convertible, install new kickpanels that accept the Pioneer speakers
and wire it up. Also got a line converter so when I get my vintage AM radio
installed to make it look original, I can feed it into the amp as well with
an RCA switch.

By the way, picked up the amp and speakers on Ebay for a pretty good price.
Don't know about Pioneer quality compared to other systems, but for a 40
year old mustang convertible with wind noise and the normal rattles and
squeaks from the old car, it will be 100% better than what I had.

Thanks for the advice from the group!

Michel.

[Nowhere Man]

On 2005-11-04 13:47:14 -0800, "MJT" > said:

> For anyone who followed this, I ended up with a very simple solution.
>
> Picked up a Pioneer GM4000 4channel 300w (peak) amp
> Got a pair of Pioneer 6.5" speakers
> Got 4 x 10 Pioneer speaker
>
> Hooked up my iPod from the headphone jack into the RCA inputs of the amp
> using a 1/8" jack to RCA cable.(set amp for 2 channel input, I am actually
> using L / R output on the A channel with the 6.5 Pioneers and B channel as a
> mono into the 4 x 10, which mounts in the dash to replace the sole stock
> speaker - no other room for speakers the convertible....)
>
> Works like a charm! (bench tested with the battery from my mustang, which is
> now in a storage garage....)
>
> Now I just need spring to come so I can install it (amp in trunk) in my 65
> Mustang convertible, install new kickpanels that accept the Pioneer speakers
> and wire it up. Also got a line converter so when I get my vintage AM radio
> installed to make it look original, I can feed it into the amp as well with
> an RCA switch.
>
> By the way, picked up the amp and speakers on Ebay for a pretty good price.
> Don't know about Pioneer quality compared to other systems, but for a 40
> year old mustang convertible with wind noise and the normal rattles and
> squeaks from the old car, it will be 100% better than what I had.
>
> Thanks for the advice from the group!
>
> Michel.

I have thought about doing something like this with my Lotus 7.
Although there is room in the sub=dash console for a head unit cutout,
I think I would prefer something hidden, so as not to spoil the retro
appearance. I wondered before if the iPod could be the head unit
front-end to an amp and speakers. Sounds like this might be the ticket.
There is actually a slight depression in the cover of the transmission
tunnel next to the driver that is about the size of the Nano, and would
allow it to be attached almost flush to the surface.

[Matt Ion]

Nowhere Man wrote:
> On 2005-11-04 13:47:14 -0800, "MJT" > said:
>
>> For anyone who followed this, I ended up with a very simple solution.
>>
>> Picked up a Pioneer GM4000 4channel 300w (peak) amp
>> Got a pair of Pioneer 6.5" speakers
>> Got 4 x 10 Pioneer speaker
>>
>> Hooked up my iPod from the headphone jack into the RCA inputs of the amp
>> using a 1/8" jack to RCA cable.(set amp for 2 channel input, I am
>> actually
>> using L / R output on the A channel with the 6.5 Pioneers and B
>> channel as a
>> mono into the 4 x 10, which mounts in the dash to replace the sole stock
>> speaker - no other room for speakers the convertible....)
>>
>> Works like a charm! (bench tested with the battery from my mustang,
>> which is
>> now in a storage garage....)
>>
>> Now I just need spring to come so I can install it (amp in trunk) in
>> my 65
>> Mustang convertible, install new kickpanels that accept the Pioneer
>> speakers
>> and wire it up. Also got a line converter so when I get my vintage AM
>> radio
>> installed to make it look original, I can feed it into the amp as well
>> with
>> an RCA switch.
>>
>> By the way, picked up the amp and speakers on Ebay for a pretty good
>> price.
>> Don't know about Pioneer quality compared to other systems, but for a 40
>> year old mustang convertible with wind noise and the normal rattles and
>> squeaks from the old car, it will be 100% better than what I had.
>>
>> Thanks for the advice from the group!
>>
>> Michel.
>
>
> I have thought about doing something like this with my Lotus 7. Although
> there is room in the sub=dash console for a head unit cutout, I think I
> would prefer something hidden, so as not to spoil the retro appearance.
> I wondered before if the iPod could be the head unit front-end to an amp
> and speakers. Sounds like this might be the ticket. There is actually a
> slight depression in the cover of the transmission tunnel next to the
> driver that is about the size of the Nano, and would allow it to be
> attached almost flush to the surface.

Hmmm, I remember back in the day, when CD changers for cars first
started becoming popular, there were a few units that had a simple wired
remote that we'd often just stick to the dash with Velcro. Nothing else
visible. Dunno if there's anything like that still available.


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