1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

[Edmund C.]

Folks: I'd like to keep my C2 looking stock, yet, the radio is weak and when I cruise around with my wife some driving tunes (in addition to that Corvette engine harmony) would be good occasionally. Any guidance on an aftermarket hidden radio and speaker system would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for all the "new guy" type questions. I've been searching for the answers to these questions before I ask. Best regards, Ned

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Gents: I just read a some what similar post. Should I just keep the radio untouched and get it restored by that fellow in California? I'd like to do right by the vehicle, yet, the current tune situation is pretty poor. Any guidance appreciated as always.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Ed, I would try one of those cheap antenna's from the auto parts store just to make sure your not dealing with a antenna issue. you can just ground it and plug it into the radio head. those rear mount antenna leads are so long it easy for them to develop a connection problem with poor reception.

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Ed: Thanks man. Will try that.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Edmund, check classiccarstereos.com and vintageautoradio.com for radios that look factory but have enhancements. Also, ant. amp. is available. Steve

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Edmund,
Before you do anything I would suggest talking with Jerry Rudbeck at ElectroDesign in SC. He is a member of this forum. He will be able to help you with all your concerns and/or upgrades with your classic radio. He just finished repairing my 73 Delco (mono). You can contact him either by finding him on the forum, or at the following: www.ElectroDesign.US or Jerry@ElectroDesign.us.

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Jimmy:

Thanks. I will reach out to Jerry. Much appreciated.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Folks: I'd like to keep my C2 looking stock, yet, the radio is weak and when I cruise around with my wife some driving tunes (in addition to that Corvette engine harmony) would be good occasionally. Any guidance on an aftermarket hidden radio and speaker system would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for all the "new guy" type questions. I've been searching for the answers to these questions before I ask. Best regards, Ned

Edmund,

Here is my question.. When you are cruising around with your wife why do you need a radio?? Do you really think she is going to let you have peace and listen to it? :-)

[Donald H.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Jerry rebuilt my 66 radio but I don't have it back in the car. As part of his rebuild/restore, he offers to insert a hidden jack in the back of the radio so that you can hook up an Ipod/Iphone or similar and play your tunes. I did not have this done as I'm not a big listener to music any more.

Don

[Carnell M.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Jerry rebuilt mine also and put in the jack. That worked pretty good until I heard about some bluetooth options. (I'm definitely not a techno geek) I ordered a Jabra Freeway bluetooth speaker and got it last week. I really like it! I use it mostly to stream from my phone. But there are several things you can do with it. It's very clear and loud but you have the option of playing it through your own speakers! I've been using it in my truck to test it out and it works great. I tried it in my car tonight just while it sitting in the garage and it worked also. I was a little worried it would'nt work through the old system. I must have a bad ground or something because it really came in clear when I started touching the buttons on the radio. You may have a similar problem. I ordered another one off ebay for my daily driver:-). Good luck

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Tim: Julie laughed when she read your post. She lets me speak occasionally. All: Thanks for the kind guidance on the radios for C2s. Speaking of music, ZZ Top is playing an outside venue this Saturday evening near us (The Woodlands Pavilion, Texas). These local concerts make for great cruising and people watching. We hope to meet some of you guys at an upcoming NCRS event.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

Edmund,

I know first hand the radio is not the music we listen to when the wife is in the passenger seat. All good fun. :-)

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

You all are lucky (or not) that your wife will even ride in your vintage Vette with you. My wife hasn't been for a ride with me in my car for about 30 years or so. That's why I have a Custom Audio Stereo with speakers in the back (mounted with Velcro) and a stereo speaker under my dash speaker grill. I also have a wired in Disc changer. I just have to have some company. My original AM/FM radio was rebuilt years ago and resides in a box in my garage. All my wiring and connections for my stereo are temporary with no splices or damage to the original wire loom.

Some me years ago I bought some Custom Audio kick panel speakers which I prepared with correct matching interior dye, but I ran into difficulty mounting the driver's side as the vent cable required I modify the kick panel. The cable can not be moved. As such, I stopped working on it and never got enough ambition to finish the project. Maybe someday.

Stu Fox

[Doug L.]

Re: 1966 Corvette Radio Guidance Sought

I second the suggestions about contacting Jerry Rudbeck. He restored my original 64 radio and installed the ipod jack. I have no issues with the radio reception. The cable connecting the radio to the antenna is new, as is the speaker. Speaking of speakers, that could be your problem. You must be able to pull in stations, which would indicate to me that the antenna is functioning. If it is sound quality that's poor, maybe the speaker is the problem. Jerry can recommend a good replacement. I don't recall the brand he recommended, which I bought, but the sound is almost as good as in my new car.
Doug