radio replacement for 3rd generation

[davidlclassic]

I have a 71 se with am radio, I sure hate to cut my dash to install an am-fm cd player. Does anyone make a direct replacement for this radio, or I have thought about mounting the player under my dash and leaving the original am in place. Has anyone else done this and how did it turn out. Also where can I get the kit with the right plugs and stuff in it. I looked at wal-mart but they only go back to 1975.

[Nacho-RT74]

I have seen on ebay custom made oldfashion Stereos converted to both knobs at same side setup, and fit on original location, but that's just for cassette players ones since the original radio face cut out only gives you a change to fit the cassette system.

There is no way to fit a CD player without cut the cluster bezel for two simple reasons, a CD is way bigger than the Radio face plate cut out on cluster and there is no CD players with KNOBS to fit on cluster knobs holes , so you have only three logical options:
- the first and popular way, hanging out from dash frame below original radio. There is nice custom made case jobs around what matchs with rest of dash frame assembly
-Mounted on center console if you have with a custom made pedestal ( or on tranny hump if you don't have console )
-the third one and one that I don't like since is uncomfortable to driver unles you have a remoted unit ( and still on that way ) inside glove box.

Once I thought also mounting down the driver side seat, but again, will work with a steering wheel remote unit CD player.

For those who eliminate or doesn't have A/C or Heater with center vents another chance is get an extra passenger side dash insert and use the empty space left by center dash vents to isntall the new unit, what IMHO is not a bad Idea with an extra dash insert in case you want get back as original one day. Dash pad is already made with holes on that area and untouched woodgrain insert would cover anyway.

[davidlclassic]

Thanks for the advice Nacho, I never thought about the vents in the dash. I'll look and see if I can do that, if not I'll just mount it under the dash.

[XS29U0G]

I had the same concern with my 71 Charger R/t and mounted the am/fm/cd unit in the glove box. I had to cut thr rear of the liner to make it fit and fabricate a bracket but it works good. I have attached a photo of the install.

[41husk]

I think I will go the glove box route with my 68.

[davidlclassic]

Thanks xs29uog for the picture, your install really looks good, I may go with the glove box also.

[Nacho-RT74]

glovebox is a good way but I would make in another way... you are missing lot of space on glovebox with that assembly IMHO

[Charger1973]

glovebox is a good way but I would make in another way... you are missing lot of space on glovebox with that assembly IMHO

Who cares if you have a console.   

[Charger1973]

I had the same concern with my 71 Charger R/t and mounted the am/fm/cd unit in the glove box. I had to cut thr rear of the liner to make it fit and fabricate a bracket but it works good. I have attached a photo of the install.

That is interesting, I never knew the 71s had a different glove box door "stop".  73s have a cable that bolts to the dash frame this one has a bracket to stop it.   

[1972Rallye]

I had the same concern with my 71 Charger R/t and mounted the am/fm/cd unit in the glove box. I had to cut thr rear of the liner to make it fit and fabricate a bracket but it works good. I have attached a photo of the install.

Dare I ask what the toggle switch is for??  Nice way to hide to radio!

I have an extrac box at home...

[Charger74]

I"m actually considering making one for my glove box out of aluminum and just making a full on box for the radio.  Haven't worked it out yet, but I think it may work out.

[Charger1973]

I"m actually considering making one for my glove box out of aluminum and just making a full on box for the radio.  Haven't worked it out yet, but I think it may work out.

I think you might have the same idea as me.  I was thinking of making a plate that installs in place of the glove box liner and has a slot for a new style CD player to slide into.  The glove box wouldnt be of any use besides the radio but you could lock it up and it would be secure and you could use the console for your registration papers. 

[Nacho-RT74]

I had the same concern with my 71 Charger R/t and mounted the am/fm/cd unit in the glove box. I had to cut thr rear of the liner to make it fit and fabricate a bracket but it works good. I have attached a photo of the install.

That is interesting, I never knew the 71s had a different glove box door "stop".  73s have a cable that bolts to the dash frame this one has a bracket to stop it.   

yes they do... oh well I think you already noticed LOL. Also I have seen some liners are black with a hole to bulb.

[Nacho-RT74]

I"m actually considering making one for my glove box out of aluminum and just making a full on box for the radio.  Haven't worked it out yet, but I think it may work out.

I think you might have the same idea as me.  I was thinking of making a plate that installs in place of the glove box liner and has a slot for a new style CD player to slide into.  The glove box wouldnt be of any use besides the radio but you could lock it up and it would be secure and you could use the console for your registration papers. 

I would do that JUTS if I make a FULL entertaiment service cluster, not just because a CD unit.

[XS29U0G]

I installed the toggle switch so that I can switch the power from the normal ignition source to directly to the battery so that I can play the radio at shows without the keys in the ignition.

[41husk]

good idea,  why not just wire it straight at all times and avoid the switch?

[NHCharger]

I bought a AM/FM cassette radio from a company in CA back in 1996 that was supposed to fit in the spot for the radio. It was a poorly made piece of crap and wouldn't fit in because the back of it hit the ductwork under the dash. When I called the company they told me to cut out the ductwork I returned the radio and demanded a full refund.
In my 72 I just mounted a am/fm cassette player under the dash on the passenger side.
It is sacrilege to cut a 3rd gen gauge cluster (especially a rallye dash) for a radio.

[davidlclassic]

I agree nhcharger. I've decided to mount mine under the dash. I'll just have to find or make a bracket for it, and I don't have a console so I can't use that option. The glove box install looks good but I'm going under the dash

[konigcharger]

I bought a AM/FM cassette radio from a company in CA back in 1996 that was supposed to fit in the spot for the radio. It was a poorly made piece of crap and wouldn't fit in because the back of it hit the ductwork under the dash. When I called the company they told me to cut out the ductwork I returned the radio and demanded a full refund.
In my 72 I just mounted a am/fm cassette player under the dash on the passenger side.
It is sacrilege to cut a 3rd gen gauge cluster (especially a rallye dash) for a radio.

its was perfect too

[davidlclassic]

konigcharger your install looks good Did you install yourself or did someone install for you? I still don't want to cut my dash. Even though yours looks great I'm still going under the dash

[konigcharger]

konigcharger your install looks good Did you install yourself or did someone install for you? I still don't want to cut my dash. Even though yours looks great I'm still going under the dash

sorry, i forgot about this topic

thanks,
yeah i did it myself with a dremil tool and lots of patience, i think it looks pretty good.

[71 Bee Man]

I have a 71 se with am radio, I sure hate to cut my dash to install an am-fm cd player. Does anyone make a direct replacement for this radio, or I have thought about mounting the player under my dash and leaving the original am in place. Has anyone else done this and how did it turn out. Also where can I get the kit with the right plugs and stuff in it. I looked at wal-mart but they only go back to 1975.

I have a cd/mp3 player installed in my 71 Charger. I simply made up 2 brackets and mounted it under the dash, right next to the steering column.

Looks neat, easy to get to - that's what I'd be doing.

Peter.

[IceMan]

I bought a AM/FM cassette radio from a company that fit and put a cd changer in the truck

[BMOTOXSTAR]

I will have to post a pic. I bought a under dash radio mount kit that puts the head unit under the dash.
Any local car audio speciality shop will have them $20.
It fits great.
Pic's soon.

[BMOTOXSTAR]

I bought a AM/FM cassette radio from a company in CA back in 1996 that was supposed to fit in the spot for the radio. It was a poorly made piece of crap and wouldn't fit in because the back of it hit the ductwork under the dash. When I called the company they told me to cut out the ductwork I returned the radio and demanded a full refund.
In my 72 I just mounted a am/fm cassette player under the dash on the passenger side.
It is sacrilege to cut a 3rd gen gauge cluster (especially a rallye dash) for a radio.

its was perfect too

Are you ready to tarde that Charger for my Satellite?

[71 B5383]

nobodywantsyoursatellitekernel! 

[71 B5383]

I had a CD player in my 70 Swinger.Tried it in the glove box,wasn't happy.It was hidden,but I found it more convenient mounted under the dash.I'll probably do the same in the Charger for same reason.Not happy it will be seen,but I'm too lazy to reach over to mess with it and too cheap to buy one with a remote.I'd lose it anyway.Especially if the Kernel and me were takin a drive and gettin down in the ashtray.  

[Brock Samson]

 i have thought the glovebox is a good way to go cause the G.B. has no room anyway.. but it's too far away for easy access and out of the line of sight when closed for the remote to "see"... now, with the IPOD hook ups there's gotta be other possibilities... no console here either.. very interested in your continued suggestions.. and pics of your install/s...

related thread:

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,32739.0.html

[BMOTOXSTAR]

I had a CD player in my 70 Swinger.Tried it in the glove box,wasn't happy.It was hidden,but I found it more convenient mounted under the dash.I'll probably do the same in the Charger for same reason.Not happy it will be seen,but I'm too lazy to reach over to mess with it and too cheap to buy one with a remote.I'd lose it anyway.Especially if the Kernel and me were takin a drive and gettin down in the ashtray.  

[konigcharger]

  

Are you ready to trade that Charger for my Satellite?

[71charger_fan]

I've since replaced this one with a DIN-sized Alpine CD unit.

[451-74Charger]

I have a spare dash so I can hack away at it and make the radio fit (it was damaged when I got it)
I can leave my original dash complete and unmolested that way (on a shelf on the garage).

[buie1289]

My solution was to install a small amp under the package tray and install 4 decent quality speakers. I ran the input of the amp into the center console. From there I can use either my iPod or Zune and still get FM radio. It works much better than I dreamed it would. 

[Nacho-RT74]

well since we have this now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-74-Mopar-Radio-Charger-Coronet-Belvedere-B-Body_W0QQitemZ300377221969QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item45efe0ab51

not cheap though...

another option:
http://www.roadrunnernest.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3217

this was made by a guy with a 72 RR on Moparts

[Foreman72]

well since we have this now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-74-Mopar-Radio-Charger-Coronet-Belvedere-B-Body_W0QQitemZ300377221969QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item45efe0ab51

not cheap though...

another option:
http://www.roadrunnernest.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3217

this was made by a guy with a 72 RR on Moparts

man that radio on ebay is awesome...so much cash tho

and i wish i could do something like what the guy in the 2nd link did...

gosh i have allot to learn huh

[Nacho-RT74]

man that radio on ebay is awesome...so much cash tho

and i wish i could do something like what the guy in the 2nd link did...

gosh i have allot to learn huh

agreed, too much cash.

I think I can build the one at the second link someday in the future

[71charger_fan]

My newer radio. I am considering pulling it and the CD changer and putting in an Ipod compatible unit.