So i have a 66 coupe with the original AM radio. It looks like this but way nicer.

http://i.ebayimg.com/19/!B7Lb0Y!EWk~...YD!~~-1_35.JPG

I want to keep the vintage look but with added functionality of at least iPod. I don't even necessarily need FM and there is no need for XM.

So the way i see it i have a couple of options.

1. leave the unit dead in the dash and install an aftermarket unit in the glove box. I want this as a last resort. I despise the idea of having a non functioning radio in the dash.

2. Custom Audio - I've read forum after forum where people bash the overall ****ty nature of these radios. I still think it would be a big step up from the AM unit i have and they seem pretty easy to install.

USA - 230 or USA - 66
http://www.casmfg.com/radios.htm

3. Retrosound seems to have their own classic version which is supposed to have a better quality than the Custom Audio version.

http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/details/id/94

4. Option #4 is really a bandaid fix. The Redi Rad. This little gizmo is installed in the back of the existing radio and will allow for an MP3 hookup through the radio antenna? I've tried similar products with cars that didn't have iPod jacks and was not really happy with the result. I imagine this will be more of the same. Plus i don't think the existing radio will be able to support the two 6 1/2 speakers i'm puttin in the doors or the two 6X9s i'm putting in the back.

http://www.rediscoveradio.com/

5. Send my unit out to get new guts put in it. This was i keep the face and get a professional radio guy to put in the right parts. problem $$$

I know i'm asking for the world here but is there away to get a high power radio with awesome sound and still have the retro look???? I'm open to all ideas.

 

With a 66 coupe you can do pretty well with the Custom Autosound. I've seen more than a few of these cars with that radio, and they worked fine. The best way to hook up speakers in a coupe is to use a 4x10 dual voicecoil in the front, and a 6x9 dual voicecoil in the rear. These are the stock speaker sizes for these two spots, you can even get the stock speaker grille for the rear. It paints to match the color of the package tray. Connect the two left channels of the radio to the front speaker, and the two right channels to the rear. The sound will be far better than any stock 66 radio, yet the unit looks identical to the stock 65-66 AM/FM radio. It has multiple inputs for various media, and the pushbuttons, on originals for tuning, are controls for an optional CD changer. I've seen these at Glazier/Nolan, why don't you call and ask them how these radios hold up. Since they sell and install them, they ought to know.

Here's one in a car they restored:

 

What about leaving the stock radio in the dash hole for looks but putting a din size in a glove box?

 

he said he wanted to do that as a last resort and doenst really want a non functioning radio in the dash

 

I would just cut the dash and not look back a good din size is half the price of the special ones that fit the factory hole.

 

I'm not sure I could blow off doing $500 damage to the dash. Besides, the OP said

And a DIN radio that looks like it's yanked out of a tuner won't cut it as a "vintage look".

 

There is ways to hide a radio,If he sunk the radio in the dash and made a radio delete piece to clip over it would hide it for shows and when parked.

 

Ah. Here's the 64-65 piece:

 

It would take some work to sink the radio back enough and fab up a something for the radio delete but it could be pulled off.I have seen a few show cars the radio popped out from under the dash.

 

that sounds like the best option. I'm going to do some tinkering!!