Stereo and CD (again)

[Roodaddy]

Well now it's my turn to be the newby and ask these questions.

I don't want to replace my beautiful AM stock unit by cutting in a modern stereo, but my options seem to be limited. A Kenwood KRC-3006 shaft style stereo (CD controller in head unit) is on eBay and the price is at ~$100. Not for me at that price. So now I'm looking for input into my decision. Anybody's two cents is appreciated

Option 1: Leave it and enjoy the CBC or all-sports/news radio.
Option 2: Wade into an auction for a Kenwood or another unit. Does anyone know if Blaupunkt or Alpine made a shaft style with CD control?
Option 3: Upgrade to a decent shaft style AM/FM/Cassette unit. The guy at the wreckers said he uses a CD changer that can run through the FM band 88.7!?!?! Anyone heard of this?

I know making a decision here may also be based on the "what to do with the speakers" question that is next; but I appreciate all the ideas I can gather.

[granitestate68]

Well now it's my turn to be the newby and ask these questions.

I don't want to replace my beautiful AM stock unit by cutting in a modern stereo, but my options seem to be limited. A Kenwood KRC-3006 shaft style stereo (CD controller in head unit) is on eBay and the price is at ~$100. Not for me at that price. So now I'm looking for input into my decision. Anybody's two cents is appreciated

Option 1: Leave it and enjoy the CBC or all-sports/news radio.
Option 2: Wade into an auction for a Kenwood or another unit. Does anyone know if Blaupunkt or Alpine made a shaft style with CD control?
Option 3: Upgrade to a decent shaft style AM/FM/Cassette unit. The guy at the wreckers said he uses a CD changer that can run through the FM band 88.7!?!?! Anyone heard of this?


I know making a decision here may also be based on the "what to do with the speakers" question that is next; but I appreciate all the ideas I can gather.

Okay, my two cents:

Leave the original ( looks cool )
Look into JC Whitney or Summit for a complete set up that screws into where the headliner is. This unit includes space for another head unit and has at least 4 speakers already installed. It's a about $199 but you can save up for it while listening to the CBC.

And by the way, yes it is possible to run a CD changer running through the FM band at 88.7 had a 6 CD changer in my 91 maxima that worked that way. Changer under the seat and used remote to change the CDs. Worked pretty slick.

Like I said my 2-3 cents.

Good luck and Welcome.

Lee

[OLEYELLERTRUCK]

I have used the FM modulated CD changers also with real good results. I tried recently to find a new shaft style radio with no results, other than the $20 generics at the parts store.

[cobraF100]

There is a Company that can take your Stock AM Radio and install "Modern Components" and it keeps the Factory look.Not sure what they run in Price but I'd think with the way most things are now it's going to be a little $$$.

[morganater]

Easy. get a Volvo CD Deck mounting kit ( the plastic deck holding kit) for any year volvo and screw it into your dash upside down. then get a hold of a new single-din normal CD deck and it will slide right in. this has been discussed on the forum here many times, use a search.

[FunbapFord]

Ok here's my 2 cents. On my truck someone had already cut out a hole for a new style stereo. I am not advising you on whether or not on that. But I have a 2002 f-250 deisel Lariat 4x4 and I put a XM Stereo CD changer in it and now we have it in every car we own including our 5th wheel camper. Even if you go with original type radio you can get a roadie adapter that doesnt cut up your dash. All I am saying if you ever get Satellite radio you won't regret it.

[hardtailjohn]

I agree with Funbapford! My XM is the best $$ I've spent for a long time!
John H.

[Heavenlyfire]

Okay, my two cents:

Leave the original ( looks cool )
Look into JC Whitney or Summit for a complete set up that screws into where the headliner is. This unit includes space for another head unit and has at least 4 speakers already installed. It's a about $199 but you can save up for it while listening to the CBC.


I just tryed looking at whittneys site for this. It sounds like something I would be interested in. Do you have a part number ar anything?
Thanks.
John

[Chasbod]

try this link for the headliner.

[granitestate68]

Thanks Chasbod,

That's the one I was talking about.

Lee

[flyboy2610]

I have heard something about those headliners that gives me cause for concern. They don't "breathe."
If moisture gets trapped between the headliner and your roof, it'll rot out the roof in short order.

[FORDification]

Another thing to watch out for is heat. A stereo unit (and especially a newer CD player) will put out a lot of heat, and with that headliner panel there isn't any air circulation to keep things cool. You could easily add a small cooling fan to take care of that though. Use a computer case cooling fan....they're already 12V DC, so hooking one up will be a very easy job. Just make sure you get a quality unit that's rated for low noise. You would also need to ensure you had an air inlet for the fan to be effective.

[71Ford100]

What about a satellite radio?

Also on the headliners could you drill a few small holes behind the speakers etc..