FiremarshalBill49 Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 My early 72' PL620 came to me with a stock Hatachi AM radio with one speaker in the passenger side foot well. The reception and sound quality is crap. I'd like to update the sound system a bit without going overboard, but want to keep some semblance of a stock radio look without digital LED lights and such. Of course I'll need at least two new speakers as well. Ideally I'd want something with a CD player, or better yet, a radio with a USB port for playing my favorite tunes. Any suggestions on a replacement head unit? Either new, or a stereo from an older brand/year vehicle? Something that will bolt right in without much fuss and keep somewhat of a stock look? How about speaker size? Appreciate any help you might offer. Thanks. Quote Link to comment
datsunaholic Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PLR14MPF-Dash-FM-MPX-Shaft/dp/B004HJ3FH0 Has USB and SD card inputs. There are others out there. Search for "shaft style radio". Otherwise you have to cut up the dash fascia and the metal dash frame to fit a DIN type radio. Or, you can just leave the stock radio in place and get a floor console with radio opening, though 72- '73 has the shifter further forward than the 74+, so it might not quite fit. As far as speakers, both passenger and driver's side kick panels have the same speaker cutouts, and you can get speakers to fit them, albeit small ones. 1 Quote Link to comment
Rjawm Posted June 21, 2018 Report Share Posted June 21, 2018 Depending on what you plan on using as your music source, and with a little work on the 12v wiring one of these could be used as well. https://www.amazon.com/Power-Home-HiFi-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B0071HZ5LE/ Since they are modified 12v car stereo amps as it is, the only wiring change is splicing to the wires of the AC adapters cord. The one above would allow for an 'aux' cord input. There is another model that works through a Bluetooth connection. Both amps have an integrated volume knob, would work well for a simple 2 speaker setup, and are small enough to position within easy reach. They also allow for a more stealth install without cutting up or risking cracking a nice dash. If there is room in the budget another choice is this: https://www.amazon.com/resistant-Bluetooth-Marine-Channel-Amplifier/dp/B00WVTS4R4/ It's an all in one set up intended for use in vehicles already. It's Bluetooth capable and has a nice control box. It would power 2 or 4 speakers. The drawback to both is no normal radio connection, but most radio is accessible via apps anymore so it could be done that way. 1 Quote Link to comment
Rick-rat Posted June 21, 2018 Report Share Posted June 21, 2018 I found an old Kraco with dual knobs that will bolt right in (no mods) the stock location in a junkyard, was given to me because we had no clue if it worked. Works great, I have 5 and 1/2 inch panasonic speakers in the kick panels. radio came out of a chevy truck. keep looking in the junkyards you might find something 2 Quote Link to comment
FrankRizzo Posted June 23, 2018 Report Share Posted June 23, 2018 I did a Retrosound "Hermosa" with the Volkswagen knob kit. I enlarged the stock faceplate opening very slightly it fits pretty good. I used a silver paint marker to refresh the letters. It comes with Bluetooth, USB and 1/8" inputs, I extended them with the lighter conversion kit. I'll probably end up pulling them out because I never use them. I just stream via bluetooth. It also does Bluetooth phone, I mounted the mic on top of the steering column. When it is off, it looks like an AM radio, but when turned on the display shines thru - there area variety of sticker/screen protectors to choose from. It has 50w - so it could power speakers on it's own. I added the sub/amp combo to get a little more low end. It fits behind the seats on a regular cab. 2 Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted June 23, 2018 Report Share Posted June 23, 2018 I'm too cheap for retro sound, but i did just find this i might try. Cheap enough of it doesn't fit no biggie. https://www.ebay.com/i/122666937160 My plan is actually to take it apart and see if i can relocate the inputs and fit it behind my stock radio plate and Datsun labeled screen, but who knows. 2 Quote Link to comment
tr8er Posted June 24, 2018 Report Share Posted June 24, 2018 That looks awesome! Keep the inputs for the occasion you need them. It's done so clean, why not 1 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted June 24, 2018 Report Share Posted June 24, 2018 I'm too cheap for retro sound, but i did just find this i might try. Cheap enough of it doesn't fit no biggie. https://www.ebay.com/i/122666937160 My plan is actually to take it apart and see if i can relocate the inputs and fit it behind my stock radio plate and Datsun labeled screen, but who knows. Can you say "Chi Nese"! LOL Quote Link to comment
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