'85 720 4x4 ST Stereo Replacement

[PineClone]

Has anyone done a clean looking replacement of the stock stereo in a '85 720? I tried installing a stereo in my B210 and the opening wasn't deep enough so we ended up cutting a new opening in the console below. I'm not really interested in doing that if at all possible. 

 

Also, how hard is it to remove the stock stereo?

 

Follow-up question...is this actually the stock stereo (attached photo)? I am able to find only one hit on Google for a stock 720 stereo that looks like this one and it is on Ebay.

 

Follow-up follow-up...What is the blank for above the two gauges (below the climate control) on the center console?

 

Thanks.

 

 

Edited February 23, 2025 by PineClone
adding question

[NC85ST]

Yes, the stereo is stock and yes you can install an aftermarket stereo. The opening will require a little filing to get it to fit. Just test fit as you go. 

[NC85ST]

Here’s a shot of my ‘85 2wd ST radio slot.

[Thomas Perkins]

Here is my Kenwood KDC-X704.I also have a trim ring around it that covers the opening.I had a Stereo shop install it.I also added XM Radio to it.Stereo's don't cost much.This one was 150 bucks and 40 for the XM radio add on.They put 6.5 in speakers in the kick panels I made and 6x9 in my boxes in the back between the seats.I also had them put a new antenna cable in too.

Edited February 23, 2025 by Thomas Perkins

[junkafide]

30 minutes ago, Thomas Perkins said:

Here is my Kenwood KDC-X704.I also have a trim ring around it that covers the opening.I had a Stereo shop install it.I also added XM Radio to it.Stereo's don't cost much.This one was 150 bucks and 40 for the XM radio add on.They put 6.5 in speakers in the kick panels I made and 6x9 in my boxes in the back between the seats.I also had them put a new antenna cable in too.

I have Kenwoods in 3 of my cars, and each of them came with that trim ring. Great units. 

[Thomas Perkins]

The kenwood I replaced was 25 years old,it still worked.It came from Circuit City..I wanted one with Blue tooth,that one was over 300 bucks back then.That one came with the ring too.

[PineClone]

Looks good!

[720_Jeff]

As others have said, that is the stock ST stereo.  There is one screw in particular that is difficult to get at.  It is in the rear, has to be the underside of the stereo.  It is very challenging to get to from the front.

Many, will remove the dash to give much easier access to that screw.  This is especially true when pulling from the junk yard.

Edited March 22, 2025 by 720_Jeff

[feefifofum]

Any interest in selling that stock stereo? I haven't decided if I should hook up the HK tape deck that's currently installed (removed the HK amp that was screwed into the cab's back wall) or replace it with something more modern or possibly a stock one like yours.

[PineClone]

4 minutes ago, feefifofum said:

Any interest in selling that stock stereo? I haven't decided if I should hook up the HK tape deck that's currently installed (removed the HK amp that was screwed into the cab's back wall) or replace it with something more modern or possibly a stock one like yours.

I would totally sell it...but it's currently still installed and I'm not sure when i'll find the time to pull it out. I think it's a bit of a project to get it out of there.

[PineClone]

Also wondering this...My truck doesn't have the rear jump seats (removed by previous owner). I don't mind this at all, and am thinking of putting speakers behind where the back pads were originally mounted. Seems like there would be plenty of room inside there, but not sure. Has anyone else done this?

[feefifofum]

Loop me in when you decide! I made a little effort to pull my HK out a few months ago, but it wasn't immediately obvious, so I moved on to more important issues. Now that the main issues are taken care of, I'm driving it a bit more and would like some tunes to accompany the ride. Definitely on my list for this summer...

[feefifofum]

1 minute ago, PineClone said:

Also wondering this...My truck doesn't have the rear jump seats (removed by previous owner). I don't mind this at all, and am thinking of putting speakers behind where the back pads were originally mounted. Seems like there would be plenty of room inside there, but not sure. Has anyone else done this?

 

I think mine has speakers behind those back pads. I also removed my jumpseats to make room for other things. Happy to sell/trade them if you're interested in replacing yours.

[C10]

I installed 6x9 speakers into where the back pads sit. It's pretty hollow in the walls there. I just cut the holes and installed them and ran wire to the stereo. I think I had to buy "shallower" 6x9s, to get them to fit but it's been so long I can't remember. For bass sound quality,  I might just throw some fill in the walls just to better bass, it isn't ideal but I'm also a Audio/Visual Engineer so I get picky about sound, but it works. I had a 10'' sub box and amp in back too, but that got stolen as well as my tool kit a few years ago.

[Thomas Perkins]

Stereo's don't cost much now.I Have a Kenwood -KDC-X704 with blue tooth,you can change the colorbof the face to about 20 colors..I have 6.5 speakers in the Kick panels and 6x9's in the boxes.My last Kenwood lasted over 20 years,wanted blue tooth so I got this one.Was only 150 dollars.Also got the XM kit.

[Thomas Perkins]

This is what I have.....https://youtu.be/DI2R6DLmU7E?si=A49n9DPA3W6saSu3

Edited May 30, 2025 by Thomas Perkins

[PineClone]

Following up with my stock stereo removal experience...

 

First, most of my research indicated that in order to remove the stock stereo, one would need to remove a single screw that requires significant bodily contortions in order to get access to it. Definitely now what I encountered. The stock Clarion on the '85 ST has two screws. One directly above the ash tray, and another directly above the cigarette lighter. The one above the ash tray is easy to remove if you just use a small ratchet wrench with a Phillips bit. The other screw requires removal of the cigarette lighter and you can remove it with a long(ish) screwdriver. Stereo slides right out. 

 

Interestingly, the stereo in my pickup has a "REFURBISHED" sticker on it. Wondering if that came from the dealer that way or...????

 

I had no idea this would be this easy. Now i'm going to have to get online and order a stereo and speakers. Planning on replacing the two that are in the floor, and adding two in the back...location TBD. I'm not interested in free-standing speakers in a box. Probably will use the location of the jump seats, since the previous owner did away with them. I'm liking the idea of the Retro Manufacturing option as shown in this Nissan 720 conversion. 

 

[Smoking Joe]

Does the factory radio work.  My truck has the same radio and it works but the face is somewhat discolored. Yours looks to be in pretty good condition appearance wise.  I would like to purchase yours if it works as it should 

[Thomas Perkins]

I had a Kenwood in mine for 20 years.Worked great when it was removed.I wanted another Kenwood with Blue tooth and all the works.I recently had a Kenwood with blue installed my Wife's 04 lincoln.On her's if you touch the volume knob on the stereo, the volume would go all the way up.It had a six C.D. player in it.Was nice other than the problem.But I wanted to give her a Bluetooth.Her daughter got a 50 dollar ticket not long ago for using her phone and Driving.Got pulled over in front of her house.Both Are Kenwoods are similar.Her 's in Wider. Fits perfect. Back in the 70 's, I use to install Audovox 8 track players.We would on  connect the lead wire to the lights cause it ran on a 20 amp fuse and didn't have to put key in ignition to play stereo with sitting in it the woods partying g or what ever.Everyone did that. oth of are are able to use about 20 different colors on the plate.Has Alexa.Has it all.Stereo's are cheap now.Less than 2 hundred.I had a shop do mine.He also put a new antenna in mine.Touch screens cost alot.I can remove my front plate.You can connect two phone's to them.I had them put 4 speakers in mine.

[Thomas Perkins]

https://youtu.be/DI2R6DLmU7E?si=jEHwl9d2Y1FOtOOWI had a Kenwood in mine for 20 years.Worked great when it was removed.I wanted another Kenwood with Blue tooth and all the works.I recently had a Kenwood with blue installed my Wife's 04 lincoln.On her's if you touch the volume knob on the stereo, the volume would go all the way up.It had a six C.D. player in it.Was nice other than the problem.But I wanted to give her a Bluetooth.Her daughter got a 50 dollar ticket not long ago for using her phone and Driving.Got pulled over in front of her house.Both Are Kenwoods are similar.Her 's in Wider. Fits perfect. Back in the 70 's, I use to install Audovox 8 track players.We would on  connect the lead wire to the lights cause it ran on a 20 amp fuse and didn't have to put key in ignition to play stereo with sitting in it the woods partying g or what ever.Everyone did that. oth of are are able to use about 20 different colors on the plate.Has Alexa.Has it all.Stereo's are cheap now.Less than 2 hundred.I had a shop do mine.He also put a new antenna in mine.Touch screens cost alot.I can remove my front plate.You can connect two phone's to them.I had them put 4 speakers in mine.

[Thomas Perkins]

Check the video at the top of my above listening.That is what I have in my 85 720.About 4 or 5 years ago.Took him a hour and half to install and remove everything.

Edited May 31 by Thomas Perkins

[Thomas Perkins]

https://youtube.com/shorts/poy3H6dU620?si=meqxBNy-v_-FsRMc

[SamL]

I've replaced my 84 4x4 dash with a 83 2wd because it was pretty clean but the space for the radio is about 1/4" smaller. I don't mind not having one and probably will be looking to blank it out.

 

Also, what do you think about leaving the center console (below the climate controls) out? Since mines is a Franken' truck with stick closer to the seats, I'm thinking it will look cleaner without it. I could hang aftermarket gauges underneath the climate controls.

 

One reason to leave it out is the design flaw where the 'hood' of the two gauges is angled up which is in the way with the climate controls above it.

[Smoking Joe]

Hello Pineclone I'm not sure you are seeing my messages because additional messages I'm posting are not appearing in this thread for some reason. Anyway, I'd like to move forward with purchasing your radio asap. Thanks