Radio for 1965 Mustang

65convertible · 03-23-2003

I am in the process of buying a new radio/cassette player for my Mustang. It does not necessarily have to be one of the "custom" radios that are available. But it must fit into the dash correctly. My only speaker is a dual dash speaker so it doesn't have to be anything extra special. I live in a rural area and the only place within a 100 miles is a Wal-Mart so I really don't have anything to look at.

Does anybody have suggestions? I have looked at four or five Mustang supplier magazines and it just seems to get more confusing.

Thanks,

Paul

Twister · 03-23-2003

Custom Auto Sound is your best bet, and I would also look at getting a pair of kick panel speakers, this will not cost too much and will greatly improve your sound. WalMart does not stock anything that will fit in the dash of your classic convertible without a hack job. I would also look at Custom Auto Sound's Secret Audio, which is a hidden stereo/CD player that is remote control, so you could keep the orrigional AM radio in the dash

Jeff65 · 03-24-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by 65convertible
I am in the process of buying a new radio/cassette player for my Mustang. It does not necessarily have to be one of the "custom" radios that are available. But it must fit into the dash correctly. My only speaker is a dual dash speaker so it doesn't have to be anything extra special. I live in a rural area and the only place within a 100 miles is a Wal-Mart so I really don't have anything to look at.

Does anybody have suggestions? I have looked at four or five Mustang supplier magazines and it just seems to get more confusing.

Thanks,

Paul

Paul,

Problem with '65/'66 radio cutout is that the knobs are not on centerline with the dial. Most aftermarket two shaft radios have the controls on centerline and they are adjustable out/in, and not up/down.

Typically fitting one of these lower cost radios causes the owner to cut out the dash to make the radio fit. Problem with doing this is it decreases the value of the car by about $1K dollars.

Its best to just get one of the custom radios made by Kenwood, JVC, or Autosound. These are decent radios and if you want more power, its easy enough to add a power amp.

Radios to 35 watts are likely okay for your Mustang but if you want high power and want to drive a set of subwoofers, then you'll also need a heavier duty alternator. My advice is to stick to radios 35 watts and below since your Mustang can handle these without any other changes.

Jeff

65convertible · 03-24-2003

Hey guys thanks so much for the answers. I didn't realize about the knob holes not being on centerline with the radio itself. I really don't need much power as I am married and all I ever hear is "turn that thing down". Guess I will get one of the radios made for a Classic Mustang. No hole cutting for me. I might add that they do seem rather expensive for what you get compared to a radio for a "regular" car.

Thanks again----Paul

Twister · 03-24-2003

paul, another option would be to make a braket in the glovebox and install a radio there. That is not too hard and would hide the modern sound

Twister · 03-24-2003

plus you can keep the stock radio....please remember that my dad did this to his '57 in the very early 80's, so that is why the equipment is so old....

kerver · 03-26-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff65
Paul,

Radios to 35 watts are likely okay for your Mustang but if you want high power and want to drive a set of subwoofers, then you'll also need a heavier duty alternator.

Jeff

Is a better alternator really necessary? I'm getting ready to install a new amp in my 65. Am I going to have trouble running the stock alternator?

Twister · 03-26-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by kerver
Is a better alternator really necessary? I'm getting ready to install a new amp in my 65. Am I going to have trouble running the stock alternator?

your stock alternator is just enough to handle the STOCK radio, AC and headlamps......and I would not cut the doors or the stock trim for speakers, it will cause leaks

kerver · 03-26-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Twister
your stock alternator is just enough to handle the STOCK radio, AC and headlamps......and I would not cut the doors or the stock trim for speakers, it will cause leaks

That's good to know. If it turns out I need a better alternator where would I find one? Or what would I ask for at the parts house? Thanks.

kerver · 03-27-2003

How many amps does a stock alternator put out on a 65, 289 4v?

Jeff65 · 03-27-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by kerver
How many amps does a stock alternator put out on a 65, 289 4v?

There were 45amp, 55amp and 61amp alternators used. Most replacements are 61amp. The numbers on the alternator are decoded to tell you the rating.

Jeff65 · 03-27-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by kerver
That's good to know. If it turns out I need a better alternator where would I find one? Or what would I ask for at the parts house? Thanks.

Depends on what your upgrade requirement is. If it is modest, perhaps 35w per channel and you don't have a/c then a stock 61amp alternator will likely do okay. OTOH, if you want 200watts per channel and want to park two big 200w subs in your back seat and have air conditioning thats another story. Powermaster makes upgrade alternators but they aren't always bolt in, meaning you have to use an installation kit and a little ingenuity to get it in and working properly.

Jeff65 · 03-27-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by kerver
That's good to know. If it turns out I need a better alternator where would I find one? Or what would I ask for at the parts house? Thanks.

Summit Racing or Jegs sells Powermaster and others. Check with your local auto audio store. They often do these upgrades for customers.

Jeff65 · 03-27-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by 65convertible
Hey guys thanks so much for the answers. I didn't realize about the knob holes not being on centerline with the radio itself. I really don't need much power as I am married and all I ever hear is "turn that thing down". Guess I will get one of the radios made for a Classic Mustang. No hole cutting for me. I might add that they do seem rather expensive for what you get compared to a radio for a "regular" car.

Thanks again----Paul

The custom radios by Kenwood, JVC, Autosound are made specifically for classic car installations. Since they sell in small volume compared to models made for newer cars, they charge off development costs to the buyers of the custom models as part of the selling price. Its amazing to me there are three or four competitors for such a small market. My advice is not to worry about the higher price, just get the best price you can and be glad someone makes what you want. Think about having an old Studebaker...who do you think makes a modern am/fm stereo for it? No one...

kerver · 03-27-2003

The current drain for the amplifier I'm using is 31 A. I guess I'll just hook it up, turn it on, turn the lights on, turn the heater on, and put a voltmeter on my battery to see if it's maintaining 13-14 V.