I want to put in a single din aftermarket radio. Whats the easiest way to do this? Cut the panel? (69 camaro). Has a " stock looking " one in it now but its junk.

 

I just put a Retrosound system in my '68. It's pretty cool, looks kind of stock but it's digital. Plays mp3's, has an Ipod plug in port, playes memory cards and thumb drives.

 

any other options/ideas?

 

Don't cut the metal!

I know the dash is different between a 68 and a 69, but someone didn't do me any favors. I'm still messing with my dash cause at least two owners ago someone mangled the ash tray hole probably to fit a different stereo into the dash.

I'm still working on forgiving them. It's been about 8 years now.

 

The dash plate is plastic, and none of it is original anyway. Someone must have done this before, i assume you just cut to fit?

 

If you don't mind cutting your plastic dash piece, then go for it. Years ago on a different 69, I cut out the radio mount opening and put in a 3 gauge set. You can always find a replacement dash if you ever want to go back to stock. Just cut the opening to fit the DIN mount plate, slide the radio in, and support it in back with a hanger brace.

 

I've have an Eclipse System and it is AWESOME! I am not a big fan of dedicated retro-systems where you have to use their amp etc. I've had Sonys, JVC, hell I even had a Pioneer SuperTuner with that big round *** dial, none of those can even touch the quality of an Eclipse. Best of all, Eclipse brings the noise, no need for an amp as you will have plenty of power to drive your speakers.

Unfortunately their systems were high-end and they no longer sell in the U.S. Do your homework, there is a lot of big-name crap out there. I would find a system you like and to to places like epinions.com to check reviews. Best if you can find a system that will drive your speakers, amps simply take up too much room in a first gen.

When it comes to "cutting the dash", I say "hell ya" do it! I used to be a purest with 5K in the motor 3k in suspension and another 3K in wheel/tires/brakes. Yet my stereo was a stock piece of crap which I suffered with for years. Finally I had enough and now my sound system matches all the rest of the updated equipment.

 

My plastic dash for my 69 was in beautiful shape except for someone chopping a crude hole for an aftermarket radio. I made a template from paper to fit snugly in the opening and when I got it perfect, I made two metal pieces using the template. I carefully cut the opening for the new aftermarket CD radio in both pieces. One piece was used for the face plate and the other one is for the backing plate reinforcement. I welded studs on the backside of the faceplate to go through the backing plate then I wrinkle painted the faceplate. This results in a beautiful factory installed look and saved me several hundred dollars in not having to buy a new dash.