The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Best A/C and stereo systems

I was wondering what do you guys think the best, and most complete, kit for Air Conditioning I can find for my 55.2 Chevy 3100. It has a 350 in it. Also, I want a stereo system. I don't need a cassette or even CD for that matter, just the ability to hook up an iTouch or iPod. What do you think is the best? Do you think those kick panels with Pioneers are a good buy at $188? What other speakers could I put in the cab? I have seen under seat woofers, are those worth it?

Thanks for any info. you may have.
Michael

Can't give you any advice about the a/c as I don't put any value on those systems here in MN, they just rob power...
As for the stereo, how much are you looking to spend? Pioneer and sony both have some good systems, I had a sony xplod in my old bug before I crashed it, and I loved it. I try to avoid speakers in the doors as they always seem to get beat up, and its one more set of wires going out into the door to go bad.

I don't want to cut up my dash so I think that is going to limit my choices. I looked at the ones from Classic Parts and Brothers and they seem to work with an iPod and no need to cut up the dash. Just wondering if there are any other vendors out there to consider. Luckily, the kick panels wouldn't place the speaker in the door, it would be down by the vents. I could see them getting pretty beat up like you said.

There are also these from LMC, I don't have any experience with oe style radios, I've always just modified the dash, or mounted the stereo somewhere else (custom consoles mostly).

Thanks, that may be the ticket.

Classic Parts carries some also. They have the radio and the a/c.

A/C go with Vintage Air they sell a kit that has everything and can be installed in one aftrenoon and is made to fit. All you need is to crimp a few lines at a hose shop if you dont have a crimpper.

http://www.soundmove.com/secretaudio.htm. I think this is the neatest thing since sliced bread. No cutting up a dash, iPod friendly (direct connection) - it's got it all.

I cannot speak to the SecretAudio, but I have had Custom Auto Sound and other made to fit and look original stereo headunits in vintage vehicles I have owned. In my opinion the sound quality and performance of these types of units suffer greatly. They seem to put their money into making them fit and know they have you by the lower regions in regard to you not wanting to cut up your rig. Basic modern head units costing less than half of these items have all the feature s you want with better sound quality in my opinion.

I have a HD radio Sony unit mounted under the seat in my '50 that came with a remote. I bought a remote repeater from a local stero shop that basically pipes the remote signal from a small unseen location under the dash to the system under the seat, (I think it was $30.00.) A cable for my iPod comes up from under the seat as well. I just have the delete plate in the dash. Stereo speakers behind the original dash speaker grill and in the rear cab corners. It could really use a subwoofer under the seat, (these metal cabs are a bit tinny.) Looking in the truck you would not think a stereo is in there.

All I have is a small remote with volume, tone, radio changer and power. I hang it on the thottle knob. I can't see the unit so, I have to cycle through my presets on the radio, but not a problem. In addition the unit has all the modern lights and graphics that I wouldn't want to see in my truck anyway. The iPod selections are of course on the seat next to me. Works well and I believe I have less than $400.00 in the whole setup, (excluding the iPOD.)

Nifty 50, Do you have pictures of your radio? I'd like to see how it was mounted.