Radios and speaker set ups (I’ve read through the FAQ speaker links...

[Ride Fly]

I'm installing a retro sound Hermosa radio in the stock location which will power 5.25 speakers front and back. I'm not thrilled with the kick panel location either but moving forward on that path.

Ok, it’s been awhile since any new ideas.

Hey Nellie, I’ve looked at the Hermosa and Long Beach radios from RetroSound. At $300 and $400 respectively, the Long Beach is specifically for Apple iPhones and iPods, but I’m not sure what it really offers other than two additional USB ports. Are you an iPhone or Android user? If Apple, why did you pick the Hermosa? Did you come to same conclusion that I did?

For a more general question (and everyone can feel free to chime in), any thoughts to cutting the area to be able to install a modern radio? Or is that an ultimate no-no? In the same vein, what do you all think about cutting the door panels to install speakers??

 

[stock]

Ok, it’s been awhile since any new ideas.

Hey Nellie, I’ve looked at the Hermosa and Long Beach radios from RetroSound. At $300 and $400 respectively, the Long Beach is specifically for Apple iPhones and iPods, but I’m not sure what it really offers other than two additional USB ports. Are you an iPhone or Android user? If Apple, why did you pick the Hermosa? Did you come to same conclusion that I did?

For a more general question (and everyone can feel free to chime in), any thoughts to cutting the area to be able to install a modern radio? Or is that an ultimate no-no? In the same vein, what do you all think about cutting the door panels to install speakers??

I wouldn't buy anything that was specific to just one company, ie Apple. Another thing, why would you build something for 30 or 40% of the population?

 

[CSteppe82]

Speaking of holes .... what’s the deal with this hole below my glove compartment ?

 

[NellieFJ40]

@Ride Fly i went with the Hermosa as im a droid user. Having Bluetooth capability allows the Hermosa to meet my needs.

In my situation i didn't want to cut the dash. My 40 has never been modified (it has been restored) so i didn't want to start cutting the dash.

 

[Ride Fly]

I wouldn't buy anything that was specific to just one company, ie Apple. Another thing, why would you build something for 30 or 40% of the population?

I think the Long Beach is specially made for iPhone and iPods but not restricted to them. It has 4 USB connections, 2 for Apple and 2 generic ports, as opposed to the Hermosa that has only 2 generic USB ports. I understand that to mean that the generic ports on the Hermosa can also accept Apple products. But I could be wrong on that.

@Ride Fly i went with the Hermosa as im a droid user. Having Bluetooth capability allows the Hermosa to meet my needs.

In my situation i didn't want to cut the dash. My 40 has never been modified (it has been restored) so i didn't want to start cutting the dash.

Initially, I was thinking the same- don’t want to modify (cut) the dash. But now, I wonder how bad a cut dash to make room for a modern radio can affect the resale price on my 40? I guess it would exclude a very small percentage of “purists” potential buyers but probably wouldn’t affect too much the resale value of the 40.

 

[NellieFJ40]

I agree. I can't see it impacting too much.

I just don't personally want to cut up what my aunt bought new oh so long ago!

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Here's what I did:

View of head unit... Amp is inside the rear of console under dome light.

Voltage meters and switches...

Fuse panel, grounding block, etc. under the hood:

 

[jm599]

View attachment 1643991 For the front, I agree with the Bluetooth speaker. Much better than kickboard.
If no dashpad, can cut bottom out of plastic tote and hang on defrost cover, secure w one screw

Found a larger box with brackets that slightly bent will fit defroster slot.
19.99 cabelas
Holds much more

 

[ToyotaMatt]

NOS 1983 FJ40 Single DIN

 

[NellieFJ40]

Looks like I never posted here with my finished overhead console. Need to tidy up the mounting brackets but overall im happy.

 

[teleskier]

Put a quality Bluetooth speaker on the dash and connect it to your phone. Leave all the other stuff alone.

I use this one. It stays put and is audible over all road noise:
View attachment 1643090

I do the same thing. The volume is loud enough and very discrete. My next roll bar will have a console to mount this with a power source.