[esolorzano]

Several years ago I pulled out the original radio bezel below and replaced it with the plastic version. The reason I did this was because it supports a modern stereo, the original shape does not. After years of hating the plastic radio bezel 2 weeks ago decided to modify the original bezel to support my Sony stereo.

Warning - Much careful cutting and grinding required to modify the original bezel and achieve good results.

Factory Radio Bezel

Plastic Radio Bezel

Modified Radio Bezel with Stereo Installed

 

[esolorzano]

It appears the in favor are off to a quick lead.

 

[Grimbrand]

There are tons of the bezels for sale that someone already butchered. Pick 'em up for cheap from places like West Coast Classic Cougar! Don't carve up an original in good shape.

 

[GypsyR]

Mine doesn't fit the poll. I did like Grimbrand suggests. Found an original at a swap meet for cheap that someone had already boogered up for a cassette player or something. Took like 15 minutes with it and the single DIN has been in it since.

 

[esolorzano]

There are tons of the bezels for sale that someone already butchered. Pick 'em up for cheap from places like West Coast Classic Cougar! Don't carve up an original in good shape.

My original radio bezel has a number of dings, nothing to treasure. Was it in good shape? Yes, but again nothing to save for the children.

 

[esolorzano]

Mine doesn't fit the poll. I did like Grimbrand suggests. Found an original at a swap meet for cheap that someone had already boogered up for a cassette player or something. Took like 15 minutes with it and the single DIN has been in it since.

Ebay has both new and used bezels available for cheap, just couldn't see buying something else since I have no purpose for the one I already own.

 

[esolorzano]

Hello all

 

[tjm73]

Are these repoped? In metal like OEM? If yours is really nice, don't cut it, if there are nicer originals and/or there are oem level reproductions, hack away.

 

[esolorzano]

Ebay has tons of original and reproductions available. The originals are of course metal, not hard to get or expensive, (47 bucks). I'm not sure about the reproductions (75 bucks), from the pictures they appear to be made of metal, but I could be wrong.

My original bezel contains a number of dings and was nothing special, in fact it was just taking up space. Now that I have modified and reinstalled it I'm glad because it is such an improvement over the plastic crap I had.

I did what you suggested and hacked away.

 

[esolorzano]

Are these repoped? In metal like OEM? If yours is really nice, don't cut it, if there are nicer originals and/or there are oem level reproductions, hack away.

Make sure you vote in the poll.

 

[Grimbrand]

I have put a few 'new' stereos in cars over the years. I actually regret every single one. I've discovered an appreciation for what came with cars stock, over the years - at least to a point!

In my current car, I had the original AM radio modified, so it now plays AM/FM/Bluetooth/MP3, yet looks (and even acts) completely stock. It's a more expensive way to go, but keeping the interior all 'period correct' was important to me.

With every aftermarket stereo I've ever done (and I've done a few!) ten or 20 years down the road, it just looks like a cheap crummy old aftermarket radio to me, and I wonder what the heck I was thinking. =)

 

[LaPorta]

I too don’t want an “aftermarket” radio. I think that the Gimbrand way or retro sound is how I’ll proceed. Wish you luck..but I wouldn’t hack original parts.

 

[PaulyWally]

Why don’t you put in a modern retro 2 shaft?

 

[esolorzano]

I too don’t want an “aftermarket” radio. I think that the Gimbrand way or retro sound is how I’ll proceed. Wish you luck..but I wouldn’t hack original parts.

I agree with those that don't want an after market radio, something about keeping an old car old, some people call it period correct. When you go to a newer radio you kind of cross the line. People do this all the time especially with gauges.

Why did I cross that line with a newer after market radio? I guess I felt that it did not cause my car to look weird in any way. I wanted the USB port, memory settings on and on. I could have went with a retro looking radio that has all those features but in the end I can honestly say that I never liked the way they looked to begin with.

Nobody is right and nobody is wrong here, just a bunch of guys expressing themselves in a way that is unique.

Really appreciate everyone responding

 

[esolorzano]

Why don’t you put in a modern retro 2 shaft?

Thanks for asking the question, It's totally valid and some would say it's the right thing to do.

In my view there is no right or wrong here.

 

[Tanker74]

I voted modify the original, it's your car! I am sure I truly angered a few people when I cut up my console to make my stereo fit and add cup holders! But my car my money

 

[esolorzano]

I voted modify the original, it's your car! I am sure truly angered a few people when I cut up my console to make my stereo fit and add cup holders! But my car my money
View attachment 901117

I voted modify the original, it's your car! I am sure truly angered a few people when I cut up my console to make my stereo fit and add cup holders! But my car my money
View attachment 901117

I agree with you obviously, it's your car and your money.

Anger, that's the other guy's problem. Part of me likes aggravating them, I'm working on that.

Really appreciate your response, and thanks for voting in the poll.

 

[esolorzano]

I voted modify the original, it's your car! I am sure truly angered a few people when I cut up my console to make my stereo fit and add cup holders! But my car my money
View attachment 901117

Oh, I really like the cup holders. No I'm not just saying that, I really like them.

 

[Tanker74]

Oh, I really like the cup holders. No I'm not just saying that, I really like them.

HA! thanks.

 

[Nailbender]

Radio, I don't need no stinking radio, I have tinnitus as a constant companion 24 - 7. I have the local classic rock station playing low on my daily commute for traffic info. Unless you car is super rare modify the original and enjoy!