How good is the oem cassette player in an early 260z?

[v12horse]

I have an Alpine cd player and I really like it, but I want the original look of the oem cassette player. I have it in a box at home and on the outside it appears to be in really nice condtion, but I am worried about the internals. My goal is to have the oem am/fm tape player in the car so I can listen to the radio when I like and use the tape adapter to plug in my iPOD. What do you guys think? Is it a lost cause? Could I restore the tape player if it needs it? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

-Ben

[MikeW]

One option is to install a modern system somewhere hidden (in toolbox or under seat) and leave the stock radio just for looks. You can even get something with a CD changer and a remote control. If your early 260 is anything like my 240 there's only one lousy speaker and the stock radio doesn't have much output. Without new speakers whatever you try isn't going to be very good. I would never advocate cutting holes anywhere for new speakers as some have done but lots of people have added a pair in a custom enclosure back near the taillights.

[v12horse]

I have the original speaker and the output from the deck installed as of now is not great, but it is fine as I don't listen to music loud anyway. I was thinking of using the speaker bracket that is on the Classic Datsun Motorsport site, but I talked with Les and he does not carry them and I have heard that there is some fabricating to be done. I don't need it to sound great, I just want a bit of sound. Thanks for the advice Mike. I am trying to work with just the original equipment. I hope it works.

[GunnerRob]

I don't think Datsun offered a cassette player AM/FM 1n 1974. My dad bought his '75 280z fully optioned in Long Beach, Ca. and the optional radio had an 8 track tape player. In looking back, the first Z car I saw with a cassette player was in the '79 280zx and it was not incorporated into the radio. It was a seperate unit to the side of the radio.

[hls30.com]

Leave the stock radio, add an amp to plug in your Ipod, and a couple of speakers-great music when you want it, stock situation when you don't

Will