Radio issues

[260Zbuzz]

My '74Z has original push button AM-FM radio. I have taken to local radio installation shop, CARTOYS, for new radio for new and better sound, but they tell me that the depth of the original radio is only about 4.75 inches deep. New radios now are much deeper than this. Looks like new radio with CD player is out of the question, but does anybody have any input on possible AM/FM - Cassette radio that might fit this. Installer is perplexed as am I. Had nice Alpine radio picked out, but won't fit. Thanks for your help.

[MikeW]

I just measured an original 240Z AM/FM and it's about 6.5 inches deep not including the dials or push buttons. There's even a inch or two of empty space behind the radio when it's installed. Perhaps your 260Z is different. Just how deep is a new radio? I'm guessing that most people don't still have an original radio installed so it's not like it's not possible to upgrade. Hopefully someone here with recent experience installing sound systems can give you some good advice.

[Arne]

Time to find a new installer, this one doesn't know what he (or she) is talking about. Lots of people have CD players in their Zs. I'm not one of them, but I know that the old Pioneer Supertuner that is in my dash right now is at least 6 inches deep, and there is still room behind it.

[dhoneycutt]

I just put in a new Pioneer head unit with some modification mind you and depth clearance wasn't an issue!

[260Zbuzz]

Installer is saying that the depth of the radio can't exceed 4.75 inches. He is saying the rear of the console won't allow anything over this. Alpine radio is about 7 inches deep. He is saying the face of the radio would stick out towards the stick shift.

[260Zbuzz]

Also, I checked out www.crutchfield.com. Website sells car audio via web. Allows you to filter which radio units fit any particular car. Once I plugged in all data concerning my Z, it came back with only one model...a Sanyo AM-FM Cassette player. This is where I am stumped. All over the web, I see older Z cars with all sorts of different radio's installed???

[zclocks]

Buzz,

I'm with Arne on this one, find a new installer. You could install a radio 11 inches deep in the space you have on the 260. You need some one who isn't affraid to get creativ , build a mounting bracket and install whatever you want. Gads....I have a Clarion in my 75 and it has an amp hanging off the back of the 6 inch radio that adds 4 additional inches.

What stereo shops want to install is something someone else has worked out so they can do it quick and charge max $$. Crutchfield is very good but their only a reference/starting point. If the radio is a problem with maxium room I hate to think what will happen when you start installing speakers in the doors!!! That's another one every source says can't be done. I have 6.5 inch 3-ways flush mounted in my car with no problem.

If you know how and arn't affraid to experiment you can custom fit anything.

....ZC

[260Zbuzz]

Thanks all...after a little convincing, and help from you all, got the Alpine radio installed. Sounds great.