Aftermarket Stereo

[redev]

I'm sure someone out there must have installed an aftermarket stereo in their 240Z. I have a 1972 240Z. I'd appreciate some comments on any problems people have run into or troubleshooting advice. Thanks!

[JonnyRock]

i have yet to install my new stereo, but you'll definitely want to upgrade your alternator to one from the non-turbo 280zx. it's 60amp rather than 45amp and is a pretty necessary switch.

[bigoak]

i have yet to install my new stereo, but you'll definitely want to upgrade your alternator to one from the non-turbo 280zx. it's 60amp rather than 45amp and is a pretty necessary switch.

Zs-ondabrain makes a harness upgrade kit that you should use. I haven't used it myself (but will), but reviews are great.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20016

[Sailor Bob]

I took mine to a future shop for an install, when he described what his intentions were, I backed out. I decided not to do a dash install and simply placed the unit behind the passenger seat, I wired it as directed (for switched and unswitched) running the cable under the steel carpet/door lip. It is invisible and I never have the radio and the stereo on at the same time so no overloading. The car keeps the stock appearance which I prefer.

I have spoken to a local whip shop - they will build a glass box to fit for under $60. I use an Ipod as Aux with a wire that reaches the steering wheel -very convenient.

[Force Fed]

I took mine to a future shop for an install, when he described what his intentions were, I backed out. I decided not to do a dash install and simply placed the unit behind the passenger seat, I wired it as directed (for switched and unswitched) running the cable under the steel carpet/door lip. It is invisible and I never have the radio and the stereo on at the same time so no overloading. The car keeps the stock appearance which I prefer.

I have spoken to a local whip shop - they will build a glass box to fit for under $60. I use an Ipod as Aux with a wire that reaches the steering wheel -very convenient.

I have no idea what you just said Are you running a CD changer or Ipod through the stock radio outputs? Or is it wired in totally separate? Does it use the same speakers as the radio, or different speakers?

[Sailor Bob]

Sorry, I thought it was clear: I bought an after market system (Radio & speakers (that is what the thread is about)), but didn't feel good about messing with the stock setup, so I installed speakers in the back hooked up to a Sony Am/Fm/CD player (behind passenger seat) with an auxillary input. I have an Ipod tied in through the aux - this is on a 6' long jack cord so I can hold it in front of me when driving (selecting songs).

Hope that clarifies. I was trying to say there are alternatives to messing up the original setup.

[Force Fed]

Ah, I got it now. Thanks. So, you listen to the factory setup when you listen to radio? I would think it kinda hard to tune the one behind the seat while driving.

[Sailor Bob]

Ya - I like the factory thing ok. The antennae cost $70 when I replaced it so got to use it, but if I wanted it is very simple to rig the antennae to the new unit. When using the Ipod I just set the amp to 3/4 and use the Ipod volume to adjust and the Ipod also has an equalizer built in. I like it.