Was looking for a radio and speakers for my 65. I've found some decent ones that will fit in the original slot. Will it take away from the car too much if I put a larger one in?

 

This is of courses opinion, but I much rather prefer the look of the original sized unit in the first gen cars. I think the modern ones look very out of place.

 

The problem in '65 and '66 is that you have to cut the dash. It can be fixed later but a big job. You should find a modern one that is made to fit the car. They are out there and work good. My opinion, but I cut one back in 1980 and regretted it. Currently have a Custom Autosound and love it. Hook up my phone and play Pandora.

 

I seen some in eBay and tats why I was thinking of doing. Just wasn't sure if they were actually worth the money. Thanks guys.

Any suggestions for speakers?

 

Kenwood is my favorite speaker brand. I have 6"X9" speakers (KFC-6984PS) in an aftermarket package tray and 6 1/2" speakers (KFC-1694PS) in aftermarket kick panels. The aftermarket kick panels are definitely a good choice because it ties the interior together and makes the speakers look like they are supposed to be there. I am not using an amplifier. I can get you pictures if you would like.

 

beware of a radio mod. the dash is "empty", so if you get a modern head unit, you'll not only have to cut the dash to make it fit, you'll have to rig something behind the dash to keep it in place. NOT an easy job to do well. I did it and I'm still not happy with how it turned out. I'll see if i can find some pics

 

here's my old thread https://themustangsource.com/f633/af...tereos-451686/

 

Do the 6x9's fit good in there? Or is there cutting involved there? I'm going to stick with a smaller unit so I don't have to cut it.

 

To use 6x9's you have to cut our use one of the aftermarket package shelves with the speaker provision. Check the parts houses.

 

Glad your not cutting the dash .I have opted not to buy many early mustangs over the years due to the fact that the radio opening was what I call butcher cut and I did not want to have to take the time to repair .In my opinion it devalues the car if it is meant to be stock .Just my opinion.The new retro radios that fit the stock opening are very nice and the way to go if you want to upgrade .Good luck with your install

 

I cut my dash and it looks fine. I built my car the way I wanted it. If you want to cut the dash go ahead its not a butcher job if that's the way you want it. If your building it to sell then don't cut it.

 

FWIW, in my '65 I have the USA-66 AM/FM/iPod radio, Alpine 6x9" in the back, and Alpine 6" up front (mounted in kickpanels that have speaker wells molded in). No amp (the USA-66 puts out enough juice for most applications).

You can get a package tray with the 6x9" holes pre-cut, but you do have to cut a bit of metal under the rear package tray. The cuts would never be noticeable if you ever decided to go back to a "stock look," as you could just replace the package tray shelving.

The USA-66 gets a lot of hate and love depending on the person. For sure, if you plan to primarily listen to the radio, the tuner just isn't that good. Fortunately, the only radio I listen to is sports talk, where some fuzz doesn't really matter. For running the iPod, its just perfect- and that's what I use it for almost all the time. I get a lot of compliments on the appearance- since it looks just like the Ford stock AM/FM radio that was introduced in '66.

If you go with the front kick panel mounting, I would look for ones that angle the speakers towards the rear. Mine mount "straight," and you can barely hear the fronts when driving (if you kneel down in the car, they're there and blasting away- but its amazing how little you hear them from the driving position). Actually, one day I may swap out the kick panel speakers and run my front speakers up to the defrost vent (there is a company out there that makes a two speaker set up for that location, and its not like I drive in conditions where I need the defrost ). With the angle of the windshield, I bet speakers there would sound just perfect (that's where Ford put the original single speaker for the AM radio).

As for cutting the dash... to each their own, but a modern radio in a classic Mustang is just awful looking, IMO. If you really want a modern radio, put it in the glovebox!

Good luck!