While I patiently await the final parts for my engine build, I decided to install a decent audio system. I wanted to use a gauge pod I picked up on ebay, and the original speaker enclosures. I also wanted the head unit to play MP3 and WMA music files, since I have about 60 hours worth stored on a single USB flash drive. I did not want a CD or tape player.
I found exactly what I was looking for at Amazon.com, and really cheap! A Pyle PLR34M mechless receiver and a pair of Pioneer TS-A1072R 4-Inch 3-Way 150-Watt speakers - all for about $70.
The head unit's chassis is fairly shallow- around 4", and when I got it and opened it up, I realized it could be even less. The main circuit board is mounted flat on the back of the faceplate. The amp/input/output board is mounted to the rear heat sink. There is about 2 inches of empty space between them, with a ribbon cable connecting them together.
With a small cut-off disk, I cut the case exactly in half. With a little bending, I gat the 2 halves to slide into each other, making the depth a little over 2".
I then cut out the 2 plastic areas between the left 3 gauge holes in the pod, and trimmed it up for the mounting bracket to slide in. It's almost as though the pod was designed for a single DIN radio chassis.
I tested the original volt meter and it works fine, so I replaced the bulb and installed the meter in the right pod hole.
The speakers have a ring around the front mounting surface, so they won't go flush in the enclosures. I used some small springs I salvaged from an old pipe organ as spacers to install the speakers.
I removed the wiring harness from the original radio (it's dead!) and attached it to the new unit. Final installation was plug-n-play as far as wiring was concerned. I did have to cut a 2" square hole in the fairing for the radio connector and fuse to clear.
It has decent sound, and I like the way it looks. What's next - who knows? Maybe a subwoofer in the trunk??
I found exactly what I was looking for at Amazon.com, and really cheap! A Pyle PLR34M mechless receiver and a pair of Pioneer TS-A1072R 4-Inch 3-Way 150-Watt speakers - all for about $70.
The head unit's chassis is fairly shallow- around 4", and when I got it and opened it up, I realized it could be even less. The main circuit board is mounted flat on the back of the faceplate. The amp/input/output board is mounted to the rear heat sink. There is about 2 inches of empty space between them, with a ribbon cable connecting them together.
With a small cut-off disk, I cut the case exactly in half. With a little bending, I gat the 2 halves to slide into each other, making the depth a little over 2".
I then cut out the 2 plastic areas between the left 3 gauge holes in the pod, and trimmed it up for the mounting bracket to slide in. It's almost as though the pod was designed for a single DIN radio chassis.
I tested the original volt meter and it works fine, so I replaced the bulb and installed the meter in the right pod hole.
The speakers have a ring around the front mounting surface, so they won't go flush in the enclosures. I used some small springs I salvaged from an old pipe organ as spacers to install the speakers.
I removed the wiring harness from the original radio (it's dead!) and attached it to the new unit. Final installation was plug-n-play as far as wiring was concerned. I did have to cut a 2" square hole in the fairing for the radio connector and fuse to clear.
It has decent sound, and I like the way it looks. What's next - who knows? Maybe a subwoofer in the trunk??
