How can I install a new style radio into an old 79 F-150?

Question

My F-150 has a radio mount with two holes on the left and right side. The new style car radios wont fit because they don't screw into the holes on the left and right side. Is there a way I can install a new style radio? Or where can I find an old radio that would fit that has FM or a cassette player?

Answer 1

In almost every case, if you want to install a standard DIN CD player, it would require cutting out the dash to fit the new size. This is very commonly done when installing new radios into older vehicles, as long as you're not trying to keep the vehicle in stock condition. Just about any car audio shop should be able to do this for you.

If you don't want to cut the dash, you can get an "underdash" mounting kit that works exactly like it sounds. You may also need to re-wire your speakers; many old Fords used a chassis-grounded speaker wiring setup that's not compatible with newer high-powered decks.

If you don't care about the CD player, then you'll need to search for a "shaft-mount" deck. There aren't many new ones available any more; a shaft-mount design automatically excludes a built-in CD player, so if you want to play CD's you'd need to find one that will work with a separate CD changer.

Answer 2

JCWhitney offers a solution.
There are lots of people that have the same dilema, there are options with this company that offer an old school look with todays technology. The ones I have seen offered are the older style "2 knob" radios that are fitted with the latest technology, they even offer the same radio that is a disc changer controller with a seperate changer unit that can be mounted in the glove compartment or under the seat.

Check their catalog out, I think you will find what you need.

Answer 3

I think your best bet would be to check with Crutchfield,whitch is a mail-order, electronic supplier. Sorry I don't know the web address off hand, but it should'nt be to hard to find. Hope it helps you.