aftermarket radio

I read about the installation of the aftermarket radio here on the website and when I finished my 85 Mustang GT last year and installed a new sound system I became painful aware of the premium soudn system woes.

My question is this - my TC has the premium soudn with the graphic equalizer so if I replace the radio (mainly due to the fact that the cassette deck doesn't work and I woudl liek to add a CD changer int he trunk), I can't decide what do with the graphic equalizer. I could just leave it sitting there and it be non-operational or I could remove it and replace it with the package tray (if I could find one) but I really like the looks of the equalizer there (plus it works great).

I am wondering if there is a way to wire it into a modern system? Not being a stereo guy I don't know if this could be done.

Thanks

BOB

BOB

I would talk to a local indepedant, NOT a large retail chain, car stereo dealer. They have all the information required to utilize the factory wiring and the factory EQ. If they say it can't be done, get a second opinion. I would also contact Crutchfield. They seem to have a pretty good grasp of how the systems work. Good Luck!

P.S. If you choose to remove the EQ you could always put aftermarket gauges in its place.

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NATO Member
1984 Turbo Coupe
Rebuilt Engine
New T3/T4 Hybrid Turbo
Large Spearco Intercooler with Bypass valve.
Adjustable cam gear.
Kirban adjustable fuel pressure regulator
K&N fender mounted filter.
8.8 readend with Ford Motor Sport 4.10's
Replaced entire brake system
Replaced entire fuel system
Replaced entire suspension
87' or 88' TC hood
Completely redone leather interior.
Turbo boost adjuster from Tiny Avenger
3" Exhaust - DP, Cat and Ultra Flo Dyno Max.
and just about every thing else...
except the body looks like hell.

DrBob, Its very simple to remove and replace the stereo in these cars, especially if you do away with the premium sound. Just be careful trying to connect all six speakers to the H/U as most only accomodate 4. It can be done although it is better to get a small amp for at least one pair of the speakers. As far as the top slot, I chose to place 3 gauges there. Another member moved the system sentry to the top, and put in a cup holder from a Taurus, some folks put in the little acc. tray, so you have many options. Just post your questions, we can get you through it.

Here's the deal. For the premium sound systems WITH the graphic eq the radio/tape deck is JUST a tuner, it has no real amp to drive the speakers. There is a amp in the eq (2-3 watts I'm guessing) just to drive the second amp thats behind the back seat on the passenger side(its supposed to be 20 watts per channel, yea right).

If a high watt system is connected to the stock eq/amp you will get lots of distortion at more than moderate volume levels. I connected one for my daughter this way. She's happy, but it I couldn't live with it.

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Two 1988 Turbo Coupes ..... yea one of em has a 5.0 And runs 13.1s

[This message has been edited by TurboCoupe50 (edited 07-08-2002).]

So a standard Ford TC radio will not work? I was considering replacing the radio unit with a factory unit adn then adding a CD changer but it soudns liek I am going to have to ensure that the radio I get is with the one mated with the equalizer?

BOB

Thats right. A normal factory radio has a amp built in. These don't, so trying to hook up another will result in sending a high level signal into a low level input resulting in the distortion that TurboCoupe 50 mentioned.

I like the idea of the cupholder since I don't like driving with a coke between my legs - can be mighty embarrassing if I hit a bump in the road [Image: smile.gif]

What year Taurus cupholder will work? My wife has a 99 SHO and although I very seldom ever drive it I can't think of a cupholder other than the one in the center console so I assume it is from an earlier year - maybe the same vintage as our TC's? Also, how difficult is it to get it mounted and all?

Thanks

BOB

Heres the thread about it. http://natoubb.turboford.org/Forum1/HTML/003831.html