Close



Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Radio swap 82GT

  1. #1

    Default Radio swap 82GT

    How much of a headache is it to swap out the old dual shaft type radio for a modern single-DIN type AM/FM CD receiver.? My GT still has the original AM/FM cassette player with the amp knob.

  2. #2
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Grand Junction, CO/RR TX
    Posts
    14,206

    Default

    You will have to cut the radio opening for the single DIN unit. Not big deal, but once you do it, it's almost impossible to every go back if you wanted an original style unit.

    I personally have no issue with it, but just keep that in mind. Getting the old unit out is the biggest PITA IMHO. The OEM unit has a bracket in the back that holds the radio in place and the size of the radio makes it tough to maneuver out. I generally pull the console and I have even had to remove the two lower bolts for the dash in the kick panels to allow me to swing the bottom of the dash out a bit to give me more room to get the radio out.

    Once the original is out, installing the new unit is pretty simple and easier as they are generally much smaller and not near as heavy/bulky.

    Good Luck!
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  3. #3
    FEP Super Member Travis T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    China Grove, North Carolina
    Posts
    5,267

    Default

    If I was going to do it (and I did) I'd swap in an 85-86 dash and keep or sell the old one.
    1984 Mustang GT owned since 1991 (first car). Mercury Mountaineer GT-40P engine, some suspension mods, currently undergoing a five lug SN95 brake upgrade and more suspension mods. Some minor body and interior mods have been done as well.

    2004 GT convertible, 2001 Taurus LX, 1994 F150, 1950 F-1 Ford Pickup

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member sowaxeman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Greenwood, IN
    Posts
    3,506

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    You will have to cut the radio opening for the single DIN unit. Not big deal, but once you do it, it's almost impossible to every go back if you wanted an original style unit.

    I personally have no issue with it, but just keep that in mind. Getting the old unit out is the biggest PITA IMHO. The OEM unit has a bracket in the back that holds the radio in place and the size of the radio makes it tough to maneuver out. I generally pull the console and I have even had to remove the two lower bolts for the dash in the kick panels to allow me to swing the bottom of the dash out a bit to give me more room to get the radio out.

    Once the original is out, installing the new unit is pretty simple and easier as they are generally much smaller and not near as heavy/bulky.

    Good Luck!
    You also need to remove the lower HVAC duct/diverter, then it can be wiggled out the back over the passenger side of the tunnel. HOWEVER....it is NOT impossible to go back to a twin post if you cut the dash opening.

    Saleen's used twin post Kenwood's in 1985. You have to fabricate a "sandwich" so to speak out of universal install brackets to hold it in there, and of course use the back support to hold it up. You also need a radio delete plate to act as a trim plate up front....with the rectanglular opening cut out and two holes drilled for the shafts.

    This is one that I restored in an '85 Saleen several years ago:


    Jason Smith
    MCA #65481

    '82 Capri RS Resto-Mod
    '88 #400 Saleen Coupe "Mean Machine" Legal Guardian
    '93 LX Yellow/Black Summer Feature - 2,800 Mile Original Survivor (Foxtoberfest 2019 Best Original 87-93)
    '05 S-281 Mineral Grey

  5. #5
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Grand Junction, CO/RR TX
    Posts
    14,206

    Default

    I did say Almost Impossible!

    Hadn't thought of the sandwiching idea, Good One!
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •