Retro radio for 63

[63stick]

Getting ready to drop my dash back in and though I was going to keep original radio in it, I thought last night of changing it out. I don't want to go crazy as car is not going to be a daily driver but it would be nice to be able to listen to something other than talk radio over static. Any suggestions on make, model #. I'm not going to install anything that would require modifying the dash. Also speakers that mate up to existing mounting holes. Thanks

[Gunslinger]

Is the static you hear a constant tone or does it go up and down with engine rpm's?  If it stays constant it's ignition noise.  If it increases and decreases with rpm's it alternator whine.  A condenser in the proper place may take care of it...just need to know where.  You can also mount a noise filter in the power lead to the radio.

Other possibilities...the antenna itself may have lost ground...make sure it's properly grounded.  There's usually a wire from the antenna to a bolt under trunk carpet that's grounded.  Also the radio may need the antenna "trimmed"...a lost art few today are aware of.  To trim the antenna...remove the right knob on the radio and you'll see a screw above the shaft.  Tune the radio to a station...fairly strong...around 1400.  Then using a small screwdriver turn the screw until the radio gives best reception.  Once you get best reception and sound the antenna is trimmed.

You can also spray some electronics cleaner inside the radio...I've seen that clear up noise problems before.  

If this fixes things you're good to go without buying a new radio.  If you feel it necessary to replace the radio...look at Custom Auto Sound.  They should have something that's drop-in for the car.  

[Gunslinger]

Something else...does your car still have the RFI shielding over the distributor and spark plug wires?  If not that could be the source of the noise.  Fiberglass has no natural RFI properties and shielding is needed.  Spark plug wires could be the cause as spark plugs could be as well if not shielded or resistance rated.  

[63stick]

Gunslinger, Sorry, I was just kidding about static, talk shows because there is nothing on AM that I would listen to. Had been going back in forth about upgrading the radio. I like my car original, It still has the original Stereo magic Reverb in it the dealer installed when it was new. and as I mentioned in post, it's not going to be a daily driver. I overhauled the original radio and it works fine. I just thought that now is the time if I am going to upgrade or it won't get done. Once I drop the dash back in, I don't want to go in there again. I also don't want or need to spend a lot of money on a head unit if I don't need to. My hearing is so bad, I don't need really good equipment. I am not cutting anything out to add speakers. If I could find a rear deck, I would, I did find one but they want $150 shipping. I would probably be better off to use mine for a templet and make one. I have a roll of the original viny that's doing nothing but collecting dust and making a home for mice.

Any speaker that you know of that fits the front. Thanks

[Gunslinger]

It's been many years since I owned a '63 but I know that while the dash is out makes it the right time to do anything with the radio.  I don't remember what size the front speaker is...whether it's a 5"x7" or a 4"x10" but either should be easily sourced.  The bigger issue is making sure the speaker is of the proper impedance or the sound will be bad.  With an original radio which is quite large compared to modern units the selection of speakers isn't good as a speaker with a larger magnet will not work as it won't fit against the top of the radio.  There may be some decent speakers available today but you need to check the impedance and vertical dimensions for clearance.  

[63stick]

Gunslinger, thank you for your input. I'm thinking, I only want to do this once\. So I looked at Custom Audio Sound. They sell the same head units as nostalgic sells, about the same price. Problem I am having now is, putting a unit like that in the car and not having any place for speakers. I haven't found anyone that make a stereo speaker to fit a 4x10 opening. I'm not modifying the inside for anything. I'll put a boom box on the back seat. I actually saw one that had 6" speakers in the console. They actually cut them into the tunnel and yes they were subjected to everything that got thrown up under the car.

Anyway, I need to make a decision fairly soon. Funny thing, I was kidding about putting a boom box in the back seat, but It's not going to be driven much except to some local shows. I don't need to spend money on something I'm not going to be able to hear anyway. I took my radio apart and cleaned everything, including the pots and speaker switch. The speakers are in really good condition.

I have a problem, I'm sure a lot of us have that same problem. I can always find a reason to spend money that I don't need to. My wife said what do you want for Christmas. Thought about it for a while, I said remember when you took that ride with me out of state to take some parts from my car to have worked on. Well it's 3k for chrome work. Love you. What a woman! 

I've had this car since new, somewhere along the line, I lost interest. New toys and interests. It was stored indoors. Well, the mice found their way into it. Up through that stupid 2 or 3 inch hole in front of the fuel tank. They built the plaza Hotel on top of the tank.  Fortunately, sometime in the 80s I purchased a ton of NOS from the factory , including 2 fuel tanks. Some rubber products didn't fair to well. 

Sorry, I'm rambling now. Thank you for all your input. Merry Christmas and have a safe and heathy new year.

[Gunslinger]

I think the Custom Auto Sound is much more compact than the original radio.  If so you should have room for a bigger front speaker.  You could also eliminate the front speaker and mount round speakers in the doors…that’s what I did on the ‘70 I owned.