Radio test

[rjkoop]

I'm running out of important things to do on my car so I'm looking at the radio and center console install.

I have an older Alpine radio that the PO gave to me which isn't yet installed in the car. There were also speakers in the front areas at the floor level (map pocket I think it's called). I want to test the radio outside the car. Can I just hookup the battery directly to the proper wires on the back of the radio? I want to ensure I have sound before I install into the center console.

And the radio... Is it worth installing at all? With only the map pocket speakers I think it might sound like crap and with the top down there is really no point anyways until I do it up right with rear speakers, etc...? Music is nice while driving but only if the sound is good.

[4uall]

This might help

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB5wsicoAXM


www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEm2SKQSM-E

[JEEPER]

I'm running out of important things to do on my car so I'm looking at the radio and center console install.

I have an older Alpine radio that the PO gave to me which isn't yet installed in the car. There were also speakers in the front areas at the floor level (map pocket I think it's called). I want to test the radio outside the car. Can I just hookup the battery directly to the proper wires on the back of the radio? I want to ensure I have sound before I install into the center console.

And the radio... Is it worth installing at all? With only the map pocket speakers I think it might sound like crap and with the top down there is really no point anyways until I do it up right with rear speakers, etc...? Music is nice while driving but only if the sound is good.

My speakers 79 were so bad it's a wonder they worked at all. With the new speakers it is louder and clearer than t was when I bought the car NEW. I would replace the speakers if they aren't the new rubber membrane type. I put in a KEENWOOD from CRUTCHFIELD about 5 or 6 years ago for about 125.00 bucks and the speakers came from BEST BUY about 100.00 pr. The only thing I couldn't use were the original square speaker grills.

[bradartigue]

I'm running out of important things to do on my car so I'm looking at the radio and center console install.

I have an older Alpine radio that the PO gave to me which isn't yet installed in the car. There were also speakers in the front areas at the floor level (map pocket I think it's called). I want to test the radio outside the car. Can I just hookup the battery directly to the proper wires on the back of the radio? I want to ensure I have sound before I install into the center console.

And the radio... Is it worth installing at all? With only the map pocket speakers I think it might sound like crap and with the top down there is really no point anyways until I do it up right with rear speakers, etc...? Music is nice while driving but only if the sound is good.

Old Alpines, Blaupunkts, harman/kardon, Bose, and Nakamichi radios are still excellent head units. If it is amplified (and doesn't require an external amp) then sure, hook it to the battery and test the speaker output (you can use home speakers for this). That way you'll at least know the head is good. If the speakers are old it will likely sounds like crap - FIAT speaker holes aren't sealed. When you replace them, buy a foam or plastic pocket for them to insulate. Get high wattage speakers from a reputable brand and you'll be able to turn it up nice and loud when driving.

[rjkoop]

Thanks for the advice. I'll hook it up and hear how it sounds.

[garion]

Don't run it long or loud with your home speakers. The speakers are the wrong ohms.. Most car speakers are 4ohm, and home speakers are generally 8. You risk blowing the amp in the radio.. A few minutes at a reasonable volume is ok.