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floatinglc

Posted 2023-10-07 10:57 PM (#632234)
Subject: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Member

Posts: 8

So, im just posting this here because after searching, i didn't really find an example of a hidden but super functional stereo and other electronic amenities. Most people put them in the glove box...but i cant reach the glovebox when driving. My 57 Belvedere is my daily driver and got tired of not having some basic things like a usb charger, bluetooth stereo, and space for some toggle switches. However, above all, i value the stock and original appearance. So this lead me to create my first iteration of a flipdown accessory panel. Covered in black vinyl to match the dash with really small torque hinges that offer quite a bit of resistance so the panel stays put in any position.

Flips down for easy access and flips up underneath to be fully hidden. The stereo is headless and is bolted to a 10", self-amped subwoofer enclosure. The wired remote is attached to the panel. So far i am loving the ability to keep the whole thing hidden and only flip it down when i need to change volume or track or connect to a different device.

Anyway, this might be a helpful idea for someone else that cant stand the isea of some garush black plastic technology sitting on the dash

Images coming

(20231007_160404.jpg)

(20231007_160446.jpg)

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20231007_160446.jpg (63KB - 51 downloads)

jwheath68

Posted 2023-10-11 2:20 PM (#632278 - in reply to #632234)
Subject: Re: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Regular

Posts: 76

Location: Okielahoma

I guess I don’t understand, does the modern stuff in the top picture flip backwards and up out of sight? I’m not seeing any kind of hidden panel covered in vinyl in those two photos

56D500boy

Posted 2023-10-11 3:21 PM (#632281 - in reply to #632234)
Subject: RE: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9915
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
Looks good. Great work

Personally, I have been happy (enough) with my Aurora designs conversion of a 56 "Town and Country" aka "ElectroTouch Tuning" radio from tubes to digital.

It has AM, FM, iPod, USB and Blue Tooth options. I mostly just use FM and Blue Tooth. 4 channel stereo.

Very hidden. Only a tiny multicolour LED to show that something is not stock.

REFERENCE: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=66851&...

57plymouth

Posted 2023-10-12 7:54 AM (#632290 - in reply to #632234)
Subject: Re: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Expert

Posts: 3577
2000

Location: Blythewood, SC

That's brilliant! I would add a second charge port knowing my propensity to use cameras and phones. Does your amp run one speaker or is it a full 4 speaker system? I'd like details and/or pictures on that if you don't mind.

Edited by 57plymouth 2023-10-12 7:55 AM

floatinglc

Posted 2023-10-23 12:44 AM (#632448 - in reply to #632278)
Subject: Re: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Member

Posts: 8

Yes, sorry I probably should take another picture at a different side angle showing it flipped up - but one picture you see it, the other picture you dont because that's how hidden it is.

floatinglc

Posted 2023-10-23 12:59 AM (#632449 - in reply to #632290)
Subject: Re: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Member

Posts: 8

Yes! I'll try to grab additional pictures, of the sub/amp, and front speakers
the Boss amp powers 4 channels:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IBI518Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_deta...

Self-powered, fully enclosed sub:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FN6XCRV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_produc...

Front speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EYCTVUE?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_produc...

I just screwed the amp to the side of the sub enclosure so the whole thing is a single unit inside the trunk. I also cut new side panels out of thin plywood using the original paper panels as guides, then matching up the speaker holes to the frame indentations and the speakers fit great. I matched the black vinyl on the dash and covered the panels.

I only have the amp powering 2 fronts and a sub currently, but I could put 2 more back speakers in the luggage shelf easily if I decided the sound was worth more than preserving the stock look...I am dragging my feet on installing back speakers because I think it ruins the stock look it rolled off the floor with). Also, having the sub with two decent fronts is really quite enough full, rich sound for my purposes.

(20231010_225840.jpg)

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20231010_231355.jpg (28KB - 47 downloads)

floatinglc

Posted 2023-10-23 1:05 AM (#632450 - in reply to #632281)
Subject: RE: Hidden bluetooth stereo and usb charge ports in 57 Belvedere

Member

Posts: 8

Wow, that looks incredible! I looked for this type of solution first, and they didnt have anything that matched....plus I kinda like turning on the the old AM tube radio from time to time for kicks

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