Instead of finishing what I started I decided to take on another project... Currently I have an amplifier under my seat that I can connect to through bluetooth. It works, but I have to adjust the volume on the phone and to connect to the phone it makes annoying sounds etc. I always wanted to be able to control the volume with the original radio and turn it on with the knob. So I bought this cheap ($23) bluetooth amp thing and started gutting a spare radio that I had, that didn't work and that unfortunately has some pitting on the pushbuttons. The radio that's currently in the car actually works and the buttons are mint!
View attachment 1715683069
I see this one as a prototype and if it works well I will get those buttons rechromed or I'll try to find better ones. Anyways, I also still wanted the radio to light up and keep the channel search mechanism to still function. Basically I want it to keep the original appearance.
View attachment 1715683070
I took apart the original volume poti and I will have to somehow attach the stem to the amp's poti, because it's not long enough to go through the faceplate. I still have to figure out how to actually do it, but I have an idea. I also took this clamp (see arrow) off the poti and that will actually hold the amp unit to the faceplate. I plan on soldering the original connectors to the amp, so I won't have to change anything under the dash. I'll keep you posted.
View attachment 1715683071
