Modern Shaft Stereo Head Unit

[tcolvinOH]

My initial search didn't turn up anything, so I apologize if this has already been covered.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham. 5.0L v8 (307) engine.

The current head unit in the car is a shaft model, factory installed, with AM/FM and cassette deck. The AM/FM works great, but the cassette deck is non-functional. In addition, there is only one working speaker (rear drivers side).

I'm currently looking into a complete overhaul of the entertainment package, including replacing both the head unit and speaker system, as well as adding a small sub and amp. Before focusing on the speakers and amp, I'd really like to find a shaft style head unit that provides more modern features, such as a front aux port and either a USB or SD port. CD is not necessary if I can get access to a USB or SD port. However, I really would like to maintain the shaft style look, to maintain the look and feel of the car while having the modern conveniences of today's radio systems.

I've done a little bit of digging already and know that these types of head units exist (RetroSoundUSA and Custom AutoSound), but neither of these seem to list anything specific to the 1986. My question is has anyone had any experience with a modern shaft style head unit in the 1986 and will any of these models fit? I have an email into RetroSoundUSA regarding this question and am more than willing to take measurements/pictures of the current setup. I dont have any issue with some trial and error, but I'd like to make sure I have a unit that should fit before going down the path of tearing apart the car.

If I can/should provide any additional information, please let me know and I will be more than happy to get it, if I can. One thing I do not want to do is cheap out on this installation. I've already seen some information on a Pyle head unit, but the reviews I've read so far have been pretty negative toward the unit and have basically not recommended the unit. I like the look of the RetroSound units (especially the Model One's, which is more than enough radio for me).

Thanks for the help/information.

 

[oldmansmonte]

I literally just posted my ad for my model one radio. Im not sure what you mean by shaft radio but I think you mean center radio unit with the knobs on either side. My unit will work for you. I also have a black factory radio/heater control bezel I could sell you and a woodgrain one. I installed the radio today and I couldn't get Canadian stations as well as I would have liked. I live in Buffalo NY but I like the stations from over the border better and some radios do better than others. Otherwise local stations sounded great and the radio has 2 ipod inuts, USB and SD card inputs. I paid $170 and Im willing to let it go for $100 with free shipping.

Let me know if your interested, although I find it weird that you joined today and are asking for what I just put up for sale. I feel like its a scam. I hope not.

 

[tcolvinOH]

oldmansmonte:

Wow, now that is coincidence! I can absolutely assure you that I had no clue you had it for sale. From what I posted, I wasn't even sure if the Model One would fit in the 86 or not. I hate to make an assumption, mostly based on the lack of knowledge on the car, but are the bezels interchangeable between the MC and the Cutlass? I currently have the wood grain, which I like and hope to maintain, which is why I was looking at the Model One. I was just about to ask if you had pics of it mounted, but I see from your post that you didn't take any.

Please message me about the radio. I'm definitely interested.

 

[oldmansmonte]

oldmansmonte:

Wow, now that is coincidence! I can absolutely assure you that I had no clue you had it for sale. From what I posted, I wasn't even sure if the Model One would fit in the 86 or not. I hate to make an assumption, mostly based on the lack of knowledge on the car, but are the bezels interchangeable between the MC and the Cutlass? I currently have the wood grain, which I like and hope to maintain, which is why I was looking at the Model One. I was just about to ask if you had pics of it mounted, but I see from your post that you didn't take any.

Please message me about the radio. I'm definitely interested.

Do me a favor and post the pics of your current radio.

 

[tcolvinOH]

This is probably the best pic I currently have of what is currently installed.

 

[oldmansmonte]

Radio pics. Sorry imageshack is messing up right now so some pics are coming then disappearing.

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/809/djb6.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/198/dczx.jpg

http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/829/yr34.jpg


The one I did a mockup of the shafts with the knobs next to it. It appears the radio will fit fine. The measurements of the bezel hole are 4 1/2 x 2 inches. You wont need a new bezel yours looks exactly like mine.

 

[tcolvinOH]

I will be in touch tomorrow but this sounds promising. Thanks for the pics.

 

[L92 OLDS]

I will be in touch tomorrow but this sounds promising. Thanks for the pics.

The shaft style radio you are showing in the pic is not the correct stereo for your car. Someone swapped it out. That style was found in 83' and older G bodies.....Your 86' should have the newer and much better DIN style Delco stereo which are actually very good head units. They can be modified to accept an aux input for an ipod or MP3 player. Check out the difference in your wood grain bezels....The 86' walnut above is correct. The burlwood radioplate is for older G body Cutlass'.

 

[tcolvinOH]

Anubis:

Interesting catch! I didn't notice that before. Any idea where I can find pics of what its SUPPOSED to look like? I really would like to keep this car looking as stock as possible, but now that I look at the picture, the wood grain does look different.

oldmansmonte:

I'll let you know about the radio once I figure this out. I'm still learning a lot about this car and what is and isnt original, so I do appreciate your patience. Once I figure this thing out, I'll be able to make a better decision.

 

[tcolvinOH]

Anubis:

Is this more of what I should be expecting to see (sorry, the angle of the pic I found is not great)?