Retrosound DIN 1.5 bluetooth head unit install experience?

[81cutlass]

Anyone buy the DIN 1.5 Retrosound bluethooth head unit for their G body?

1985-87 Pontiac Grand Am New York 1.5 DIN Radio

The RetroSound Newport is a direct-fit replacement radio for your classic. Newport looks and fits like the original factory radio, but boasts the most modern technological features. An Apple Made-For-iPod interface is built in, as is Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and wireless...

www.retromanufacturing.com

I am spoiled with the daily drivers having bluetooth and realize how terrible radio is now that I have to listen to it. Plus I have tried a few OE delco radios and a few features always seem to be dead or cut in and out.

I know this retrosound DIN 1.5 head unit is advertised as drop in, but curious if it really has the same bracket holes on the side as an OEM delco 1.5 radio or if you have to fab brackets.

Also, is there a harness supplied or available so I don't have to cut the 3 (black, orange and tan) connectors off the GM dash speaker/power harness? It says 'harness included' but I am curious if its a generic pigtail harness I have to terminate or what it looks like.


I do realize I can call crutchfield or Retro but I am mostly interested in G body specific fitment which I doubt they know. Retrosound has poor user documentation on their webside on what it looks like actually installed. The catalog is pretty generic for the pre 84 style shaft radios and nothing showing an actual dash or wiring harness.

 

[pagrunt]

From what I've seen with them, it looks like the OE ones won't fit with how thin the face is. With the "motor" assembly it looks like they streamline the radios with just coming up with a selection of plug & play face plates & having the harness also being plug & play with the needed connector. Also seems like the manuals & instructions are pretty generic. I am also looking at this as a possibilty for my '81 but would like to have a more of an OE look for Jr.'s '79 per his quest to stay original the best we can. Just like you I'm spoiled like you with the newer radio features in my truck & the wife's car & would like to put that all into the Monte Carlos.

 

[DSPbuilt]

Also interested.
I almost ordered one last week. Ended up with Walmart Power acoustic crap for now as I had no radio.
I’m interested in the RetroSound unit as it’ll match well with the Vintage Air control unit.
Only thing I think I noticed was that it didn’t have sub output.

Edit:
It was the lower end model 1b that didn’t have any rca output or sub output
Looks like the 2b and 4b do have them.

 

[KGB]

I've got an older Retrosound Newport in my Regal. I had no car audio/electrical experience at the time, so I did have a shop install it. From what I remember, there was very little difficulty with the install. I did buy the universal mounting kit, but I don't think much of it was used. I can dig the box out tomorrow if anybody cares enough. I won't be able to help with the wiring though, as I just realized today my dash speakers are not stock.

I had more pictures handy at one time, but I can't find them now. I can also rip the radio plate off and show the mounts and whatnot if anybody likes.

At the time, the Newport was their only 1.5 DIN, otherwise I would've gone with the New York for the chrome knob rings. Mine would be a "Motor 2B". The picture I've added is pretty old, so I've got an iphone 5C hooked up to it through the cable. I vaugely remember it being a little finicky when operating the phone through the radio. These days, I just use the bluetooth and youtube on my phone for music. I've got a thumb drive in the glove box that's hooked into the remote USB with an album or two on it. Mine has amber or green lighting, but I believe the new ones have more options.

Without a cord sticking out of it, it's very subtle. People who ride in it think it's stock, until I take a phone call through the radio.

I've had it installed since 2016, and it hasn't missed a beat. I run the car all year round as well, so it's also seen -38c and kept on ticking.

I can get better/more specific pictures if anyone likes. Just let me know