Need a retro head unit for a 1984 Buick Electra

[fps_dean 10+ year member]

I just got a low mileage 1984 Buick Electra in excellent condition (pics below). I would like to upgrade the factory stereo a bit.

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I got an amazing deal on Infinity Kappa speakers for the car so I am all set there... I think I will be very happy with them. I would like to buy an amp but I am on a budget so that may have to wait a little while. At the very least, I will need a head unit.

The Eclipse CD3100 wasn't bad but it was way too gaudy looking. I would strongly prefer something more appropriate looking; something more retro looking and all of the modern units I've seen just do not look right.

All but one.... the Mcintosh mx406 which is expensive and require that I get the amp right away. I can get a Japanese model from a subaru easily for $450 or less, but I just measured the space in my car and it wont fit the 4" one so I will need to find a used US version if I go that way.

If anyone has any suggestions for the car or wants to sell a mx406 please let me know.

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[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wave.gif.002382ce7d7c19757ab945cc69819de1.gif

Welcome to the forum.

Great lookin' land yacht for its age...

Did Buick put a dual-shaft type radio in the '84 Electra or had they converted to a single-DIN style by that stage?

 

[fps_dean 10+ year member]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wave.gif.002382ce7d7c19757ab945cc69819de1.gifWelcome to the forum.

Great lookin' land yacht for its age...

Did Buick put a dual-shaft type radio in the '84 Electra or had they converted to a single-DIN style by that stage?

It's a single and a half DIN at 3.25" of the front exposed and no more than 3.5" total height.... same unit used in the Century and Cutlass and whatever other GM cars up to at least the early 90s (my mother has a 1992 Century with the same unit).

I kind of wish it did have the dual shaft chrome unit like my first car had, a 1981 Buick Century.... those things looked hot and I found a website that sells retro units of that style. If I could get a proper face plate, I would still do that.

 

[Silverbane 10+ year member]

Nakamichi. I know a guy who has some on sale if you are interested. CD-300, 400, or 500 would do nicely. Great SQ too and he will be there if you have issues...

 

[fps_dean 10+ year member]

Nakamichi. I know a guy who has some on sale if you are interested. CD-300, 400, or 500 would do nicely. Great SQ too and he will be there if you have issues...

Not quite what I had in mind, but they look significantly better than most everything else I've seen. Right now it's the second best option I've seen.

 

[Silverbane 10+ year member]

Not quite what I had in mind, but they look significantly better than most everything else I've seen. Right now it's the second best option I've seen.

Very basic look to them. Look more like they belong in a older car. Not as nice as the MX406, but they look decent and sound nice!

 

[fps_dean 10+ year member]

Very basic look to them. Look more like they belong in a older car. Not as nice as the MX406, but they look decent and sound nice!

Yeah, I personally think they would look more appropriate in a sports car (vette, testarossa) from 1986 just like the previous generation Eclipse though.

I missed a Mcintosh 50x4 watt power amp on ebay for $200... very tempted to wait for one of them and wait for a single DIN mx406...

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

A Kenwood EZ500 might make a nice deck

 

[fps_dean 10+ year member]

A Kenwood EZ500 might make a nice deck

Still not quite the retro look I'm after, but much better than the giant circle button on one side. Also 22 watts RMS as opposed to around 15, so if I don't manage to add an amp soon that's a huge plus!