Car Audio
Classic Car Audio Modernization | Vintage Sound Upgrades
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·5 min read
Classic car audio upgrade guide. Add modern features to vintage vehicles while preserving original appearance.
Classic Car Audio Modernization
Love the look, hate the sound? Modern audio in classic cars is absolutely possible—and can be nearly invisible.
Goals for Classic Audio
| Priority | Approach |
|---|---|
| Preserve appearance | Hidden modern gear |
| Factory look | Retro-style units |
| Modern features | Bluetooth, USB, etc. |
| Quality sound | Proper speakers/amp |
Hidden Audio Options
Option 1: Retro-Style Head Units
Look vintage, work modern:
| Brand | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| RetroSound | Period-correct face | $200-500 |
| Custom Autosound | Classic styling | $250-600 |
| Continental | OEM appearance | $300-600 |
Features include:
- AM/FM
- Bluetooth
- USB input
- Aux input
Option 2: Hidden Modern
Keep factory radio look:
- Factory radio = just display
- Modern unit hidden (glovebox, under seat)
- Bluetooth/aux input hidden
Option 3: Complete Hidden
No visible changes:
- Factory radio stays (non-functional)
- All audio hidden
- Bluetooth streaming only
Speaker Upgrades
Factory Locations
| Location | Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dash | Small, shallow | Custom mounts |
| Kick panels | Often empty | Add enclosures |
| Rear deck | Usually available | Direct fit possible |
| Doors | May need cutting | Custom fab |
Custom Kick Panels
Popular solution:
- Adds speaker locations
- Period-appropriate look
- Room for components
Hidden Amplifiers
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Under seat | Popular, accessible |
| Trunk corner | Out of sight |
| Behind seat | Works well |
Subwoofer Options
Trunk Space Available
- Small sealed 8-10" sub
- Hidden in corner
- Modest bass addition
Limited Space
- Under-seat powered sub
- Very compact
- Better than nothing
Classic Car Audio Packages
Basic Hidden: $600-1,000
- Retro-style head unit
- Factory speaker upgrade
- Bluetooth/aux ready
Quality Upgrade: $1,200-2,000
- Hidden modern system
- Kick panel speakers
- Small amplifier
- Subtle subwoofer
Show Quality: $2,500-5,000+
- Completely invisible
- High-end components
- Custom fabrication
- Competition-level sound
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — discuss your classic
31+ years
The team at Blackout Window Tinting has been serving the Bay Area since 1993, providing premium window tinting and vehicle protection services.
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