It's upgrade time!
I've have now saved up about 600 bucks and thought I'd consult with elky owners. I am torn between installing an audio system and redoing the interior. I'd like suggestions on interior options (color, etc.) as well as estimated cost of redoing the interior (including dash; or could i just paint it). Also if I put in a system what unexpected things might i run into? In addition, what other upgrade suggestions (excluding a NOS system) do ya'll have?

[SNL reference]....And, Scene....[/SNL reference]

It's upgrade time!
I've have now saved up about 600 bucks and thought I'd consult with elky owners. I am torn between installing an audio system and redoing the interior. I'd like suggestions on interior options (color, etc.) as well as estimated cost of redoing the interior (including dash; or could i just paint it). Also if I put in a system what unexpected things might i run into? In addition, what other upgrade suggestions (excluding a NOS system) do ya'll have?

[SNL reference]....And, Scene....[/SNL reference] How bad is your interior ??? If you can live with it for awhile, I'd go for the system. First thing to get a a nice headunit (Look for one with (3) sets of pre-amp outs at atleast 4volt), I really recomend looking on Ebay, you can get a nice headunit fairly cheap. Amps, again, check Ebay. Speakers and subs I tend to buy new. $600.00 isn't all that much, hell I can spend more then that on just a set of subswoofers, but then again, I run TREO's. www.treoonline.com

WOW those are NICE!!! [Would you like to sponsor me?]

I was looking at 2 6x9's that are 3 or 4 way and mount them behind the seat. Unlike many high school kids i just what to hear some tunes, not let the whole neighborhood listen in.

Okay, I'd concentrate on a good head unit then. You may want to consitter some Q-forms Clicky (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-PwYWYpmvzFU/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?g=182850&a=1) with some speakers like the Infinity Kappa Perfects.http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/lifestyle/2000/l044K1011.jpeg

Hmmm, no brainer for me. The system is just a feel good thing while upgrading the interior is a long term improvement in the elky.

Yeah, Ima head to the upholsterer Monday or Tuesday and see what the bench and headliner and the visors might run me (Im doing the carpet myself...I think). I might not be able to do what i want with the cash i got.

Yeah, Ima head to the upholsterer Monday or Tuesday and see what the bench and headliner and the visors might run me (Im doing the carpet myself...I think). I might not be able to do what i want with the cash i got. My 78 has a bench seat. After I build the suspension and power train the way I want it, I will get some bucket seats. I kinda like the ones Honest Charley's has on thier website.http://www.honestcharley.com/ec%20images/Seats%202.JPG

I would do the Headliner, Visors and a dashcap if you need it. But then to me a radio is just noise..

My vote goes for the interior upgrade.....besides, who even needs a stereo!? (don't even have one in my elco) I would rather listen to the sweet "music" of a well-tuned small block with a lumpy cam :-D

My vote goes for the interior upgrade.....besides, who even needs a stereo!? (don't even have one in my elco) I would rather listen to the sweet "music" of a well-tuned small block with a lumpy cam :-D

I was thinkin the same thing Chevydude! My flowmasters play such sweet tunes, how could I want anything else. I dont need a mega-amp, or a super woofer.....I just stomp on the accelerator! :cool:

My vote goes for the interior upgrade.....besides, who even needs a stereo!? (don't even have one in my elco) I would rather listen to the sweet "music" of a well-tuned small block with a lumpy cam :-D

I was thinkin the same thing Chevydude! My flowmasters play such sweet tunes, how could I want anything else. I dont need a mega-amp, or a super woofer.....I just stomp on the accelerator! :cool: I like to have it all. I love the sound of a built Chevy V-8, but I also like having a "BIG" stereo system in my rides.

why not meet in the middle, ( I don't know what a full interior will cost) but how about getting a mid level (100.00 or less) head unit and the rest going into the interior. You already said you don't want the rest of the world listening in on your sounds.
Check to see what a good set of seats will cost at the boneyard...
if you can find the ones you need in the color you need then the major work is done. Then all you need is the doors (possibly) and a dash cover

Just thinking out loud

well if i do the interior I'm going to reupholster everything: seat, carpet, visor, headliner, dash cap, and belts; all black. If I go with the radio I've also got to replace everything: head unit, amp, speakers, and boxes.

And yes I know that engines sound good, i have a big block with the flowmasters; and i do love to romp on it all the time, but sometimes I just want to cruise with some tunes. Plus with gas prices exceeding the $2 mark it's getting expensive to ROMP on a BIG block.

Wow! I must be getting old since I'd go for the interior.

Mines's got a whole $15 in my sound system right now. Old Alpine cassette bought at the flea market for $3 and 2 new speakers to replace the original dash ones, bought at Wal-Mart for $6 each.

I went for a dash cap in mine, replaced my own carpet, nice steering wheel and a cheeeep seat cover (temporary). The rest was just TLC and spray paint. I blew aout $300 on all that. Seat will probably come from the boneyard in good time.

Agreed, mine has barely left the garage because the gas prices. Besides, it's motorcycle weather!

See Ya,
AL

anyone know what the 80 elco's had as speakers. Instead of building a box and putting it behind the seats i might mount them in the dash where the holes are already.

You're gonna have to go for those thumping 3.5 inchers. :)

See Ya,
AL

well then i might be pricing some boxes soon. I'd like to run 3 way 6X9's.

I know you've got to have a friend who makes decent boxes. Maybe they can hook you up. 6x9's in a box sound like and economical way to help you towards a nice interior.

Heck, even I have friends who can make a quality box. You'll be fine.

See Ya,
AL

My dad is an excellent wood worker. But wally-world has boxes that are carpeted and wired for just over 10 a piece. Think i could still make them cheaper?

Alright, I decided to go for the sound system because I think I can do an system right with the cash I've got. I figure I'd need at least $800 to do the entire interior.

Here's what I've purchased: 10" pioneer 300W woofer, 400 Watt amp, Head unit with mp3 playback and 220 W output, 2 6x9 pioneer 4-way speakers, and boxes. Tomorrow I install {and hopefully finish}

The hard thing is where to mount all this. ANY SUGGESTIONS

I put some 3.5 inch fostgates in the dash, they are okay, but if you want a complete sound, some 6x9's or something like that are needed, thats what i ended up doing. If I were you i would go with the Interior, its always awesome having a real nice interior

but since you decided to go with audio. I had my speakers behind the curtain, probably the best place if you want a stock look(right?). Did you check on the size of the cd player and the hole it goes into? might have to get installation kit

I put some 3.5 inch fostgates in the dash You'll pay more for the name then anything else with Rockford Fosgate. I'd go with a good sounding quality speaker like JBL, or Infinity. I really like the Infinity Kappa's, but they're not cheap. Component speakers (Seprete midrange and tweeters) sound the best in my honest opinion.

the 3.5's I have great sound quality, just not loud enough to work alone. Thats why I got some fosgate 6X9's 3-ways also, the 4 speakers together cost me 100 bucks brand new, and have really good sound quality, so i don't think i just bought a name.

the 3.5's I have great sound quality, just not loud enough to work alone. Thats why I got some fosgate 6X9's 3-ways also, the 4 speakers together cost me 100 bucks brand new, and have really good sound quality, so i don't think i just bought a name. No dissrespect intended. I just belive that Rockford Fosgate is way over priced for what you get. Years ago they were the tops, but I feel thier quality has gone way down. I've been involved with high-end automotive sound systems for along time, and RF just isn't what it once was.

i say interior. i had mine done for $500.00 and it included seats, headliner, sun visors, and top half of the door panels. the dash and plastic pieces you can paint. but thats just me.

Ur dash is gonna have two 3.5" speakers. BUT! They aren't bad at all lol... The **** i got as of right now is just plain 2 6"x9"'s behind the seats on the floor and the dash speakers..and it sounds fine! But im gettin a system soon.

My 2 cents - 600$ is gonna go down to 0$ toooo quickly. GET A JOB! Im a retarded lifeguard but its better than nothing. If all u wanna do is the interior....er...I already know u DO or WILL get some cracks in ur dash. Get some **** that will cover them up. Headliner? Easy fix...sorta cheap 100-200$? FLOOR MATS!! 20-30$ and in mine they look sweet as hell.
(My Camino is 2-tone Black and silver. Thats silver on top, black in the middle w/ little silver pin stripe, and silver on the bottom. I got Black + silver floor mats that natch the exterior of my car. Not to go queer eye for a minute..but it's always sexy to bring the exterior theme to ur interior) Bench - KEEP IT!! I'll tell u a number of reasons why:
1) You can get laid and drive at the same time**** I know from experiance**** but id reccomend going at a slow speed
2) It helps conseal "illegal subtances" lol...if ur into that ****. I keep the tarp behind the seats along with the bench tight as **** so i can fix a few 40's and 20 packs back there at all times.
3) it's sexy!

System...save ur money bud lol...If ur gonna get a system..You gotta eigther go semi big then upgrade later when u get more money..go GO BIG at the start and love it.

Camino's aren't big cars..they only got 1 cabin so u dont gotta fill too much space! (Thank God) I just purchased 2 12" MB Quart subs. They are the ****ing ****. 350w RMS round 500w+ peak. Powered by a 760 max Pioneer Amp. (Works perfectlyyyyy! My subs are 4 ohms and this amp , bridged, will run 380w rms to each sub - so they'll be gettin pushed every time.) It's insane. My car shakes down the streets of Jersey. You may ask where the hell i put the subs though? Look under that tarp behind ur seats...Got enough room in there to fit a few small children. But i dont know.. i think i went a little overkill but im guilt free since i've heard of crazier **** than mine in caminos lol...
other than that.. up to you. Good luck w/ that
(almost forgot...AIR SHOCKS...if u look under ur car ur exhaust is gonna be close to the ground...jack up the back end a little...it looks mean and saves ur ass on speed bumps!)

I've been involved with high-end automotive sound systems for along time, and RF just isn't what it once was.Ok Paul, so what's the best bang for the buck? I'm ready to start a custom enclosure for the storage area and want to start picking up the electronics for it.

I've been involved with high-end automotive sound systems for along time, and RF just isn't what it once was.Ok Paul, so what's the best bang for the buck? I'm ready to start a custom enclosure for the storage area and want to start picking up the electronics for it. In all honesty, Ebay is the best bang for the buck. For amps, I really like MMATS, Digital Design, US Amps, ARC, Crossfire, and Soundstream. Headunits, I like JVC, and Clarion alot. Not the biggest name brands, but good quality. For subs, I'm a big fan of the MMATS Juggernauts, but they are expencive. For a more resonalbe price, I really like the TREO SS's www.treoonline.com For your main speakers you have lots to choose from, I recomend listoning to sevreal sets with the music you like befor you decide. I personally have the Infinity Kappa Perfect 5.1 (5-1/4" Components).Nice amp on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18796&item=3096517115&rd=1)

thinking there are 3 1/2. possibly 4 1/2 . Not any bigger than that.
not exactly built for speed...

Alright, Got it installed!!!
Everthing worx great now and sound very nice[in my opionion].

One question to the car audio buffs: When I turn my reciever up to full blast it cuts out and in. Is this because i need a bigger amp to reach the high audio levels or is a Farad capacitor what will remedy the problem?