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Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:17 pm

Thought there would be a posting on this, but I can't find it.

A company named Retrosound makes replacement "retro-looking" radios for Ghia's. Here's the link: http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/details/id/144

Question: Does anyone have experience with these radios? And are they any good?

My Ghia still has the original Sapphire AM / FM and it still works. But it's just not up to today's standards, and will not take IPOD's (the Retrosound does).

Obviously, I will keep the original radio in case someone wants to back to stock.

Thanks in advance!

Thu Mar 18, 2010 6:38 am

FWIW I have put this one in two VWS - a '75 Super and a '71 Ghia.

I am no audiophile but in my opinion it has good sound. Its an AM/FM Cassette with an ipod connection. It looks period correct and fits in the opening without any cutting or modification.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/30-watt-am/fm/cassette-receiver/p2011644.jcwx

Sat Mar 20, 2010 4:57 pm

If your original radio still works and it picks up FM stations, why not use something like this for your iPod - http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Eforcity-Univ...oduct.html ? It plugs into a standard cigarette lighter and plays all your iPod tunes through your existing FM radio, and charges the iPod at the same time. I've got one in my '70 vert and it works great. Since the cigarette lighter on my car is in a awkward place, I installed another DC outlet under the dash.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:58 am

Thanks, NOVA and FiremarshallBill!

I had a huge victory on this one and would recommend Retrosound to anyone. It's way beyond my expectations:

* Looks original - like it belongs in a Ghia (even the faceplate texture matches the ugly black faceboard pattern)

* Sounds great....lots of power (I put in new speakers).

* USB cord is fantastic. I routed to my glovebox and transferred my IPOD and MP3 songs to a USB stick. Works like a charm!

* Has a comprehensive infrared remote for folks whose arms aren't long enough to reach the dashboard ;-)

* There's an aux input on front AND back panel for plugging in your IPOD if you prefer that to a USB.

* Has great FM and AM reception.

This device was obviously designed by someone who has been around retro cars for a long, long time. I can't think of anything else I'd want in it.

5 Stars!!! (My unit - http://www.retrosoundusa.com/ , except with black face...also available in chrome as shown, but the black looks better with the 1972 dash)

(Full disclosure: I had a shop install it, so I can't comment on difficulty. Shop said it was a routine installation with no complications.)

Wed Mar 24, 2010 11:28 am

Just installed one in my 70 vert. My son and I installed it in a couple of hours. Could have taken less time if we had understood the instructions. They are not car specific so you have to read between the lines. It looks great and sounds good.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:13 pm

I'm putting as much concern into having a head unit and equally good speakers as I am with mechanical restoration of my ghia. I'm assuming there is a thread on how to install speakers in the ghia. I haven't taken a close look in the car yet since I haven't had much time to get started on the project. That and there is 30 years of junk piled in the car. I've been holding off looking up how these things are done until I have time to commit to the project. I also have qualms in deciding to order one of these retro-sound head unit sets since these seem to be off-brand which cause me to question their reliability and quality.

Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:24 pm

UserDrew wrote: I'm putting as much concern into having a head unit and equally good speakers as I am with mechanical restoration of my ghia. I'm assuming there is a thread on how to install speakers in the ghia. I haven't taken a close look in the car yet since I haven't had much time to get started on the project. That and there is 30 years of junk piled in the car. I've been holding off looking up how these things are done until I have time to commit to the project. I also have qualms in deciding to order one of these retro-sound head unit sets since these seem to be off-brand which cause me to question their reliability and quality.

Yes there's plenty to read on the subject...just a simple search for "speakers" in the Ghia forum gives you a couple of pages of topics: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?search_id=946066515&start=0

Wed Mar 24, 2010 2:48 pm

The "Retrosound" does not impress me. What I would specify as a modern alternate with much more impressive specs and performance, and a retro look and feel is the Becker Mexico 7984:
http://www.mybecker.com/enUK/Automotive-Mexico+7948.html

Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:59 pm

when I replace my radio, I'm using one of these retro ones.
http://www.casmfg.com/radios.htm

Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:40 pm

i have the retrosound and love it !

Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:57 am

:D After living with the Retrosound for a couple of weeks, I like it even more! The thing I like best (besides the look and sound) is the USB stick. I converted my Itunes Songs to MP3, and a small USB stick holds 999 songs! I put it in the glove box, and can now select songs using the remote or on the dash.

Retrosound rocks!

Mon Apr 05, 2010 1:37 pm

Quote: The "Retrosound" does not impress me. What I would specify as a modern alternate with much more impressive specs and performance, and a retro look and feel is the Becker Mexico 7984:

The becker looks great so I took a look because I am near to purchasing a new deck for my car!!!
There is one problem with the becker......its $2000!!!!!!
The retrosound is around 250-300!!!

Here is a review on the becker with average price tag:
http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becker-mexico-7948-the-hi-tech-retro-car-deck

If the price tag was near the retrosound i would buy the becker any day....but for $2000 I would prefer spending it on something else for my ghia.....