Installing an aux connection, 1972 VW Bus

[Mpec2]

Has anyone any experience making some sort of aux connection to speakers in your buses/bugs.

I've got a period correct AM radio in my 72 bus, that i don't want to remove/replace.

I've also got 2 additional speakers in the back of the camper that i would really like to use to connect to an aux so i can play my own music during longer camping trip drives.

I'm not particularly well versed in electronics, but preliminary research shows i could maybe wire the speakers into an amp, and then just pull power to the amp from somewhere. I could probably pull power from the existing radio, since most amps seem to have an on off button anyways.

Would anyone have any recommendations for an amplifier? Or in general any thoughts on doing something like this.

Thanks
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1972 Westfalia

[WhirledTraveller]

I use a small Kenwood 90 watt per channel bluetooth amplifier for a similar purpose. The model I have is discontinued, but this looks similar:

https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Channel-Stereo/dp/B07WS7DL5W/

Nice to have the bluetooth, but you can use an aux cable if you want.
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1977 Westy, Automatic. Big Valve heads, CS Cam.

[Mpec2]

Bluetooth would be even better since apple keeps changing their inputs...

That you for the link, i appreciate it.

Anything special that went into wiring it, if you recall?
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1972 Westfalia

[WhirledTraveller]

[Mpec2]

Good idea with the defroster, may very well do the same thing now that you mention.

I'm thinking of putting the amp in the compartment behind the drivers seat perhaps, screwing it into the wood from the wooden seat or double sided taping it to the metal portion from the drivers seat.

Thanks for the insights. Looking forward to some actual music vs just AM radio talk shows for a change.
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1972 Westfalia

[jjvincent]

A friend of mine put these Pyle speakers on his boat. They have input for a regular radio but they have bluetooth too. You need to run 12V to them though but they are just run of the mill 6.5" round speakers. I think they sound great and do the job.

If not that, hide a bluetooth speaker under the dash and go from there.

https://www.amazon.com/6-5-Inch-Bluetooth-Marine-S...2742?psc=1

[Mpec2]

Ooo thats not a bad idea as well.

I ended up mounting a bluetooth amp though, saw it as a reasonable solution to the already mounted speakers.

Sound is good but current speakers are very old and not particularly loud, so thatll be the next upgrade before next camping season.

Thanks for the input and help gents.
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1972 Westfalia