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installing radio in radio delete dash

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Rembrant

installing radio in radio delete dash

Hi Folks,

My '84 does not have a radio, and I'm curious what I need to install one?
I don't care about the antenna so much, and I know I have to supply 12v.

My two main concerns are do I simply need to buy a dash panel with an opening for a radio?
Or, I could cut an opening in the panel I have, but there's still no support behind it for a radio.
Is there a separate frame for the radio, or is that part of the radio bezel?

Also, where to put the speakers? In the doors, or elsewhere?

Am I making any sense?...lol.

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

Pebcak

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

WoW

I've never seen one with the blank bezel before.

My two cents I have would to put the speakers in the doors. I'm also looking into installing a sub/amp behind the seat.

It would be interesting to see behind the bezel if the wiring and physical connection are all there or not. I'll be surprised if they aren't.

1986 F150 XLT Lariat, 4X2, 351W, 1406 Edelbrock Carb - Currently going through an engine rebuild through a "Father/Son Project"

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Pebcak wrote

It would be interesting to see behind the bezel if the wiring and physical connection are all there or not. I'll be surprised if they aren't.

Nothing behind the bezel except a big empty cavern. I don't think there's any wiring there, but if it is, it's wrapped up in the main harness somewhere. There's also no antenna, or wiring going to the doors, etc.

I'm not really concerned with the wiring...I can deal with that, I'm just curious I guess if my only option (or best option) is finding a matching rado bezel to swap in place? The radio delete bezel is just a flat plastic panel...it wouldn't be strong enough to hold a radio if I simply cut a hole in it.

Running wires to the doors in a reliable manner might be a pain, but I'm sure I could figure something out for that.

Anybody familiar enough with the interior door panels to know if there are actual mounting points there for speakers in a truck that was not equipped with them?

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

I guess my question is, when I look at the bezel in this Ebay auction, it also has no support for a radio. Was the factory radio just hanging on the bezel? That seems like it would be awfully weak to me...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-pickup-truck-bronco-dash-mounted-radio-bezel-trim-B115/183054431677?fits=Year%3A1984%7CMake%3AFord%7CModel%3AF-150&hash=item2a9ee4f5bd:g:YJgAAOSwkvdadp35&vxp=mtr

Gary Lewis

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Administrator

I wouldn't cut that bezel! That's a "radio delete" bezel and there aren't a lot of them. Instead one of us probably has a bezel that would work for you.

And, I'm working on upgrading my page on Radios to show you the differences and how they mount.....

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Pebcak

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

In reply to this post by Rembrant

Don't cut it!

Are you looking into having a "radio" exactly or just something that plays music?

Reason I ask is because I've retrofitted my truck.

I've installed THIS and use the amp and controls. I installed THESE Kicker speakers in the door.

I'll upload the photos to the Gallery under my Truck so you can see the Stereo Install.

If you're not wanting an actual radio and you'd like to have Bluetooth connectivity and an Aux jack directly to your speakers I'd use this.

I can go into more detail later. I'm at work and swamped today now that I'm not at lunch.

1986 F150 XLT Lariat, 4X2, 351W, 1406 Edelbrock Carb - Currently going through an engine rebuild through a "Father/Son Project"

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Pebcak wrote

Are you looking into having a "radio" exactly or just something that plays music?

Reason I ask is because I've retrofitted my truck.

I've installed THIS and use the amp and controls. I installed THESE Kicker speakers in the door.

No, I don't need an actual radio, Ford or otherwise...I was just generalizing really. I really just need something with Bluetooth connectivity that will play over a set of speakers. I want something integrated...somewhere, somehow...rather than a portable unit of some kind sitting on the seat. My thought was to install a simple Kenwood single din head unit, but I really just need a Bluetooth player of some kind.

I'll check out your link and see if that would do the trick...

Gary Lewis

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Administrator

FYI, what I'm working on will explain that up through 1984 the radio openings were not DIN. They were a strange size and the radios mounted to a plate via their controls. In '85 Ford went DIN and the radios mounted differently.

So, radio bezels are grouped 1980 - 84, non-DIN, and 1985-86 DIN.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Gary Lewis wrote

So, radio bezels are grouped 1980 - 84, non-DIN, and 1985-86 DIN.

OK, so with either one, is the radio supported fully by the plastic bezel and nothing else?

Mine seems really flimsy, but I assumed it was that way because it was a delete panel and needed no strength.

Gary Lewis

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Administrator

No, the radio isn't supported by the plastic bezel. I'm not done yet, but look here on the Illustrations tab: http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/radios1.html

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Gary Lewis wrote

No, the radio isn't supported by the plastic bezel. I'm not done yet, but look here on the Illustrations tab: http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/radios1.html

Aha...OK, that makes sense then. My truck doesn't have the pocket or whatever that holder for the radio is called. I guess if I was going to do anything I'd want one out of a truck with a DIN radio dash...but would it come in the color necessary to match my 1984?...hmmm....this would likely get expensive...lol.

Pebcak

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Here's the LINK to my photos. If you scroll down you can see most of what you might be looking for.

Right now, I like the setup. The Amp is wired to turn on when I turn the ignition on. Bluetooth connects to my personal phone automatically. I have any audio playing from it and control the equalizer viz the phone. There IS volume control on the amp module but I use my phone for volume.

I integrated the controls into the ash tray and the USB (charger) and Aux port are where the lighter use to be. For some reason I didn't get a finished photo of that. You can see it in the photos sitting on the seat.

If you want more detail of what I did, just let me know.

I'm 110% for "our" trucks to look stock and original is why I went the way I did. The original radio is in the truck but not wired to the speakers. The FM stopped working, AM is non existent in my area and the Tape deck works but needs a MAJOR cleaning before it would ever sound good.

1986 F150 XLT Lariat, 4X2, 351W, 1406 Edelbrock Carb - Currently going through an engine rebuild through a "Father/Son Project"

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Pebcak wrote

Right now, I like the setup. The Amp is wired to turn on when I turn the ignition on. Bluetooth connects to my personal phone automatically. I have any audio playing from it and control the equalizer viz the phone. There IS volume control on the amp module but I use my phone for volume.

I integrated the controls into the ash tray and the USB (charger) and Aux port are where the lighter use to be. For some reason I didn't get a finished photo of that. You can see it in the photos sitting on the seat.

So, could install the amp say, under the bench seat? And the controller would fit in the ash tray?

What size speakers are the doors set-up for? Were you able to use/install the speakers that came with this kit in the doors?

Pebcak

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

In reply to this post by Rembrant

It's funny...

I'm excited that I can actually GIVE help TO someone instead of always asking FOR help FROM someone!

Just wanted to put that out there that today is a new beginning!!!!

1986 F150 XLT Lariat, 4X2, 351W, 1406 Edelbrock Carb - Currently going through an engine rebuild through a "Father/Son Project"

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Haha, and thank you for that.

Eventually, somebody will come along and need the information that you have.

Forums like this are absolutely wonderful for this very reason.

Pebcak

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

In reply to this post by Rembrant

I have the amp tucked against the firewall on the passengers side under the windshield.

Close Up

Without seeing it, I would guess that you could put this in the cavity where the stereo should be behind the blank in yours. If you go under the seat you might have to add extra wiring. Power, ground and a central location should all be right there in the dash.

The only thing I had to modify in the ash tray is cut the hole a littler bigger where the lighter was. Everything else fit perfectly.

1986 F150 XLT Lariat, 4X2, 351W, 1406 Edelbrock Carb - Currently going through an engine rebuild through a "Father/Son Project"

Gary Lewis

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

Administrator

Don/Pebcak - Take a look at what I wrote up here: http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/radios1.html. I'd like to have a few words about what you did and and use your pictures in another tab to the right of Bezels and show people another option. Would that be ok? As we get more ideas we can include them as well.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

OK, another related question...

What could I use for flexible wire looms between the cab and doors?

Pebcak

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

I'd look at something from Best Buy or something if you want it. I just used the wire that was ran already through the rubber boot that connects the door to the cab.

1986 F150 XLT Lariat, 4X2, 351W, 1406 Edelbrock Carb - Currently going through an engine rebuild through a "Father/Son Project"

Rembrant

Re: installing radio in radio delete dash

OK, I'll dig around and see what I can find. I have no wiring at all to my doors, so I'll have to do this from scratch.