I chose to stick with the all original stereo

[TA301]

Just completed a full restoration of the dash end of my 1981 TA, including a $1700 dash reskin by Just Dashes. I installed the original Delco 2700 stereo cassette player. In my opinion, it is cool to use the correct audio and listen to AM or FM radio as well as cassette tapes, just like back in the day. I recorded current music onto high quality cassette tapes using a recorder designed for that purpose. I also acquired additional period correct [80s] cassette tapes to supplement the authenticity of the car.

[scarebird]

I can see that.  The lights went out in my 80's vintage Alpine in my 71 - may see if I can repair a Delco knockoff Audiovox from the 70's as a more correct appearing unit.

[Wallington]

Have you tried something like this? A cassette unit with cable attached that goes to your ipod or whatever. I've never had one, or any sort of playlist. It can just be done without any mods, if you have one.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/dw/image/v2/BBRV_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-srg-internal-master-catalog/default/dw2f9bf55a/images/534369/SCA_534369_hi-res.jpg?sw=558&sh=558&sm=fit

[b_hill_86]

I agree. Kind of wish my car had a factory cassette player, as that’s what I grew up with. 8 track was before my time but I installed an AM-FM stereo and console 8 track in my 77. I ran both through a Bluetooth enabled amp that drives 4 modern speakers so, though I can’t say I get the best of both worlds I get good enough with them lol. It serves my purpose well. Just was messing with the 8 track the other night. (I still need to speed it up just a tad bit)

https://youtube.com/shorts/9r-VcR4hyKo?feature=share

[FormTA]

Brian, that is so cool that you have that and it all works! Totally awesome.

[roadking77]

I agree with your logic 100%. It surprises me that you can still get cassettes though, or that the old ones will even work. I started out with 8 track, though cool for nostalgia sake they were nothing compared to when a cassette came out. My brother had an underdash unit that was state of the art, it had both 8 track and cassette.

[b_hill_86]

Ooooo fancy lol

Thanks Luke. It’s not perfect but as my dad always said it’s good enough for who it’s for.

[TA301]

I agree with your logic 100%. It surprises me that you can still get cassettes though, or that the old ones will even work. I started out with 8 track, though cool for nostalgia sake they were nothing compared to when a cassette came out. My brother had an underdash unit that was state of the art, it had both 8 track and cassette.

You can buy high quality blank cassette tapes rather readily. The cassette player, I refurbished with a new belt and lubed the system and cleaned the capstan. Plays and produces very nice sound through the Denon speakers.

[TA301]

Have you tried something like this? A cassette unit with cable attached that goes to your ipod or whatever. I've never had one, or any sort of playlist. It can just be done without any mods, if you have one.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/dw/image/v2/BBRV_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-srg-internal-master-catalog/default/dw2f9bf55a/images/534369/SCA_534369_hi-res.jpg?sw=558&sh=558&sm=fit

Those have been around for a long time but required adding an AUX port to the Delco 2700. I recall the contraption was unable to produces a high quality audio experience, if you will.

[FormTA]

I have an original in dash 8 track I'm going to put in my TA. I also have an original cassette player too but I have a good collection of 8 tracks that play well and I think they're cool.

[roadking77]

Yea, Im a bit out of touch. My son told me that cassettes are the 'new vinyl' as far as a resurgence. He told me the same that they are readily available. Who Knew? LOL

[Warren Seale]

I'm a purist when it comes to old cars.  Everything has to be original equipment to preserve that time machine vibe.  My 72 442 has the Delco under dash 8 track that works fine.  People gave me their old unwanted 8 track tapes over the years so I have tons of them.  The most common problem is that the splice breaks so the tape cannot loop around any longer. 

My 79 T/A has the original cassette player.  I still use the cassette tapes I recorded on in the 80s with no problems.

[Wallington]

My son told me that cassettes are the 'new vinyl' as far as a resurgence.

A new generation of intrigue to things they never seen but suddenly made trendy again by tacky 1985 shows. Once they tell their friends they have one the novelty wears off, especially with the quality they have grown up with.