We've been here and done this before. Many times before, in fact, because upgrading a vintage Mustang's sound-system has been one of the most popular aftermarket modifications since owners began ripping out the puny factory AM radio to replace it with AM/FM, eight-track tape players and cassette decks. Unfortunately, many instrument panels were hacked up in the pursuit of musical pleasures, something not easily remedied on the '65-'66 Mustang's all-metal dash.
That all changed in the '80s when Custom Autosound debuted its aftermarket AM/FM/cassette players with a special '65-'66 Mustang face-place to mount in the original radio opening without modifications. Today, Custom Autosound offers a variety of radios for '65-'78 Mustangs, along with trunk-mounted CD changers, kick-panel speakers, dual dash speakers, and a Backseat Driver amplifier/subwoofer assembly that mounts behind the Mustang back seat. You can even get a '65-'66 dash repair kit to return hacked-up radio openings to stock condition.
Custom Autosound offers several radios for Mustangs, but one of the most popular is the USA-5 with its built-in CD controls for a Custom Autosound trunk-mounted CD changer. With the system, you can load up to 10 CDs and control them from the buttons on the radio. The USA-5 also includes an auto-reverse cassette player, a digital clock, electronic seek-and-scan tuning, and 240 watts of power. It comes with original-style knobs, and the face incorporates a digital display behind an analog dial for a more original appearance when the radio is off.
Classic Creations of Central Florida recently installed a combination of USA-5 stereo, 10-disc CD changer, and kick-panel speakers in a customer's '66 convertible, so we followed along as Merv Rego and Matt Simmons did the installation.
1 The combination of the...
1 The combination of the USA-5 stereo head unit and a 10-CD changer is perfect for early Mustangs. The USA-5 maintains a factory appearance while the changer hides in the trunk.
2 The rear of the USA-5 includes,...
2 The rear of the USA-5 includes, left to right, a special 8-pin connector for the CD changer, in and out connections for an external amplifier, and connections for the main wiring harness. An antenna lead is also provided (not shown).
3 We're also installing a...
3 We're also installing a pair of Custom Autosounds' kick-panel speakers, shown already painted to match the '66 Mustang's Parchment interior. The panels replace the originals perfectly and add 611/42-inch, 80-watt Pioneer speakers.
4 The USA-5 wiring harness...
4 The USA-5 wiring harness makes power and speaker hook-up easy. The leads for ignition (red), ground (black), and battery (orange, for constant power to maintain program memory) pass through a filter box with fuses. Speaker leads are provided for front and rear speakers.
5 Crimp-on connectors are...
5 Crimp-on connectors are not included, so have a supply for easy connections to factory wiring.
6 With the old radio removed,...
6 With the old radio removed, the USA-5 slips in from behind the instrument panel. On a non-A/C '65-'66, this is about as easy as it gets. However, with A/C, you may need to unbolt the underdash evaporator so it can be moved forward for better access.
7 The head unit is secured...
7 The head unit is secured to the instrument panel with shaft nuts, which will be hidden by the factory-appearing knobs. A mounting strap is also supplied to support the rear of the radio to an underdash bolt or screw. Now we can plug in the main wiring harness and antenna lead.
8 Moving to the trunk for...
8 Moving to the trunk for the CD changer installation, assemble the mounting brackets using the provided bolts and nuts.
9 Then attach the brackets...
9 Then attach the brackets to the CD changer. Depending on how the brackets are mounted, the CD changer can be positioned at 0-, 45-, and 90-degree angles.
10 To mount the CD changer...
10 To mount the CD changer to the sheetmetal behind and above the gas tank on our '66 convertible, Merv assembled the brackets at the 45-degree angle. There are a variety of ways to install the CD changer, but Merv felt this installation was best for a convertible.
11 With the CD changer in...
11 With the CD changer in position, mark the sheetmetal in preparation to drill holes for the bracket screws.
12 Before drilling, make...
12 Before drilling, make sure there's nothing behind the sheetmetal that could be damaged. With our installation in the '66 convertible, we had to confirm that there was no interference with the fuel line or fuel-gauge sending-unit wiring.
13 Utilize the vibration...
13 Utilize the vibration damper on the bracket bolts to help eliminate vibrations and shock to the CD changer.
14 Using the supplied self-tapping...
14 Using the supplied self-tapping screws, secure the CD changer to the sheetmetal, and attach the DIN cable that connects the changer to the head unit.
15 The DIN cable can be routed...
15 The DIN cable can be routed behind the convertible-top storage area and the quarter-panel on the passenger side before tucking it alongside the wiring harness in the sill panel. The sill plates keep the cable hidden. Finally, plug the cable into the head unit.
16 The kick-panel speakers...
16 The kick-panel speakers come with plenty of wiring to connect them to the USA-5's wiring harness.
17 Slide the kick panel into...
17 Slide the kick panel into position. It's a perfect replacement for the factory panel.
18 Route the wiring behind...
18 Route the wiring behind the instrument panel and connect to the proper speaker wiring.
19 With all the connections...
19 With all the connections completed, you can power up the USA-5 and enjoy stereo AM/FM radio, cassette, or CDs from the remote changer, all controlled by the radio buttons.
20 With the radio turned...
20 With the radio turned off, only the analog dial shows for a vintage appearance.
21 The CD changer utilizes...
21 The CD changer utilizes a 10-disc magazine-type cartridge for storing and shuffling CDs.