The Hermosa came with several modern amenities such as Bluetooth connectivity (both streaming and call), USB input, and two analog inputs. There was another model that supported satellite radio, but I've been there before and it doesn't really appeal to me.
The opportunity to install the new radio arose when I pulled apart the dash to fix the heater. Assembly of the radio was unexpected. I had expected a unit that simply dropped-in to the opening in the console, but the Retrosound came in several pieces. I assume that the modularity was due to the different combinations of features and faces to accommodate so many makes and models. In my case, the back of the trim plate was already etched with the markings for a Datsun Z, so I used a Dremel and "cut along the dotted lines."
With the plate cut to size, I attached the shafts to the head unit and adjusted the shaft depth for the Z console. The unit was then ready for installation.
Before installing the stereo, I wanted to make some sense of the rats nest of wires that existed from the previous radio installation.
The biggest issue I had after identification of the wire purposes was the constant power wire for the radio. Apparently the factory radio never had a need for this (it had no memory), so the installer simply found a constant 12v power wire and wrapped another wire around it to supply power to the radio. The two windings of electrical tape around this interesting union wasn't even covering the bare copper. I broke out the soldering iron and heat-shrink tubing to not only correct the shady tap but to also properly connect the new wiring harness (I'm not a fan of crimp connectors).
While attempting to connect the speaker wires to the harness, I discovered an interesting fact about both the factory radio and the previously installed unit: they simply used the chassis ground for the negative connection to the speakers. The new unit would not support this common ground, so I had to run new wires to the rear of the car for the speakers. The question of where to run these new wires gave me some pause. I decided to run them on the transmission tunnel, behind the passenger seat, then along the passenger side of the rear deck. I started by running the wires under the carpet on the tunnel.
I then continued under the carpet and up the side to a hole I drilled through the rear deck lip. After running the wires through the hole, I used liquid electrical tape to ensure the wires did not directly contact the sheet metal around the hole.
For the remainder of the run of wire, I purchased a long continuous run of heat shrink tubing and ran both sets of wires through the tubing for extra protection. Before I could connect the speakers, I wanted to add something to improve the sound quality. I purchased a product called Boom Mats which would provide a small chamber for the speaker; this should improve the low end of the sound a bit as well as protect the speakers from the elements. To install these I would have to enlarge the holes already cut for the speakers. This required me to remove the rear side panels in the hatch area. While the panels were off I seized the opportunity to make some repairs with my plastic welder, such as repairing a broken mount that was causing a rattle.
Additionally, I discovered that the power antenna was simply dangling from the mounting hole in the body. This was also causing a large rattle in my hatch area. I used a bit of metal strap to mount the bottom of the antenna to the side of the deck floor.
Finally, I marked the speaker cutouts to enlarge, then used a Dremel to make the cuts.
I test-fit the Boom Mat, then redrilled the speaker mounting holes.
After returning the panels and installing the speakers, I could return my focus to the radio installation. The completely black face of the Hermosa seemed a little plain to me. The factory radio had a silver pinstripe that matched the rest of the console area.
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| Factory Radio |
I decided to replicate this pinstripe as best I could. I picked up some silver pinstripe from O'Reilly's Auto Parts. Using this pinstriping, I outlined the faceplate using the second pinstripe to provide consistent spacing around the edges.
After applying the stripes, I used an X-Acto knife to carefully trim the extra striping.
The next step was to create a backstrap that could support the radio. Retrosound was very clear in the instructions that the radio shafts could not support the radio alone and that a backstrap was required. I used the lower console brace as an attachment point for a backstrap.
With the unit now mounted to the console, I was ready to return the console to the car. I took care to allow access to the USB dongle (yes, dongle is the appropriate term) from the passenger side of the console. I also left the call microphone jack accessible on the driver side before connecting the harness and securing the console back into place. I ran the microphone wire under the dash and up the A-pillar to the driver side visor, where I clipped the mic.
I then secured the console back into place and returned all the trim to the dash area.
A test of the radio revealed that all functions were working. I paired my phone to the radio and set out on a drive. To my delight there was no alternator buzz and the sound was better than I expected (I didn't expect the sound to be as good as a modern car due to the speaker placement and the fact that I re-used the Pioneer speakers that were in the car already). I placed a call to my dad who is always ready to tell me when my call quality is sub-par, but he didn't complain about it which tells me it's as good as the Bluetooth system in my G37. All-in-all I am delighted with the setup and the retro look of the stereo. I did order a period-correct screen protector for the radio; I will post a picture of that when it comes in. It is awesome to have tunes in the Z now!
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