what's the best system on the market right now for under $500? I'm looking for something that will run mainly from my Iphone and can do basic AM/FM through the antenna. I already have speakers installed and wires run, so I just need the unit. Thanks for any recommendations/warnings!

We need a lot more info on your set-up and expectations, for starters.

One of the most popular options is to have a factory radio converted to modern am fm stereo with 180 watts , 4 speaker outputs ,and aux jacks to run mp3, ipod, etc. That's the option most people are going with, so your dash remains 100 % stock .

Greg

I do not know how much this setup costs, but there was a great writeup on another option that leaves the stock radio alone and uses a separate box to use Bluetooth to hook your phone up to your stock radio. Here's the web link to the article:

Mark III Out of Sight Audio Article

I do not work for these guys or have any financial interest here, just showing another option.

Best of luck!!!

I had the same dilemma with the '69 Barracuda convertible I am restoring in resto-mod fashion. A lot of the unseen parts are changing, but I wanted the factory look where possible. After buying one of the precious repop instrument bezels, I did not want to cut it up for a modern radio. I looked on that famous auction site and found a compact bluetooth stereo amp with built-in FM radio, slots for SD and USB plugs and even a charging port for your phone. It is small enough to fit into the glovebox, but has a remote control so you could hide it somewhere else. I bought a dual voicecoil speaker so I could use both stereo outputs into the one speaker cone on top the dash. Finally I bought a junk AM thumbwheel radio from the same site to fill the hole with the proper look. I have mocked up the system and it seems to work good. I do not have the car all together yet. Total cost for the amp and speaker was only about $80.00!

We've installed several from this company with no problems yet.

RADIO LINK

Made my own. Generic Kenwood in the trunk. Used a Radio Shack infrared repeater with the sensor on the console and the transmitter taped on the face of the radio. Use the remote to select radio, HD radio, USB loaded with MP3 and my phone works with the bluetooth. Total cost 150 bucks. The remote stays in the ash tray because it is easier to find there than in the console. I also used a splitter on the antenna so the dash radio still works too.
Craig