From the onset, the Paddock Project Charger owned by Mike Paremsky was slated to remain, in appearance, as close to stock as possible. While liberties were taken to add certain types of speed equipment to the engine and driveline, these items had to blend together yet still appear stock. With the interior finished in the same manner, replacing the old AM radio would be mandatory; the question was, how could this be done and still look like 1969? Thanks to the artisans at Custom Audio Sound in Anaheim, California, Mike was able to get state-of-the-art audio equipment in his Charger without looking like it was there.
The system decided on was CAS' "Secretaudio" package. This is perfect for Mopars with thumb-wheel equipped radios since installation doesn't require cutting the dash. The outfit consists of the Secretaudio amplifier/tuner, which is about the size of the stock radio, an LCD controller that can be mounted under the dash or in the glovebox, hardware and a hand-held radio frequency (R/F) remote-control unit. Mike also selected a set of 6x9 speakers for the rear and a 6-disc CD changer that he mounted in the trunk. The outfit allowed the original AM radio to remain installed in the dash; in fact, the Secretaudio amp was mounted right to the top of it!
Carl Sprague, Mike Daugherty, and the crew from Custom Audio Sound supplied the entire combination, which was installed while the Paddock Project Charger was being completed. Here is an overview of how it went together....
The only visible sign once the restoration was complete was the LCD controller mounted beneath the ashtray; Mike could have hidden this in the glovebox if he wanted to, making the entire unit invisible. | 
The LCD controller, which is the only visible item, is small enough to fit in even the tightest spots. The unit consists of a flush-mount steel housing (which measures 1-1/2-inches tall by 4-1/8-inches wide and a mere 3/4-inches deep), the controller on an adjustable bracket, and a finishing frame for the flush mount. | 
Cleanliness is important in any audio installation. Wire ties placed along the various cables and connections keep items from being caught and yanked apart underfoot. The system is modular, meaning various items can be installed and then cobbled together using the supplied wire harnesses. |
Now we see the primary components. The 6-disc CD changer (right) is mounted in the rear of the trunk, almost against the back seat, where only those who know where to look will see it. Meanwhile, the 100-watt amp/tuner (center) is mounted directly to the top of the original AM radio. Brackets are supplied to mount this against the firewall or under the front seats as well. Remember, the antenna needs to plug into the back of this. A 9-foot cable is part of the LCD controller; in Mike's car, it is only about 20 inches away. | 
Laying on your back with the seats out is the best way to install the amp. If the seats (and especially a console) are in the car, expect some contortions. The stock radio's cabling and the antenna are disconnected, the amp is mounted above the stock radio by fabricating a set of brackets, and the rear speaker and CD-changer cables are routed toward the rear. The stock radio plug-ins were hooked into the new system and that part of the install was finished. | 
With the interior out of the car, it's a snap to hide the CD-changer cable and speaker wires inside the new Paddock carpeting. Once toward the back, the cabling is attached to the new speakers installed in the package shelf behind the rear seat, and plugged into the CD changer. The amp up front controls this unit as well as the radio tuning. |
With the stereo basically in place, we installed the LCD controller. While the R/F controller allows Mike to tune the stereo via the cell phone-like remote, he decided that mounting the LCD for quick access would make him happier than hiding it, so he installed it beneath the ashtray in the center of the dash. After measuring and drilling a pair of holes, the bracket is attached. If desired, the supplied housing allows flush-mounting this unit anywhere. | 
Install and adjust the controller, and you're ready to rock 'n' roll. Until the tunes come blasting out, hardly anybody will guess that you have anything but 1969 technology in your ride. | |