[96imp3]

Anyone ever install a CarPlay or other modern stereo in their 96? I’ve seen online people install the big screen faces but then that takes away the plastic impala ss decal on the plate.
I’m hoping there is some sort of smaller smart radio that fits in the classic radio faces but gives things like Bluetooth, backup camera, etc.

 

[Dandy]

I believe on the Impalas, the stereo open is 1.5 DIN. I am luck that on my '96 Roady it is Double DIN. Being a 1.5 DIN deck, there are not many options aside from some units that can be installed into a single Din location and have a large screen that sticks in front of it.

To find out what is available as a straight forward fit, head on over to Crutchfield.com and enter in your year, make and model and it will show you what is needed along with fit kits and such. I did a quick search and not much is available. Hopefully this link will show what is available...not sure if the copy and past will keep the filters in place.

Apple CarPlay Compatible Receivers at Crutchfield

Shopping for Apple CarPlay Compatible Receivers? Get FREE 2-day shipping, free lifetime tech support, discounted installation gear, and free vehicle-specific instructions.

www.crutchfield.com

 

[Caddyshack95]

Looks like there are kits and videos on how to do a Double din and somehow swap the heater control from top to bottom. At work now so I can't post links but here is a screencap of such a thing...

 

[Dandy]

Based on the info that @Caddyshack95 shared, I did a quick search.
Here is a kit from ETCHUS: Double Din Radio Kit
Here is an install video for their kit:

I am at work as well, but I am somewhat ADD and I am the owner, so I cannot get fired My breaks throughout the day come from "ohhhhh, shiny things!!!"

 

[96imp3]

Thanks! Damn double din is big, if I throw it in there it’s gonna be like early 2000s radios when people were connecting ps2s and stuff lol.

I actually found a bunch of single din stereos with cameras and stuff online.
not the 1.5 but they do come in smaller size so if you really want to keep as close to original as possible you can too

 

[GoremanX]

I use this head unit:

RetroSound® New York 1.5 DIN Replacement Radio

Modern Sound For Your Classic. The leading manufacturer of classic car stereos and audio equipment for the restoration marketplace.

www.retromanufacturing.com

It's 1.5 din, has a crapton of modern features, and sounds pretty good. The radio reception is a vast improvement over the OEM head unit. There's a lot of things I don't like about it, but that's true of all modern head units (I buy tons of expensive head units)

Mind you that particular style is probably more suitable to the interior of my 93 RMW than an Impala SS, especially the chrome dials and buttons.

I also have an Android phone mounted to the dash to the left of the steering wheel. It outputs to the AUX-1 of the head unit, though it could just as easily do it through Bluetooth. The phone runs Android Auto directly on its own screen, rather than through the head unit. So I still get navigation and all that jazz through the sound system, without needing an actual Android Auto head unit

 

[Caddyshack95]

I use this head unit:

RetroSound® New York 1.5 DIN Replacement Radio

Modern Sound For Your Classic. The leading manufacturer of classic car stereos and audio equipment for the restoration marketplace.

www.retromanufacturing.com

It's 1.5 din, has a crapton of modern features, and sounds pretty good. The radio reception is a vast improvement over the OEM head unit. There's a lot of things I don't like about it, but that's true of all modern head units (I buy tons of expensive head units)

Mind you that particular style is probably more suitable to the interior of my 93 RMW than an Impala SS, especially the chrome dials and buttons.

I also have an Android phone mounted to the dash to the left of the steering wheel. It outputs to the AUX-1 of the head unit, though it could just as easily do it through Bluetooth. The phone runs Android Auto directly on its own screen, rather than through the head unit. So I still get navigation and all that jazz through the sound system, without needing an actual Android Auto head unit

That link doesn't work at my work but I am really interested in your setup. it's an old Android phone?

Do you have a photo of your setup?

 

[GoremanX]

 

[storm9c1]

Prioritize your features. What do you want?

For my use case, I just got one of these:

Amazon.com: (Upgraded Version) VT Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Auto Scan Unused Station Bluetooth Audio Adapter for Car with 1.8" Color Screen, QC 3.0, EQ Modes, Aux, Hands-Free Calls : Electronics

Buy (Upgraded Version) VT Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Auto Scan Unused Station Bluetooth Audio Adapter for Car with 1.8" Color Screen, QC 3.0, EQ Modes, Aux, Hands-Free Calls: FM Transmitters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Granted no backup camera. I just use my mirrors, neck, and eyeballs to see behind me. I knew someone who got into an accident trusting a backup camera that had the screen freeze.

Pros: Bluetooth, music plays through your FM radio, sound quality is good, hands free calling with built-in mic, and best yet, it doesn't download your whole life story into your car.

Cons: Obvious things such as no GPS (use your phone, audio can go through the car speakers). The unit I got (similar to link above) cannot do voice activated dialing either. You may be able to configure Siri on your phone itself to do this, since this just acts like a bluetooth headset going through the car speakers. But I refuse to talk to devices (Siri, Alexa, Google), as long they send my voice to big brother. No thanks. Not trading my rights to privacy for being a little lazy.