I remember all of the the things you mentioned, Mike. I even had an 8 track recorder so I could make my own road mix tapes. The nice thing about making your own tapes was that you didn't get the fade out between tracks. Just a little hiccup when it changed over.

I can remember buying conductive splicing tape from Radio Shack (may have even been Lafayette Electronics) to repair the tapes when they came apart. Had to have the conductive tape or they wouldn't change tracks. Repairing 8 tracks is pretty much like making flint arrow heads, more or less forgotten ancient tech.

Like Shine, I've embraced the Bluetooth and memory stick thing. My Healey project won't have a CD player. I even considered not putting a radio in it at all. There are head units that are just Bluetooth as well as amps that do Bluetooth. I think I've decided to do a mech-less AM/FM head unit, though so I can have memory stick capability. Most likely a gauge mount marine unit. They are about as compact as you can find and mount in about a 3" round hole.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane and reminding me how old I'm getting.