Velex Bluetooth Amplifier for Classic Cars
The Velex Bluetooth amplifier is a compact 4-channel Class A/B amp that streams music from your phone without a head unit. I mounted one up under the dash of my 1966 Mustang so I could have modern sound while keeping the original dash untouched.
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Why I Chose the Velex Bluetooth Amplifier
I didn’t want to cut the dash or swap the original radio for a modern head unit. This amp doesn’t need one. It connects to your phone over Bluetooth and powers the speakers directly.
It’s sold as a marine amp for boats, UTVs, ATVs and golf carts, so it’s built to handle moisture. It uses a Class A/B design, which is a common choice for clean, full-range audio.
Key Features
- 4 channels, up to 180 watts max (designed for 4-ohm, 45-watt speakers)
- Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs
- 3-meter wired remote with a 3-color LED source indicator
- Water-resistant remote with a silicone gasket
- Rustproof aluminum heatsink and stainless steel screws
- USB charging port (5V 1A)
- Low profile, under 4 inches tall
- 15-amp maxi fuse and a 1-year manufacturer warranty
How I Installed the Velex Bluetooth Amplifier
I mounted the amp solidly up under the dash, behind the glove box, so it won’t rattle. A heavy-duty power cable runs from the battery to a splitter for the stereo system.
Velex strongly recommends reading the wiring guide carefully, or having a professional install it. Good, tight connections make a big difference in how well it works and how long it lasts.
You can read more about the whole setup in my post on upgrading the sound in a 1966 Mustang.
Hiding the Remote in the Glove Box
The wired remote is long enough to reach the glove box. I mounted mine there with a magnet, so it stays hidden but is easy to grab.
Most of the time I don’t even touch it. Volume, skip and fast forward all work from my phone, so I just drop the glove box door to start the music and close it back up. I showed that trick in my Mustang glove box insert install guide.
Who Should Buy It
If you want Bluetooth music in a classic car without changing how the dash looks, this amp is worth a look. It’s also a solid choice for boats, side-by-sides and golf carts, which is what it was designed for.
Installation Tips for a Classic Car
A few things make the job go smoother in an older car with limited space under the dash.
- Pick a solid mounting spot. Somewhere it won’t get kicked and won’t rattle against the dash.
- Use heavy enough power wire. Run it from the battery and fuse it properly.
- Route the remote cable carefully. Keep it away from heater controls and other moving parts.
- Test before you button it up. Check every speaker at low volume before you tuck the wiring away.
- Secure everything. Zip-tie loose wires so nothing buzzes once you’re on the road.
Velex Bluetooth Amplifier vs. a Modern Head Unit
A modern head unit usually means cutting the dash or pulling the original radio. That can hurt the look, and the value, of a classic.
The Velex Bluetooth amplifier hides out of sight instead. The trade-off is that there’s no screen or knobs in the dash. Your phone becomes the controller, which works great once you’re used to it.
Final Thoughts
The Velex Bluetooth amplifier gave my Mustang modern streaming audio while everything still looks original. It’s compact, easy to hide, and doesn’t need a head unit.
