Audio/Electronics Stereo System Installation Info, Amplifiers, Subwoofers, Radar Detectors, Police Scanners, and CB Radios for the Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

Installing new system - need help!

Old May 25, 2002 | 01:10 PM
  #1  
Ender85's Avatar
Ender85
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Default Installing new system - need help!

I have an '89 vette coupe that I just bought. The original owner had a really nice Alpine system in it, but he had it removed because I didn't want to pay extra for it. I have the stock system, in a box. I have no idea how to install any of the components. Also, the stock system only has AM/FM Tape. I definately want a CD player in there. I think I'll buy a head unit and keep everything else the same. Those BOSE speakers are pretty good, right? Anyway, I need some help figuring how to install everything.

thanks,
marthpodi


[Modified by marthpodi, 5:12 PM 5/25/2002]
Reply
Old May 25, 2002 | 06:53 PM
  #2  
Charlutz's Avatar
Charlutz
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Columbia Maryland
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (marthpodi)

Those BOSE speakers are pretty good, right?
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Spend a little time on the board and you'll find out what everyone has to say about them. (I'm not making fun, I'm in the same boat.) There are a few threads going at all times on the board about replacing the bose. I'm doing mine now in my 86 vert, as are a few others in their c4's. You should actually be glad that you have a head start - someone's already taken out the old system for you. My advice is to ask around (on the board) or do a search of old threads, and consider buying a new system from the get-go, especially if you're already planning to buy a new head unit. The bose speakers don't hook up to non-bose head units without some modification, and then there are people who complain about the sound. Follow the lead from the previous owner - keep the bose in the box!


[Modified by Charlutz, 10:55 PM 5/25/2002]
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 12:01 AM
  #3  
Ender85's Avatar
Ender85
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (Charlutz)

Whoa....ok. What speakers should I get instead? I am looking for something cheap, and hopefully pretty easy to install. What do you think? I found a head unit online that fits the large slot used by the '89 vette. Advice/Instructions please!

marthpodi
Reply
Old May 27, 2002 | 02:26 AM
  #4  
92TripleBlack's Avatar
92TripleBlack
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (marthpodi)

First, skip the unit that fits the hole. If you are trying to save money or you want to get speakers, don't waste the money on a big head unit. Use a $20 dash kit and buy a din. You can then use it in a different car or resell it later because it will be compatible with almost every car. Also, you will be able to get the same features in a din unit for less than you spend on the big clunky one.
Second, C4 bose is a joke. Great for drop testing.
Step one: Drop on ground
Step two: If not broken, repeat step one.
How much money do you want to spend on everything?
Reply
Old May 27, 2002 | 11:52 AM
  #5  
Ender85's Avatar
Ender85
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (92TripleBlack)

under $400 if thats possible. The less the better for decent sound (I don't want the best or the worst) - no sub needed, just a head unit and front and rear speakers. I think 4' in the front and 6 x 9 in the back <-- but I'm open to suggestions.

thanks,
marthpodi
Reply
Old May 27, 2002 | 06:38 PM
  #6  
flannel_man's Avatar
flannel_man
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 414
From: Muskogee OK
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (marthpodi)

Well an 89' with the original speakers? I would be willing to bet my tweeters that they are most likely blown, or damaged by now. I would recommend buying entirely news speakers. And if you decide to do so, make sure you dont use the prexisting wiring to the speakers, always use new wire. Good Luck :cheers:
Reply
Old May 27, 2002 | 06:46 PM
  #7  
flannel_man's Avatar
flannel_man
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 414
From: Muskogee OK
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (marthpodi)

under $400 if thats possible. The less the better for decent sound (I don't want the best or the worst) - no sub needed, just a head unit and front and rear speakers. I think 4' in the front and 6 x 9 in the back <-- but I'm open to suggestions.

thanks,
marthpodi
Some say its all about the speakers. Well if you drop a $50 POS head in it dont matter how much you spend on the speakers it'll sound like crap. I would say plan on spending at least 300 for the head unit , and the other 100 on the speakers. Since you arent getting any Subs , I would say make sure you get a pair of 6x9's for some depth in the sound. The 4's will have about the same highs as the 6x9s , but you can tell the difference when it comes to the midrange and definately with the bass. Good luck. :cool:
Reply
Old May 27, 2002 | 10:51 PM
  #8  
92TripleBlack's Avatar
92TripleBlack
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (flannel_man)

Get a Pioneer 4400 for $142 on http://www.pricegrabber.com and Boston Acoustics RX 97 and Rx 57 speakers from http://www.tms-electronics.com . It will sound great and is in your budget. It will also allow you to add a changer, sub, or amps easily later if you want to.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old May 28, 2002 | 10:52 AM
  #9  
Ender85's Avatar
Ender85
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (92TripleBlack)

thanks! Don't I need some sort of conversion thing to get the regular sized deck to fit in the larger slot in my '89?


[Modified by marthpodi, 2:53 PM 5/28/2002]
Reply
Old May 28, 2002 | 02:23 PM
  #10  
92TripleBlack's Avatar
92TripleBlack
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (marthpodi)

Its called a dash kit. $20 will make any din fit your dash and they are available at any car sterio shop, radio shack, best buy, etc.
Reply
Old May 28, 2002 | 03:13 PM
  #11  
Ender85's Avatar
Ender85
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (92TripleBlack)

Any one in particular, or all all dash kits basically the same?
Reply
Old May 28, 2002 | 10:10 PM
  #12  
92TripleBlack's Avatar
92TripleBlack
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (marthpodi)

Different brands do it differently. You should look at a few to see how they look to you. Some mount the deck at the top or bottom of the opening. Others mount it in the middle. Still others mount the deck and have the space filled with some type of storage pocket. I made my own with a sheet of ABS interior plastic. I'm going to add the pocket when I find one I like. (picky) I'm also considering a DVD screen but I think I'd rather go for the 4.09 rear and other things first. Right now, its a race to finish this one before the C6 comes out and I want to start on one of those.
Reply
Old May 30, 2002 | 06:04 PM
  #13  
_Nomad_'s Avatar
_Nomad_
Team Owner
20 Year Member
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,742
Likes: 41
From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Default Re: Installing new system - need help! (92TripleBlack)

First, skip the unit that fits the hole. If you are trying to save money or you want to get speakers, don't waste the money on a big head unit. Use a $20 dash kit and buy a din. You can then use it in a different car or resell it later because it will be compatible with almost every car. Also, you will be able to get the same features in a din unit for less than you spend on the big clunky one.
Second, C4 bose is a joke. Great for drop testing.
Step one: Drop on ground
Step two: If not broken, repeat step one.
How much money do you want to spend on everything?
LOL well said!

METRA makes a great dash kit. Made of metal rather than plastic and is only about $20.00. You can get one at any Car Audio Shop or anywhere that sells car audio.


Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Installing new system - need help!



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:33 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE