I would like to replace the radio on my '84....in order to have a CD player...

Where would I buy one....all the catalogs ie. mad...zip..ecklers....seem to expensive to me.....want to keep all BOSE as is.....except for the radio...

thanks

:confused: :smash: :smash: :confused:

 

I was looking at my MAD catalog and spied the Pioneer unit (MAD P/N 611-152) priced at $499.99!!

I just installed that (non-Bose version) Pioneer unit (Pioneer P/N DEH-P47DH) in my '86 IROC and paid $270 from Crutchfield, which included the wiring harness, full documentation and shipping. It is also available from http://www.savinglots.com/home.asp for $189.99, plus $15 shipping and without the interface wiring harness.

I don't know how MAD converts it into a Bose compatable unit but I've heard that there are interface units available for under $100; I'm sure someone on this Forum is in the know.

Anyway, this is a very nice looking unit and the sound is unbelievable, even through my stock IROC speakers. I'd put one in my Vette except that I want to keep the 35th Anna looking stock.

I strongly recommend this unit if you can get the info on hooking it up to Bose; you might even try the Pioneer web site to see if they have an interface unit.

 

You will need to get the deck, a wire harness, a kit if you get a din size radio, and the interface if you must stay with the bose. Remember, the bose you have has almost 20 year old paper speakers that disintegrate over time. They almost have to be blown by now. You could replace a pair of them for the cost of the interconnect and it would sound much better. Anyway, I'd look at a few things.
First, get maybe a Pioneer 4400 or 3400 deck. Same quality as the 47 described above but more features and expandability and can be used in many cars so you can take it with you or sell it easily. They go for half the price also.
Next, I'd either get an interface which costs $80 or so, introduces engine whine, and has low sound quality, or buy two pair of speakers. Speakers should plug directly into the openings you have. They go for anywhere from $75-$160 a pair depending on how good you want.
You will want a dash kit if you get a din radio. This fills in the extra room in the dash. $20. You also want a wire harness so you can plug the deck into the car without cutting any wires. $10. Good stereo shops should have all the kits, harnesses and adapters.
Remember, the bose was designed over 20 years ago and is very dated. It was nominal at best when it came out for the sound quality it provided at the price they charged. Today, the stock radio in a Corolla is better than a C4 bose. I would keep it if you are going to do shows but dump it for an aftermarket change if you aren't. Removing the bose is fully reversable so don't worry about killing anything stock. And stay away from crutchfield. http://www.pricegrabber.com for pioneer and alpine decks http://www.tms-electronics.com for Boston Acoustics speakers(I like RX series) http://www.sounddomain.com http://www.mmxpress.com http://www.thezeb.com are also good sites to check out.

 

Agree with TripleBlack. I faced the same dilemma in my 86. It may seem like more work to replace everything, but it is the better way to go. In addition to the improved sound from taking out the Bose, you will also lower your costs in the future. The Bose is designed with an amp for each speaker, therefore there are 4 amps x 4 speakers that can fail, and they do. They are expensive to fix or replace. Instead of battling to keep the stock stuff, save the $80 you'd spend on the converter (think you might even need two of these) and put it toward two sets of speakers. You can mount the speakers and use the stock grilles to keep the stock look. If you want the din and a half oversized radio, you can do better by using the sites TripleB suggested. I got the P77 Pioneer (a step up from the P47) for $207 new, when Crutchfield had it for $349 and MAD/Ecklers had it for $500. Figure there is another $150 you have saved and can justify spending on the speakers! You have to run new wiring (again, another component of the Bose system that is incompatible with the rest of the world), not a big deal. Do a search in the audio forum. There are tons of posts on installs etc. And people are great about answering any questions. Check back.

 

I have an Pioneer DEH-P6400 CD player for sale that I only used about 2 months. I paid $280, but will sell it for $200 shipped. I will also throw in the
GM mounting kit, wire harness, and antenna adapter. The wire harness is the GM harness, not the $80 converter. All you will need is to buy some new speakers and plug them into your existing wiring. Email me if you are interested and I can give you more information.

:cheers: