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Bose replacement options?

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Old Sep 9, 2003 | 05:43 PM
  #1  
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Default Bose replacement options?

I just want some ideas on how to go when my Bose finally does crap out. It works great, but I would like it if it could handle about 1.5-2x the volume it does now.

What i want is something that will fit reasonably in the stock area, just not so big that i have to cut up the whole rear compartment you know. So no big square subs, because i still have to use what little space back there i have.

I also want it to have a little more bass, and of course be able to not spaz out when i crank it all the way up.

The car has a Jensen 3 disc cd player in it now with the Bose speakers.
I dont mind having to ditch the Jensen, if i have to.

Fire away guys, if you have pics please post them.
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Old Sep 9, 2003 | 06:24 PM
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Default Re: Bose replacement options? (vader86)

try doing a search in this section for pics and ideas.
whats your budget? can you do the install yourself? what kind of music do you listen to? do you want XM or MP3 ability?
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Old Sep 9, 2003 | 07:10 PM
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Default Re: Bose replacement options? (leolufse)

search running...

I can install speakers and the CD player itself, i think. I'm not an electrical genius.

Doesnt need to be XM, but a mp3 player would be cool, though not necessary.
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Old Sep 14, 2003 | 07:51 AM
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Default Re: Bose replacement options? (vader86)

For HU the Alpine CDA-9811 has MP3 and isn't too expensive.

In the rear you can fit 6x9's without cutting anything, since you don't want a sub, they fit right in after removing the Blose pods.

The front you can fit 4" in the doors without any cutting and 5 1/4" with a tiny bit of cutting. 4x6 "plate speakers", don't waste your time with coaxials, will fit in the dash if you so choose to go that rout.

You can run everything off the HU but if you want decent volume and bass you may want to get a 75 x 4 amp. (US Acoustic, Alpine, JBL, RF, JL Audio, any will do for your situation) not too big of an amp, it won't tax the charging system and will help the SQ a lot.

Doing the install yourself should be simple, just ask questions here if you hit a snag.
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Old Sep 14, 2003 | 08:12 AM
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Default Re: Bose replacement options? (_Nomad_)

In the rear you can fit 6x9's without cutting anything, since you don't want a sub, they fit right in after removing the Blose pods.
6x9 will fit but you have to make a custom plate so it will fit

Doing the install yourself should be simple, just ask questions here if you hit a snag.
"Simple", NOT
I am in the process now. I have installed at least 15 systems for myself and friends so I know how it's done. This car is the worst I have ever tried to do ! There is a lot of custom fitting that needs to be done. At least in my 94 I have to build special mounting plates to mount the front and rear speakers. I bought the Metra dash kit with the pocket but there was still the need to modify the dash to fit. My particular Alpine has all the wires coming out the top left rear of the deck and conveniently enough that is where GM decided to put a large plastic support. Get yourself a Dremil tool !!

So far I have a full weekend and several after work days into this and still not done !! Now I know why the stereo shops wanted $500 to install everything !! But if you have the time and patience it is worth it. You can use that money for more/big/better equipment.

JMO
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Old Sep 14, 2003 | 07:25 PM
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Default Re: Bose replacement options? (corvette-pilot)

In the rear you can fit 6x9's without cutting anything, since you don't want a sub, they fit right in after removing the Blose pods.

6x9 will fit but you have to make a custom plate so it will fit
Not in the '86 model you don't (he has an 86 model remember?). It has a plastic 6x9 mounting ring attached to the Blose pod. Just remove the pod and leave the ring and you can drop a 6x9 right in. (this is for coup only)

Doing the install yourself should be simple, just ask questions here if you hit a snag.


"Simple", NOT
I am in the process now. I have installed at least 15 systems for myself and friends so I know how it's done. This car is the worst I have ever tried to do ! There is a lot of custom fitting that needs to be done. At least in my 94 I have to build special mounting plates to mount the front and rear speakers. I bought the Metra dash kit with the pocket but there was still the need to modify the dash to fit. My particular Alpine has all the wires coming out the top left rear of the deck and conveniently enough that is where GM decided to put a large plastic support. Get yourself a Dremil tool !!

So far I have a full weekend and several after work days into this and still not done !! Now I know why the stereo shops wanted $500 to install everything !! But if you have the time and patience it is worth it. You can use that money for more/big/better equipment.

JMO
Obviously you haven't done any installs on early C4's (pre 90 models). They have a different interior than the '94 models do, and yes, the install that I am speaking of for an '86 is simple. It may take a little time for a first timer but it is quite simple to do, much simpler than a 90 to 96 model which you are speaking of.

Vader, just follow what I said in my first post and you should be fine, if you have any questions, feel free to IM me or post.

BTW remember to get an aftermarket GM wiring harness for the HU you put in. You can purchase it at the same time you get your HU mounting kit (I suggest METRA mounting kits). Together they should cost about $20 and the wiring harness will save your stock harness from being butchered.

Good luck

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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 07:19 AM
  #7  
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Default Re: Bose replacement options? (_Nomad_)

Nomad

Sorry about the rant !
You are correct that I never worked on earlier Vettes and did not realize they were so different. Hope I didn't scare anyone off :bb
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