While original is a great thing with so many aspects of corvettes, it certainly isn't with sound. The radio and attached sound systems in the C3 left a lot to be desired. So, here's a way to improve the sound and leave the car unmolested if you choose.

I opted to replace the existing radio with the Retrosound model 2, with I-pod port and 4 pre-amp outputs. It looks somewhat like the original and certainly doesn't look out of place. However, you could easily leave the orginal and put a new stereo in the face of the speaker box, leaving the originality only removing the speaker box away.

Here's a step by step on the box build with some photos.

First thing: build a box. Using pressboard, my buddy Mike (car audio supergenius) and I constructed a box for my 75 Stingray (35" by 12" by 10") with three chambers, the center for the subwoofer and each end chamber for the midrange speakers and tweeters.

We went with all RockfordFosgate Punch equipment. Tweeters for high range sound, 5 1/4 inch midrange speakers, a big RF subwoofer and amp, and a couple crossovers to seperate the sound.

Once the box is screwed together and seams are sealed (Gorilla Glue or Caulk will do), spray adhesive (3M), let set up until tacky, and roll/press on your chosen carpet.

Cut out your holes, insert the sub into the center chamber hole. (We faced the sub toward the back of the box for a sound that fills the little vette cockpit rather than blasts through you, changing your heartbeat). Stuff in poli-fill to fill the chamber (eliminates the hollow sound) and set the sub.

Mount your amp and crossovers (if using seperates) to the back and connect the sub. If you use 2way speakers you won't need the crossovers.

Insert speakers and tweeters into the front. (You'll want the tweeters up higher in the box for greater high end sound quality)

Connect the speakers and tweeters to your crossovers and you should be done with the box. This is the front. (I'm planning on a big "Stingray" or C3 flags emblem for the middle portion of the front).

This is the back. (You'll want to block the back to keep your massive horsepower from throwing the back (exposed amp and crossovers) into the back wall of your vette.)

All that'll be left is connecting the amp and crossovers to your speaker wires and radio RCA's. You lose 10 inches of depth to the storage area, but leave access to the 3 boxes and just enough room for an overnight bag or maybe the T-tops... They should fit, but I have a rack for them anyhow. You gain top end sound and do it in a way that can easily be removed if you chose to show your car (or sell it).
I'll post a pic when I'm done installing carpet and finishing the interior resto. I'm sure someone has posted something like this before, but another helper seems always welcome here.

 

By the way, here's the Retrosound stereo compared to the old one.

(I can think of better use for my bar and poker table, but what can you do?)
Frshly painted bezel and new stereo:

The old beast:

Various interior pieces, freshly painted or dyed.

I can't wait to start putting things back in, instead of taking everything out. Oh well, what's winter for, if not this?

 

May want to post it here too . . .

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audio-electronics-20/

 

Looking good, can't wait to see the finished product...

Rogman

 

Thanks Rogman. How's that frame off coming? Still keeping up that machine-like pace?

 

Looks like an interesting project. I am curious to see the final outcome.

 

Awesome work. Bet it sounds great!