I`m planning on replacing the radio in my 1976 stingray. what`s the proper way to go about this? I was told to have "someone else" do it, but I`m retired now and have nothing` but time to try it myself. Any help would be appreciated!

jim

 

Depends on what you want to replace it with. The original speakers were 10 ohm units. Most newer radio units need 4 ohm speakers. And the speaker power rating should be a good match to the output power of each channel on the new radio/amp. If the output power of the new radio is 50W per channel, you should purchase speakers capable of handling 75-100W.

The original Delco head had L and R channels, with each one capable of around 8-10 watts (in today's rating system that would be 16-20 W per channel).

Whatever you do, don't pitch the C3 radio. And also remove the convector unit behind the right-side dash pad. They are a set and must be used together to function properly. Keeping the original wiring harness intact would be a plus, too.

 

It can definitely get involved. I just replaced my original working radio with a custom audio "look alike" unit. I'm very happy with the result but it was not exactly a piece of cake.

I started with the premise that the 10 ohm dash speakers had to go in favor of 4 ohm ones. While modern radios can easily handle 4-8 Ohms I felt the age of the speakers plus the 10 ohm stretch meant pulling the top dash. Knowing the radio would come out / go in easier with the center bezel out anyway, I did the speakers first. First removed the window trim, passenger panel, center gauge panel. I loosened the driver panel but did not remove it. Removing the center gauge panel is a whole lot easier with the shift console removed - which of course is also easier with the parking brake console removed. Basically the old radio slips right out with the console removed. I did remove the amplifier as 7T1vette recommended.

Once the dash speakers were replaced I reinstalled the top dash and started installing the new radio. Everything was pretty straightforward since the console, center bezel, and passenger panel were out. I did run a pair of rear wires through the center console for adding speakers back there.

There really wasn't any significant issues once the dash speakers were replaced. I did use the opportunity to replace some dash lights and do some cleaning while there. Fixed a rattle in the A/C vent so that was good.

 

my plan is as follows...

JVC media player (no physical media to lose) plays anything with AUX input (for universal use), my use will be an Ipod and Sirius tuner.
6.5" coax speakers in the kick panels
a couple of 6x9's coax in the rear in individual pods (because I already had them). I want to get one of the fitted single unit pods that spans the rear.
4 chan amp sitting in back or under pass seat.


I am leaving the stock speakers but disconnecting them for next owner.
I considered using a stock looking radio but did not find one I liked. The Retrosound radios have a very bad rap but the concept is nice. wish someone would make a quality one.
I have to replace a broken gauge bezel so I will preinstall the radio then.
I plan on laying some reflectix down so I will wire the rest up then.