C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Stereo Update

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 17, 2025 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
']['HRUS'][''s Avatar
']['HRUS']['
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
Default Stereo Update

Hello, I finally bought the car of my dreams. But there are some things that need to be updated. I recently installed a Power Acoustik CP-71WA head unit. I wanted a single DIN stereo but didn't really care for the ones with *****. I wanted to get a sleek look but try to make it look like it either came stock with the car, or looks like it should have come that way from the factory. I didn't want the typical stereo install that sticks out like every other car stereo. Those installs scream "aftermarket". The CP-71WA is all touch screen with tiny slivers of buttons on each side. But what sold it for me was the 4v peamp outputs because I intend to do a custom stereo install with seperates up front and a couple subs out back (I've owned all the equipment for about 30 years, some of it still in the boxes).

So I decided to build a recessed area so the head unit would be flush with the dash. Bought a sheet of ABS plastic and some ABS glue and went to work.


Test fit 1




Glue it together and test fit again



I think it's worth stating at this stage I was a nervous wreck. I meticulously cut that opening. MY GOD what a pain to cut it straight and not ruin it with an errant slip-up!

As you can see from initial install, the stereo is pretty close to flush with the front of the dash. I will admit that on the first go around, I actually forgot to account for the thickness of the dash, so I had to cut about an 1/8" from the recessed plastic tray I made before I glued it on.




And here is the final install. I think it looks really sharp, doesn't really ruin the aesthetics of the dash and nearly looks like it really belongs there.




Another cool feature of the CP-71WA is that it lets you have custom boot-up pictures and backgrounds.
This is the boot-up screen.


']['

Last edited by ']['HRUS']['; Feb 15, 2026 at 09:38 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2025 | 09:55 PM
  #2  
zxryder72's Avatar
zxryder72
Racer
Veteran: Air Force
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 470
Likes: 131
From: Colorado
Default

That is very, very cool. Perfect for the later C3 console set up.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2025 | 11:42 PM
  #3  
TorchZ51's Avatar
TorchZ51
Pro
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 568
Likes: 205
Default

Looks great, integrates nicely with the stock gauges.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2025 | 02:30 AM
  #4  
4-vettes's Avatar
4-vettes
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,228
Likes: 7,825
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default

Looks really good. Nice job.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2025 | 08:33 AM
  #5  
1bdvet's Avatar
1bdvet
Team Owner
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,777
Likes: 5,623
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Nice upgrade!
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2025 | 07:34 PM
  #6  
drwet's Avatar
drwet
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Default

That's as nice as any I've ever seen. Congrats.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2025 | 11:11 PM
  #7  
TKX 5-SPEED C3's Avatar
TKX 5-SPEED C3
Drifting
 
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 383
From: Toronto, Ontario
Default

Good job!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Stereo Update





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:35 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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