Seeking guidance on 2 issues please:

1) Bose sound system: sounds like loud series of gunshots coming from one of the front speakers, may be the amplifier starting to go. Can these be repaired of would it be better to replace the audio system?

2) What products are best to help maintain the rubber stripping on the car.

thanks!

Bill

 

You'll get varied opinions on the audio system. If you want original and aren't dissatisfied with the bose, fix it. However, a decent aftermarket system will sound better than the stock system, and you can always sell the parts from the stock that still work to cover most of the replacement cost. FTR - I like the BOSE system, but it isn't as good as the stock JBL in my 1991 Town Car(I have impressed kids with $1k+ aftermarket systems).

The rubber flextrim and weatherstripping, if in good shape, can be maintained with Mother's "Back to Black" rubber stuff, but if it is faded, Forever Black trim dye is a good permanent fix to this problem.

You can buy Mother's Back to Black at Autozone for $5.99.

You can buy Forever Black HERE for $10.99 (price is before you type in corvetteforum as your discount code).

GT6

 

Thanks GT,

leaning toward replacing the audio system, never much cared for the Bose anyway, thin sounding & no CD player.

BTW, is that SNOW I see in your driveway?

B

 

Yes.

And no, I didn't drive it. The car was in the driveway because I was changing the hub on that Saturn in the Garage. I pulled the Vette back in when it was done.

 

Each of the 4 speaker boxes has its own amplifier. Chances are that an amp is going out. They can be fixed (do a search on fixing the Bose speakers) but also check the catalogs like Mid America for replacement units.

In a convertible, you may not get as good a sound quality simply because of the smaller space in the storage compartment and the top lining may absorb a lot of the sound. With the top down, you will get enough outside noise that you won't notice decent sound reproduction.

I actually liked the Bose system that was in my '92 vert. Never had a bit of trouble with it. I'm not an audiophile so the sound worked for me. The only thing I really would have liked to have in the unit was more FM memory postions. There aren't a lot of DIN-and-a-half units on the market unless you want to have a filler plate to use a standard DIN unit.

You can swap your head unit for a CD version; simple to do and no changes are required. In the 92, the radio receiver is a separate component so swapping the system for aftermarket has some tricks to it. Search the audio section of the Forum to see what's involved.

If your weatherstipping is in good shape (no tears in the smooth covering) use a light coating of dielectric grease to keep the covering moist and soft. I just used the Permatex stuff available at any parts stores. Rub it in well and then take a soft cloth to wipe off any excess. Replacing the weatherstripping is an expensive job so it pays to keep it clean and conditioned.

 

Many thanks C4, didn't realize there was an audio section. Good tip on the swap out for a unit with a CD player.

B