Bose replacement
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,698
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Bose replacement
In my 88 I have the stock radio and bose speakers. Well the speakers seem to be going out (they are crackling and whatnot.)
In the catalogues I've looked through, replacements go for $200 - $300 per speaker. Am i reading these incorrectly?
Is there a more reasonable replacement?
In the catalogues I've looked through, replacements go for $200 - $300 per speaker. Am i reading these incorrectly?
Is there a more reasonable replacement?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
yarrrrrr not another one of these topics.
Everyone's advice will be: Ditch the bose system, get 6x9's for the rear, and (your choice or both) 4x6 for the dash and 6.5" (I think) for the doors and a head unit of your choice. You will be removing the stock radio and all speakers and micro amps mounted with each speaker.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by zo1boy
sorry sorry, I know I should have searched, thanks for the input though.
its aight. we'll let it slide just this once 
seriously though, do not past go, do not collect $200, do not bother replacing or troubleshooting the crappy bose system!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,698
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Well, I don't know TOO much about audio work, so i guess this project should be good for me in one respect.
Now I can put some real speakers in the dash.
Now I can put some real speakers in the dash.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by Laurel
just a tiny hijack here, you can't use the bose speakers with an aftermarket deck?
This is under the assumption they are available... there are some adaptors for the early bose systems, but I am not sure if they are for the speakers or the head.
Either way, the sonic quality of the 80s bose is poor at best.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
Originally Posted by Laurel
just a tiny hijack here, you can't use the bose speakers with an aftermarket deck?
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 177
Likes: 14
From: Plano TX
Z01Boy -
I'm going to be doing the same thing to my 35th. Replace all the speakers with normal ones, and replace the stereo. I still don't know which stereo to go with ( I want to keep it as stock looking as possible). So far I am leaning towards this one:
http://www.mnrelectronics.com/pa16deambocd.html
Any one have any experience with it???
From my research, it doesn't sound too difficult of a project. I plan on using the same wire that is already used in the doors and the hatch area. Making my own adapter for the stereo shouldn't be too bad. Taking out the front door speakers sounds like the most challenging part.
Chris
----------
1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary #1941/2050
1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am #760 (1800 miles)
1983 Delorean DMC-12
1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900
I'm going to be doing the same thing to my 35th. Replace all the speakers with normal ones, and replace the stereo. I still don't know which stereo to go with ( I want to keep it as stock looking as possible). So far I am leaning towards this one:
http://www.mnrelectronics.com/pa16deambocd.html
Any one have any experience with it???
From my research, it doesn't sound too difficult of a project. I plan on using the same wire that is already used in the doors and the hatch area. Making my own adapter for the stereo shouldn't be too bad. Taking out the front door speakers sounds like the most challenging part.
Chris
----------
1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary #1941/2050
1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am #760 (1800 miles)
1983 Delorean DMC-12
1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
The sound quality doesn't seem so low with the Bose speakers in there, just the crackles whenever anything on the deck gets touched. I assumed that would change when I put my Pioneer in there. I have a fantastic set of front speakers that I was debating whether to keep or sell, but didn't know what I should do as far as the rear speakers go, I figured I'd keep the Bose ones.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Hollister CA
Originally Posted by auto_cran
Z01Boy -
I'm going to be doing the same thing to my 35th. Replace all the speakers with normal ones, and replace the stereo. I still don't know which stereo to go with ( I want to keep it as stock looking as possible). So far I am leaning towards this one:
Chris
----------
1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary #1941/2050
1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am #760 (1800 miles)
1983 Delorean DMC-12
1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900
I'm going to be doing the same thing to my 35th. Replace all the speakers with normal ones, and replace the stereo. I still don't know which stereo to go with ( I want to keep it as stock looking as possible). So far I am leaning towards this one:
Chris
----------
1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary #1941/2050
1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am #760 (1800 miles)
1983 Delorean DMC-12
1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900
My other thought is to replace the Crash Pad (breadloaf) with a flat dash replacement (there are a few aftermarket options here) and then mount a small widescreen display in it to watch DVD's on. This would obviously require the head unit to be replaced with an aftermarket single-din unit instead of a 1.5-din OEM looking one.
There is no doubt that replacing the 18 year old Bose speakers is a must.
Thoughts?
Jim
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Hollister CA
Originally Posted by GIJoe
Why do you guys want to "keep it stock looking" for twice the price of a NICE head unit with a million options, better sound, Mp3 capabilities, etc?
I just dont get it.
I just dont get it.
I like a clean, simple, functional head unit that doesn't have so many bells an whistles that you need an instruction manual to adjust the balance.
About the only real usefull thing I've seen recently is a head unit with a USB connector on the side of the faceplate that would allow me to pop in my 2 gig thumb drive with tons of my own, non skipping, music.
Jim
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 177
Likes: 14
From: Plano TX
When it comes to this Corvette, I'm a purist - I want to keep it as original in appearance as possible. It' not a daily driver -heck - I'm lucky to get it out once a week. And when I do - the stereo usually isn't on. But I do want it working - like everything else in the car.
In fact, if I knew where I can get a perfectly good working replacement Bose headunit and speaker/amps without shelling out a fortune - I would probably go that route. But a good working unit for these cars seem hard to find, and $100 + for each speaker/amp is ridiculous.
Now if it was my daily driver, I think I would consider that ultimate sound system, with amps, subwoofers, etc...
Jim - your idea sounds cool - and there appears to be a lot of free space where the breadloaf is. The breadload on mine is staying where it is, though. While not the best looking thing (I seem to have to explain it to everyone that pops their head inside the car), I think its part of the car's mystique.
Chris
In fact, if I knew where I can get a perfectly good working replacement Bose headunit and speaker/amps without shelling out a fortune - I would probably go that route. But a good working unit for these cars seem hard to find, and $100 + for each speaker/amp is ridiculous.
Now if it was my daily driver, I think I would consider that ultimate sound system, with amps, subwoofers, etc...
Jim - your idea sounds cool - and there appears to be a lot of free space where the breadloaf is. The breadload on mine is staying where it is, though. While not the best looking thing (I seem to have to explain it to everyone that pops their head inside the car), I think its part of the car's mystique.
Chris
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Hollister CA
Originally Posted by auto_cran
Jim - your idea sounds cool - and there appears to be a lot of free space where the breadloaf is. The breadload on mine is staying where it is, though. While not the best looking thing (I seem to have to explain it to everyone that pops their head inside the car), I think its part of the car's mystique.
Chris
Chris
I was looking around at some "headrest" style screens and was thinking that this approach would give me the cleanest look (mounted in the dash of course, not the headrest). I also discovered one that actually had a DVD player built in, but I don't think it would work because the disc is loaded from the top, and the overhang of the dash might be in the way.
If anyone has any thoughts or experience with this concept, please share.
Jim