The radio on my 1985 only works on occasion. The display doesn't light but the radio does make a static noise when turned on. When the radio does work the display works also. Any ideas out there?

Thanks,

Gord

 

Yes. Rip it all out and replace it with aftermarket. You'll have a 30 year newer design with modern features such USB and media ports, electronics that are light years ahead of the factory stereo, and 10 times better sound at 1/3 the price of fixing the original.

 

I hear what you are saying and I agree. My concern is, Im applying for collector plates and I believe that isn't a change I can make and keep collector plate status.

 

Really?

 

Don't know where you are, but my C3 has FL collectors late and an Alpine head unit, and it has never even been looked at. Change the head unit after you get your plates if that is the case, but you will be glad you have modern sound and electronics with a new radio and speakers.

 

does the cassette work?
If it does, check antenna connection first

 

The antenna won't cause the display not to light, but checking your connections at the radio is a good idea. I don't know about the 85, but newer C4 models have a separate module (CDM) that affects the radio operation. If you can get to the connections and wiggle them around to check for intermittent connections, that's about all I can think of without getting into disassembly.

 

I'm in British Columbia. You are right, I don't think the car will ever be looked at. I already took the pictures so I may change it out. I'll check out the wiring and if it's not in the wiring I will change it out.

Thanks for your input.

 

Replace it with a Bose CD out of a 1995 camaro. If you do a google search you will probably find the instructions with all the part numbers you need for the wire adaptors. It is a very simple plug and play and you won't have to replace all of the speekers. Plus it looks stock. I did mine for right around $100 off of ebay and it sounds great!

 

P.S.
My stock radio in both my 85 and 86 vettes had the exact same problem your's does. Your radio is toast.

 

I replaced my radio with one out of a 92 Buick. Looks stock, and even has a 5-band EQ. I use a cassette adapter to listen to my ipod, sounds pretty good for a 20 year old radio. Junkyard price was $20. Cassette adapter was $5 at 5 Below...

 

Were there modifications required? It looks good.

Gord

 

looks nice. Is it Bose?
No junk yards around me let radios go for $20

 

Nope... not a Bose. You should call a few junkyards. Most of them, including where I got mine, pull radios out of the cars right away, tag them, and they just sit on a shelf. Not too many calls rolling in for a radio for a 92 Buick. Mine had literally been sitting there for close to 20 years. So a few calls and a few offers should get you something similar. It is a good option for people like me that want the stock look. I am not really that concerned about the sound, but it IS leaps and bounds better than a stock radio.

If you get a radio like this, make sure that they give you the wiring harness. Often they will cut the harness out of the donor vehicle and include it with the radio. If not, you will need to get one, I know ebay has them pretty cheap. Here is one for $4 shipped:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Select-General-Motors-Radio-Installation-Wiring-Harness-/270799412498?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1992%7CMake%3AChevrolet&hash=item3f0ce71d12&vxp=mtr
You WILL need to cut off your stock harness, if it still exists. Mine didn't so there was no issue. The wires for the speakers coming out of the harness on the newer radio are the same colors as your stock C4 wires. However, you will need to look at the wiring diagram that is etched right onto the housing of the newer radio to ensure that you get the ground, ignition, and battery wires from the newer radio harness connected properly to your existing wiring. It is very easy, and all you really need is a test light to get it right.

A few more things to add and I pretty much have covered it all: Make sure that you keep the mounting brackets from your stock radio to transfer over to the newer radio. The newer GM radio will have the holes already available for you to mount your old brackets onto, so that you have a perfect fit. If you don't have these brackets, you need to find some used. I don't know if they are available new as repros or not, I never looked. Finally, your stock antenna lead will not work with the new radio. I got the adapter to fit your "large" antenna lead into the "smaller" opening on the newer radio at the local Auto Zone. Cost me $8. Hope this helps...

 

Do this. This will be the least headach.


If you have a bose system in the car and dont want to replace the whole system you have to use a bose radio. Don't start cutting your harness unless you want to replace the whole stereo system.

 

Correct, as stated above. I should have prefaced by saying that my stock system was NON-Bose, and if yours is, then you would have to bypass the factory amps to run a newer non-bose radio like I did.

 

I do have bose radio. I guess that limits some of my choices unless I bypass the amps. I need to locate these amps and decide if I want to make that change. The input has been very helpful and I have much better idea as to what my options are.

Thanks to all.

Gord

 

Each speaker has its own amp. The speakers are made to work with these amps and don't sound very good without them. Also if I remember correct the speaker wires also need to be replaced if you go non-bose. I'm not 100% about the wires but seems like I've read that. Anyway, good luck.

 

Thanks, I'm going to try and stay with a Bose system. I want to keep the stock look so I may just see what it takes to fix the radio.