Aright, opinions needed!

I've been debating putting a CD player in my 85. I have a couple of issues:
1. Should I keep it stock, for looks and value later?
2. If I do deciede to get one, would any other GM CD radio work? (I think their is one...).
3. OR...should I deciede to get one, and get aftermarket, whats a good choice?

Thank guys... :seeya

 

Go to Doctordons.com for some nice options and still looks stock
http://doctordons.com

 

i put a 10 disc cd changer in mine. that's always an option. it's easy to change while driving also, not like other cars where you have to put it in the trunk.

 

I would advise going with aftermarket. I did and it was the best mod I have ever done. Check with Tl Electronics for excellent priceson a decent system. Your budget and music tastes dictates your moves, but I would steer clear of any stock GM radio or a 1 1/2 din style. You have so many choices in teh single din style it becomes baffling.
IMO you will not get anymore $$$ later on, if the car is stock. I will let the purists flame me, but it will be many years before the C4 has any upward value, especially an 85. Change the system, enjoy the music and don't worry about what the car will be worth. You can buy conversion plugs that will run your new HU off the stock wiring, so if you want you can plug in the old HU when you go to sell it.
I would also advise running new speaker wire, the stock stuff, just doesn't cut it. It is extremely easy to do yourself.
Head over the Audio secton or do a search for C4 Bose in the Audio section, there is a ton of information.
In my 85, I have an Alpine 7894 HU(CD/MP3 player), an Alpine amp and the CDT Xovers under the front seat(it was extremely thin and fits nicely), CDT 5 1/4's in the door, and Infinity Kappa 6x9's in the rear. The whole thing is a stealth install. The tweeters are mounted just a touch to the outside of the front speaker covers near the top and blend in. Prior to the CDT's, I had Infinity Kappa 5 1/4's and the look was completly stock. I steered clear of a subwoofer to keep the look stock. But the sound was 3 times what I had with the Blose.
Again this all depends on your budget and music tastes.
I have about $700 in my system, but started out with about $400 and upgraded over time.

 

I just went through the same problem! I installed a Pioneer DEH-P47DH with CD. My 85 did'nt come with Bose system only GM, I was told this makes it simple. I paid 225.00 at a audio store, 16 bucks for the patch cord. I Installed it in about 20 min. Looks great, Sounds great. Its Din and 1/2 size fills the space nicely. I'm keeping the old radio, I don't throw out any old parts. I figure in time we may not be able to get some discontinued items, this way maybe I can have them rebuilt. She's a Keeper.
:flag

 

Well, I wanted to retain the stock look in my 96 as well as keeping the install hassle to a minimum so I installed a Clarion 6 disk changer with an RF modulator vertically behind the passanger seat. I'm more than happy with the results. It might not have the fidelity and power that a lot of other systems do, but it's loud enough to give me a headache without distorting the speakers. Here's a link to a thread with most of the install details and feel free to contact me if you have any questions and/or need any additional info....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=644329

EDIT: One important thing to note is that the instructions I provided are for a late model C4 with separate head and receiver units. I know that the 85 radios are different (I think they're a single unit) so obviously the wiring will not be the same but I doubt that it would be much more difficult of an install.


[Modified by tobijohn, 4:04 PM 10/8/2003]

 

Take it out and put it in a box.

I keep all my factory parts.. because some day I might want them.

I went with a JVC mp3 player. Now I only need about 3 or 4 cds, which fit nicely in the console, yet I still have ~600 songs.