Installing Entirely New Sound System...
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Springfield VA
Installing Entirely New Sound System...
Well I have decided that its time to install a new sound system in my 88 coupe. As of now, it has a broken tape player and only 3 speakers work. I am planning to get a new head unit, 4 new speakers, and I have a 12" alpine sub,amp and capacitor with a custom box that I am putting in the trunk. My main question is installation...I dont know if I should try to do it myself because I have no experience with car audio. I am figuring that best buy isnt a good option because I have heard bad things about thier installations. There is a tweeter store nearby, but I know nothing about them. I know this is a very broad topic...but I appreciate any tips or insight. Thanks
Last edited by Mr Mojo; Jul 2, 2006 at 01:34 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 179
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From: Cypress Texas
I decided to replace my entire system also. I know the owner of Houston Car Stereo and went to him for advise. Houston Car Stereo did the job and it took them 2 full days. My system sounds great now, but there is NO way I cound have done it myself. Good Luck.
Mark
Mark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 754
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From: Tamarac Florida
Doing the install yourself on the vett is really not to bad of a job, mostly time consuming if you've never done it before. Doing it yourself, you will be assured that YOU will take everything off and put it back on with more care than the Yahoo Kid at Best Buy.
If your not into doing it yourself find multiple shops that do custom installs, go in look around. Most of the really good shops will have pictures of the work that they've done. Look at the pics, check prices, and go with the guys who've done the "high end" work on the "high end" cars.
If you want to do it yourself and need some help, you may be able to find a forum member here who could take some time and give you a hand. Fill out your profile so we know more about you and if your in south FL, I'll help you out.
One thing I would suggest is to get rid of everything audio in the car. I'm basically talking right down to the wires. It makes it a longer job, but I found the sound quality of my system better on larger, real speaker wire.
If your not into doing it yourself find multiple shops that do custom installs, go in look around. Most of the really good shops will have pictures of the work that they've done. Look at the pics, check prices, and go with the guys who've done the "high end" work on the "high end" cars.
If you want to do it yourself and need some help, you may be able to find a forum member here who could take some time and give you a hand. Fill out your profile so we know more about you and if your in south FL, I'll help you out.
One thing I would suggest is to get rid of everything audio in the car. I'm basically talking right down to the wires. It makes it a longer job, but I found the sound quality of my system better on larger, real speaker wire.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 2
From: Houston TX
Originally Posted by vettefamily
I decided to replace my entire system also. I know the owner of Houston Car Stereo and went to him for advise. Houston Car Stereo did the job and it took them 2 full days. My system sounds great now, but there is NO way I cound have done it myself. Good Luck.
Mark
Mark
Give us an idea of what you put in your car. Also what year is the vette? I have considered for some time replacing the components in the '88 DD, but have been reluctant (as it still sounds better than my '87, engine drowns the music). I am fairly confident in the install area, as I used to compete in "SoundOff" competitions and did my own work. I just always felt that the factory system was a better match, with the added benefit that no one will deface your car trying to steal the system.
Aaron
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 179
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From: Cypress Texas
I have sent pics to Mr Mojo to post. I will get a complete list of the work done tomorrow. I'll do my best for now to list the equipment. email me at cyfair290@aol.com if you would like the pics sent to you. MY Vette is a 90 coupe.
The head unit is Alpine CDA-9856
The amp JL Audio six channel e6450
The sub is JL Audio 10 " More inf. tomorrow
Front speakers are Alpine, More info to come
Rear speakers are Alpine, More info to come
I had read post about some people not putting in rear speakers and I ran that by the owner of the shop. He tried with and without and he went with the rear speakers. He also put some sound shield in the front doors. All the wires are very heavy duty and not real cheap. Ill have prices tomorrow.
The head unit is Alpine CDA-9856
The amp JL Audio six channel e6450
The sub is JL Audio 10 " More inf. tomorrow
Front speakers are Alpine, More info to come
Rear speakers are Alpine, More info to come
I had read post about some people not putting in rear speakers and I ran that by the owner of the shop. He tried with and without and he went with the rear speakers. He also put some sound shield in the front doors. All the wires are very heavy duty and not real cheap. Ill have prices tomorrow.
Last edited by vettefamily; Jul 3, 2006 at 08:38 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 97
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From: Springfield VA
Thanks everyone for your advice. One of my school teachers is an expert on corvette's and he used to install high end sound systems for a living. I am going to contact him and hopefully he can help me out. Updated my profile btw..
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 0
From: North Central Indiana
It took me and 2 friends about 8 hours to totally remove the old Bose and install all new wires, speakers and head unit in my 89. This didn't include the time it took to make a couple aluminum plates that I used to mount the 6.5 inch speakers in the doors. The hardest part of the whole thing was getting the old speakers/amps out of the door.
I also added an Infinity powered sub in the back of the hatch area.
It sounds so much better than my old worn out Bose.
I also added an Infinity powered sub in the back of the hatch area.
It sounds so much better than my old worn out Bose.
