bose radio blues
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 769
Likes: 95
From: Central Pennsylvania
I solved my Bose problems in my 84 and 92 the same way. I jettisoned them for new systems. I haven't owned a cassette tape in years ( 1984 car ) and now both cars have USB slots and Sirius radio.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
I don't think it matters unless you have to keep it totally original. In which case, maybe a conversation with Dr Don might be helpful, Unfortunately, with this stupid thing, you have to rewire the whole thing but at the end of it, you have a system that is more up to date and modular. You can change to different speakers or different head unit or whatever. The old Bose WAS good for it's time but that time is long passed.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I don't think it matters unless you have to keep it totally original. In which case, maybe a conversation with Dr Don might be helpful, Unfortunately, with this stupid thing, you have to rewire the whole thing but at the end of it, you have a system that is more up to date and modular. You can change to different speakers or different head unit or whatever. The old Bose WAS good for it's time but that time is long passed.
I agree the BOSE systems in the C4's were good for their time. Surprisingly, the BOSE system in my '87 still works although I did have to replace the relay which was a PITA because of the location. With new radios, you do have lots of options in what can be included and with even a small amp and a good speaker selection, the sound quality is greatly improved over the BOSE 25 year old technology.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I look at it differently....instead of getting rid of something because it is old and outdated...so-to-speak....if a simple fix..such as a relay or bad wire fixes it and makes the customer happy...then why not....especially if all the new stereos and 'techno' stuff does not matter to the customer. Many of my customers do not care about the stereo...they want to listen to their car instead. I guess that all boils down to what a person wants and what is important to them.
DUB
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
I look at it differently....instead of getting rid of something because it is old and outdated...so-to-speak....if a simple fix..such as a relay or bad wire fixes it and makes the customer happy...then why not....especially if all the new stereos and 'techno' stuff does not matter to the customer. Many of my customers do not care about the stereo...they want to listen to their car instead. I guess that all boils down to what a person wants and what is important to them.
DUB
DUB
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
The chance is always there.SO far many of my customers have lucked out and they are still working. And it was no where near the cost of wiring in a new system and speakers....because I have done that also.
DUB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I would start looking at the Bose relay and surrounding connections. The relay if bad contacts will kill power to the speakers (& possibly more).
No books with me here (vacation) but does the antenna go up and down when turned on or off? I'm not sure but I think antenna power comes thru the Bose relay. Might be a clue.
No books with me here (vacation) but does the antenna go up and down when turned on or off? I'm not sure but I think antenna power comes thru the Bose relay. Might be a clue.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
I got Best Buy to run the wires when my arm was screwed up and later on, hooked up the head unit and slowly put speakers on. Wasn't too bad a job. My friend fixed his speakers one by one. Finally when the head unit had a problem he was too far into it to quit
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
In many cases it is a total CLUSTER _ _ _ _!!!
SO I am somewhat 'opinionated' when it comes to having things done to a Corvette when in many cases they are done incorrectly....and NOT well thought out. I have encountered my fair share of sheet rock screws, toggle bolts, sections of 2 x 4's, balled up towels and hacked and cut on parts to get things to fit just make me sick.
So if anyone is planning on doing a part change to something that is NOT factory...STOP and take time to think it through....and NOT be in a hurry to get it in and the installation suffers.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
I am glad it worked for you...SERIOUSLY GLAD! ..but I can't count the number of Corvettes where aftermarket wiring for 'things' and audio systems were installed and I have to go in and fix them.
In many cases it is a total CLUSTER _ _ _ _!!!
SO I am somewhat 'opinionated' when it comes to having things done to a Corvette when in many cases they are done incorrectly....and NOT well thought out. I have encountered my fair share of sheet rock screws, toggle bolts, sections of 2 x 4's, balled up towels and hacked and cut on parts to get things to fit just make me sick.
So if anyone is planning on doing a part change to something that is NOT factory...STOP and take time to think it through....and NOT be in a hurry to get it in and the installation suffers.
DUB
In many cases it is a total CLUSTER _ _ _ _!!!
SO I am somewhat 'opinionated' when it comes to having things done to a Corvette when in many cases they are done incorrectly....and NOT well thought out. I have encountered my fair share of sheet rock screws, toggle bolts, sections of 2 x 4's, balled up towels and hacked and cut on parts to get things to fit just make me sick.
So if anyone is planning on doing a part change to something that is NOT factory...STOP and take time to think it through....and NOT be in a hurry to get it in and the installation suffers.
DUB
If you are doing a good job, fine. Like you said, no sheet rock screws or other junk. Problem is many kids want it fast, cheap and good. Not happening. That is why idiots like them hire people like you. "Fix my stupidity". If it costs you $10 for me to put it in, I will charge you $20 to fix the mess someone else put in
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
Therein lies the issue. If you do a hack job, you get hack results. I had Best Lies lay out the wire UNDER MY SUPERVISION. After which, I tested every line. I couldn't do it myself because my arm had undergone surgery. I installed the speakers myself and the head unit so I know how those went.
If you are doing a good job, fine. Like you said, no sheet rock screws or other junk. Problem is many kids want it fast, cheap and good. Not happening. That is why idiots like them hire people like you. "Fix my stupidity". If it costs you $10 for me to put it in, I will charge you $20 to fix the mess someone else put in
If you are doing a good job, fine. Like you said, no sheet rock screws or other junk. Problem is many kids want it fast, cheap and good. Not happening. That is why idiots like them hire people like you. "Fix my stupidity". If it costs you $10 for me to put it in, I will charge you $20 to fix the mess someone else put in
I was referring to the second paragraph that you wrote ....which is TOTALLY TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCEPT it costs WAY more than $20 to fix some 'BOZO's' mess up. $20 does not fix a total cluster _ _ _ _!!! Which I know was just written as an example...just wanted to clarify that.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
I was NOT disputing the quality of the install in your case. Many people do not do what you did.....WATCH and SUPERVISE to get what they want. many people will just drop off the car and come back and get it....BIG MISTAKE. Not all the time....but happens quite a lot. ESPECIALLY if you are not knowing the people who are working on your Corvette.
I was referring to the second paragraph that you wrote ....which is TOTALLY TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCEPT it costs WAY more than $20 to fix some 'BOZO's' mess up. $20 does not fix a total cluster _ _ _ _!!! Which I know was just written as an example...just wanted to clarify that.
DUB
I was referring to the second paragraph that you wrote ....which is TOTALLY TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCEPT it costs WAY more than $20 to fix some 'BOZO's' mess up. $20 does not fix a total cluster _ _ _ _!!! Which I know was just written as an example...just wanted to clarify that.
DUB
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
. I have no problem with a customer watching me work on some repairs.....until they realize that it is being done correctly. Which usually does not take too long. And asking a million questions while working is fine as long as they understand that it is just adding to the time to do the job...thus...more $$$
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
VERY SMART..... I have no problem with a customer watching me work on some repairs.....until they realize that it is being done correctly. Which usually does not take too long. And asking a million questions while working is fine as long as they understand that it is just adding to the time to do the job...thus...more $$$
DUB
. I have no problem with a customer watching me work on some repairs.....until they realize that it is being done correctly. Which usually does not take too long. And asking a million questions while working is fine as long as they understand that it is just adding to the time to do the job...thus...more $$$DUB
I knew of a Mercedes mechanic that would do a brake flush by sucking out the old dirty fluid. MB procedure calls for that PLUS flushing the lines. I am not going to pay you to flush the lines and remove old fluid if all you are doing is remove old fluid. If I don't see you flush the lines, you better have a damn good reason why. IMO these procedures keep the mechanic honest.