I have an 86 with Bose system and would like to add Bluetooth for streaming music. Are there any available kits or procedures for doing this in a clean fashion? I don't want to have an FM modulator sitting in my power port all the time which works but doesn't look ideal.

 

I am pleased with Tranzit Blu model ISFM2351. About 70 bucks on Amazon.

 

I use a cassette adapter, like the Carwires MJ200C Premium Car Audio Cassette Adapter, with a 3,5 mm out and plugged this into a bluetooth modul, the AUKEY Bluetooth Audio-receiver BR-C1, very easy installation and the bluetooth receiver shuts off automatically after 10 minutes without signal.....it fits into the cupholder and works very nice. (You need a Bose with a cassette player though...) (You do not need to remove the bose unit for installation.....)

Cheers, Michael

 

That seems like an easy solution, however I would prefer a solution that is less visible

 

If I were doing it over again I would simply remove all the BOSE parts and either store or sell them. Then call Crutchfields and get a newer unit that has the blue-tooth capability. I did that two years ago and have a really nice modern sound system that lets me get messages and make calls as needed hands-free. The installation of the head unit was a bit different but I wired it in 1-2 hours. I replaced the speakers at the same time with decent speakers.

The BOSE sits on a shelf with other historic stuff in my garage, like my carburetor collection.

My daughter has a 2011 Camaro that did not come with Bluetooth capability, somebody bought a device called an "ISimple TranzitBluHF" and had Best Buy install it. It works fine and is nearly invisible if installed correctly. It will allow you to receive and make calls along with connecting to your phone for music streaming.

I hope that you find a great way of streaming for your situation, I am starting to think the same thing for my 1968 C3.
Good Luck

 

How do you like the sound quality compared to the Bose system? My system sounds good but I don't have access to a C4 with a modern system to compare.

Thanks,
Frank

 

I second the I just install it, put the module in the rear bin by my CDM unit on my 96, was very surprise at how good it sounds. Grabbed a Wireless-Bluetooth-Media-Remote-Control-Button (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Bluetooth-Media-Remote-Control-Button-Car-Steering-Wheel-Bike-Handbar/222234246269?epid=1082328700&hash=item33be317c7d:g:biAAAOSwFe5XxUOF) to change songs without needing to unlock my phone.

Nice setup, hides everything, wish I had done this years ago rather then using the FM modulator via the accessory plug that was somewhat an eyesore because I had to leave the console lid open.

The iSimple unit I bought doesn't let me take calls through it and that was done by choice...hard to talk in my vette when driving, it's too loud.

 

Back in 2018 I sent my entire 1992 C4 head unit and speakers off to Dr Don's repair service @ https://www.doctordons.com/

He refurbished everything. In the head unit he updated the CD electronics which now allow for an CD with MP3s burned to it...and more importantly he added a 3.5 adapter that takes the place of the cassette deck. The cassette 3.5mm adapter has about a 2ft line connecting back to the head unit, the line can be installed under the center console with the adapter in the center compartment - accessible for running your 3.5mm male/male cable (and power button to engage the head unit) He also repaired all the original amps on each speaker. The system sounds as good as it did the day it came off the assembly line. Best of all - I didn't have to worry about modernizing the system, rewiring things or trying to find a proper head unit that would fit the bezel space of the dash (without modifications).

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS - esp if you want to keep your corvette original and not go through the headache of ripping out all your interior and rewiring everything. In the end, the cost is a wash, but its much easier to use the repair service and reinstall your original head unit/speakers and not have to perform any mods.

The new cassette adapter has the 3.5mm input that you can run a 3.mm male/male cable from your phone direct to the input. OR you can get a USB powered bluetooth/3.5mm adapter to then run a 3.5mm male/male cable between the bluetooth adapter and the cassette adapter. I installed a secondary USB port in the center console storage space (spliced power off of the cigarette lighter)...that USB port then powers the bluetooth adapter....the 3.5mm cable runs from it to the cassette adpater - all of which is in hidden (no exposed wires) center console storage compartment.

However, the biggest problem now is engine noise. IF only using the phone <---> 3.5mm cassette adapter and the phone is plugged in/charging - then I get a power feedback loop through the speakers. Or, when using the USB bluetooth/adapter solution - which requires power all the time, then I get the same power feedback loop and hear all the engine noise. So far, the only way I have found to eliminate the engine noise is to do the phone 3.5mm wire direct to the cassette adapter - and NOT have my phone charging. Fine for a bit, but the 3.5mm cable is exposed outside the storage compartment.

I just purchased a battery powered bluetooth/3.5mm adapter (hasn't arrived yet) which should also work fine since there is no power loop going on. The downside is the battery life is only 5 hours - and if I need to recharge it while using it - then I have introduced the power loop engine noise problem again.

I reached out to Dr Don's to ask about any updated bluetooth solution for the cassette adapter and the response was short and terse "no, there is no bluetooth solution".

However, there is a power button on the cassette/3.5mm adapter - which makes me believe the same power could power bluetooth solution. But that will require me popping open the cassette/3.5mm adapter and seeing whats under the hood and figuring out if I can splice power off that source. If possible, then that would be the best solution to power a bluetooth receiver directly and hopefully eliminate the power feedback loop. Its just a guess...but for now I am going to rely on the battery powered bluetooth. I bought two...one will always be charging while the other is in use. Though an inconvenience, all I need to do is swap the units and recharge the dead one - thus never introducing the feedback loop.