I'm looking to upgrade the speakers that are currently in my '85 C4. The car itself is all stock and because of that, the sound has gone out due to old age. Whenever I turn the receiver on, there is a terrible buzzing noise. The clock is also stuck at 1:00. I'm not sure if its the receiver or the actual speakers, but I wanted to upgrade the speakers anyways so I figure I'd give it a go and see if it fixes it. (If it doesn't, I'll troubleshoot that later)

Problem is, I don't even know where to start when it comes to replacing/upgrading the sound system on a C4 Corvette! (or any car for that matter ) My already limited knowledge on cars ends at the sound system. From what I can gather, the speakers, amplifiers and stereo all need to be within range of each other in different ways? I've been doing some reading but to no avail. I just get really confused. Different websites telling you different information really doesn't make it easy to learn about sound systems. They're even worse at making you feel confident enough to make a purchase. If anyone could simplify the information for a newbie, I'd really appreciate it.

TLDR: I'm looking for good quality sound that won't crap out on me. It doesn't have to be insane, just good sound that I can play a little loud sometimes. I'd like to hear your guys' trusted brands of stereos and speakers that are compatible with the C4 '85. And maybe even get some exact product recommendations from fellow C4 owners. (Other '85 owners can chime in if it's year-specific information)

SIDE NOTE: I'd really prefer not to replace the stock stereo as I feel it would take away from the original look of the car. But, if upgrading the speakers even a little means that I'll have to replace it, I'll do it.

 

Sounds like you want to repair the OEM stereo unit but replace the speakers.

May I suggest that you do the repair first to see what the system can really deliver with current speakers.

An '85 FSM will show the radio & speaker wiring in great detail.

 

If you have the BOSE system, likely the amps and speakers are bad. I use United Radio in NY . They will send a free shipping label ( if you ask) and free return shipping. I have a Chevrolet CD player I used in my 89 Corvette that is a factory fit and looks like it came with the car, but only work with BOSE systems.

 

Cruthfield.

 

Contact Dr. Don, he is the man to repair any of our radios. I had a CD stuck in the radio and had buzzing and crackle/pops from the speakers. New front amps for the front speakers (they are cloth and will not wear out) and new speakers/amps for the rear (they are paper and do wear out). He refurbished my radio including putting an aux input on the cassette side with a long piece of cable so I could run it to my center console. Put a XM radio in the center console and the sound is crystal clear and clean. Awesome sound from the stock looking set up. http://www.doctordons.com/

 

There are several different routes that you can take.
You can have everything rebuilt, but then you still have 35 year old technology.
You can replace everything, but your budget and/or ability may be limiting factors.
You could just have the speakers rebuilt, but see my first point.
I replaced the entire factory Bose system in my 89 convertible with new speakers and a period correct NOS Sony tape deck for ~$350.

If you want to upgrade the HU to one with features such as Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs, Retrosound makes a factory style HU with those features.
https://www.retromanufacturing.com/p...33901250085000

 

To each his/her own. I tried to live with my stock '87 Bose for a couple years before I decided it needed to go. I replaced it with a Kenwood mechless (no CD player) head unit, top end Kenwood 6x9's in the rear (convert) and 3x5's in the dash (they were just blank panels). Left the door speakers disconnected as they are in a lousy place anyway. It sounds SO much better than stock, it blew me away. Plus it has all the newer goodies like bluetooth. I didn't cut any wires and kept the old parts so if the next owner wants to put it back to stock they can.

 

Hooking up a stereo system is not the mystery that it used to be for me, but when I replaced the old Bose system in my 84 I took it to Best Buy and let them install the whole thing. There is something to say about the way they do all of the connections and make sure everything is right. There are even some receivers that you can buy that come with free installation. I had an issue afterwards and they fixed it right away under warranty. Something not their fault.

The nice thing about these cars is the small amount of space that the system needs to fill. A decent receiver, modest speakers and amp will more than be able to blast you out. Get rid of that old crap unless, of course, you're going all out original on the rest of the car.

 

If you have a high pitched or loud buzzing or squeal it's most always the amps. I have sent several to factory car stereo repair https://carstereohelp.com with EXCELLENT results and fair prices.

They also have all kinds of articles explaining failures, repairs etc. A good read if you want to learn about your system.

 

The bose system in my 85 was gone when I bought it except for the door speakers and amps. I bought a new Kenwood head unit, found some speaker adapters on the net and fitted 6 1/2" woofers in the doors and adapted tweeters into the dash using a 2 way crossover. Those parts I found at Parts Express. The rear speakers were already replaced with 6 x9 Polk. No amp and the system kills. New head units these days have so many features and sound terrific.