89 Delco Bose Issues

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Apr 8, 2024 | 06:48 PM

rowdync

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Heel & Toe

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 15

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From: Afton, TN

89 Delco Bose Issues

Hey folks, I bought a Kenwood KDC-X705 and the Metra plug n play kit to hook it up along with the Crux Line out converter that is supposed to let you use the stock Bose wiring and speakers. Got everything hooked up and it wasn't too difficult, all wires are marked, but when I turned on the radio and set it, I have no sound from any of the speakers. I did like I was instructed from Crutchfield, Radio volume at 3/4, converter speaker levels at zero and slowly turn them up till the speakers start to break up then back off. Still, no volume, Crutchfield techs seem to be clueless and what diagrams they are using aren't correct. There is a little red wire that was not used and two gray wires in one plug that was not used. Is it possible the little red wire powered the Bose speakers separate from the radio?

Apr 13, 2024 | 09:35 PM

Kevova

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2013

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From: near the thumb in the mitten

Bose' stereo is a component type system. The control head, receiver, speakers w amps. You tied into the control head but not the receiver. IMO you should string wires for your new speakers.

Apr 15, 2024 | 11:01 AM

SLVRSHRK

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,193

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From: Hillsborough NC

Were your speakers and radio working prior to replacing the head unit?

Apr 15, 2024 | 11:51 PM

LWesthaver

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 984

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From: Columbia MD

@rowdync This might help you to understand the Delco Bose wiring in the early C4's:

C4 BOSE Info

Apr 15, 2024 | 11:58 PM

LWesthaver

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 984

Likes: 154

From: Columbia MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevova

Bose' stereo is a component type system. The control head, receiver, speakers w amps. You tied into the control head but not the receiver. IMO you should string wires for your new speakers.

The early C4's BOSE systems (1984-89) aren't broken down into as many components as the later C4's (1990-96). The early C4's have only a head unit and a set of amplified speakers. Also, the existing wiring as entirely adequate as it is metric .8 mm² which is essentially the same as 18 AWG.

Oct 30, 2025 | 04:28 PM

rowdync

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Heel & Toe

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Afton, TN

Yes

Oct 30, 2025 | 04:30 PM

rowdync

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: Afton, TN

I had a stereo store say to cut the wires on both ends and hook them up to new speakers and a new stereo. Would that work?

Oct 31, 2025 | 01:32 AM

wolf_walker

Pro

Joined: May 2025

Posts: 613

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From: OK

Pretty sure I just put that same converter and radio in my Bose 86 and it worked fine.
Were all the speakers working before hand?

Metra 70-1677-1 CRUX CS-LOC1
KMM-X705
Is what I used.
Prepare to be not-overwhelmed with the sound quality but it does work well enough and gets plenty loud for a middle age rocker.