I just purchased a '91 vette, black convertible w/ 107K. It has the orginal stereo (Bose), which doesn't work anymore. I'm looking to upgrade the stereo but I was told that a non-Bose stereo would not work with the Bose speakers (actually he said the sound quality with a non-Bose stereo would be poor). Is this true or not? I would like to keep the Bose speakers if possible, but if not, any recommendations for a stereo/speaker combo?

Also, I think I have a water leak coming from somewhere. After a hard rain the other night I noticed my carpet was wet on the floorpan, both passenger and driver side. There was also water in the driver side storage bin. The convertible top appears to be in good shape, but I think the water may be coming in underneath the convertible in the rear. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, how did you repair?

Thanks in advance for you help

Terry

 

You can use an aftermarket radio with the Bose system; however you will need to get an adaptor to match the output of the radio to the speakers. Some will tell you to get rid of the whole system and replace it. I would tell you to do what you want. If the radio is not working it will be difficult to tell if the speakers are working. If they need repair as well you will spend more money than what it would cost to replace the system with an complete aftermarket system. I would recommend that you either replace the whole thing or repair it back to stock condition, but do not mix the two system (Bose and aftermarket). As to recommendations on replace equipment? Pioneer, Sony, and Alpine for head units and speakers are like opinions everyone has their preference. So go listen to some and make your own choice as to what to use. I have a Sony head unit and Infinity speakers.

Sorry I can not help with the water leak I do not have a convertible. Good luck.

P.S. If you chose to replace the whole system be sure to run new speaker wire as the Bose system uses a common ground to all four speakers. The after market radio will not like this and it will cause problems.

 

I agree with Red Runner. You will need the adaptors... but if the bose is dead, the relay may be at fault. There is a relay under the dash somewhere that fires up the amps. if its dead, a new head won't change a thing.

I am not a fan of the bose system. It is expensive to repair and prone to failure... top that off, it don't sound all that great.

I would replace with all new components.

 

Thanks for the replies back. I think I will replace with an aftermarket system. I've listened to some infinity speakers already and they sounded great. I'll keep checking for a stereo unit.

 

What size radio is the factory Bose. I thought it was a double DIN, but I was told at one store that it is a 1.5 DIN

 

Leave that shop, they are dumbasses

 

84-89 were 1.5 din, 90-96 are double din. I replaced my entire system with new, Boston FX speakers all around and a panasonic ghost deck. It blends nicely with the factory dash with it's digital look. I can also adjust the color to match the instrument cluster colors. Oh yeah, it sounds great too!

 

Thanks for the info...I was pretty sure it was a double din. I haven't been able to find very many double din units and I'm not sure how a single din unit would look. I know there's kits to closeout a single din unit but I'd like to see how that looks. Anyone have any pics they'd like to share.

 

Some have gone the single DIN route and put a small storage pocket under the head unit. You might want to check in the Audio/Electronics section for better info.

 

You dont need adapters, I have run mine without them for years..

You only hook up the pos wire from the new head to the bose amp..

But if you insist on using one, I will send you mine free of charge!!

Cuz I dont use it.. Your call, good luck..

 

This of course is my opinion. When I bought my 1990 Corvette, it had the BOSE am/fm/cassette/CD Gold System. The system did not work which after researching I learned that after about ten years or so the wiring in the amplifiers goes bad do to heat. I searched high and low for aftermarket decks that would fit the stock opening without modifications. Pioneer had a deck that came close to filling the stock opening. I believe the deck ran about $250.00. After six months without tunes and lots of research, I decided to repair the system when I found a place in Florida to repair it. (Sound Repair - http://www.boserepair.com/) I also found out that this is the same company that makes the repairs for Ecklers. They have a quantity pricing option and I was able to talk them into giving a lifetime warranty on the amp repair and they give the headunit a 1yr and the cdmbox a 1yr. My whole system was repaired for $450.00, and not only that but the shop put me in a new laser pickup that would read burned CDs, since the original pickups have trouble reading them. I had been told that a working BOSE system would sound great. They also told me that at about one quarter volume the system would be as loud as you would want it, also the system could be played at full volume and would remain crystal clear without damaging the system because BOSE built the speakers to handle that kind of power. After hearing, this information I decided to get it repaired. So far I have not spent any money on anything better than that repair. With the bass/treble **** set in the middle the system delivers all the bass and highs you would ever want in a car the size of a corvette. The loudest I have been able to handle playing the system at was about 1/3 max. volume which is crystal clear and sounds very full and realistic. Everybody who has ever heard the BOSE system in my car has commented that it sounds like the performer is performing right behind you in the rear cargo compartment. Whatever kind of music you listen to the BOSE system envelopes you in rich, full, powerful sound. The system sounds great and and it is stock what else could you ask for. I looked at all new speakers, wires, and headunit from Pioneer for my car and it was going to cost me around $600 and each component had 1yr warranties, so I believe I came out better getting the system repaired.

Sorry, for such a long post but I truly relish my music and love to hear it loud and clear full of bass, so when I get talking about the BOSE system I get carried away.

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do with your tunes.

Ryan

 

I have a 91 had it repaired at Nationwide Car Radio and Speedometer Repair and I also got 12 month warrenty. www.carradio.com