help w/replacing factory stereo
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 5
From: Oakland NJ
help w/replacing factory stereo
Looking into replacing the head unit on my 98 coupe. Crutchfield claims that the 8" woofers are no longer available if you replace the factory unit, and also some other modifications will be necessary. I know I'll have to get a faceplate to take up the open space left by the vacancy of the monstrous GM unit, but I wanted to know from the forum, what other mods are necessary. I would like to install it myself, but I want to make sure I don't have any losses if I do so, nor to I want to have to cut!!! anything in the dash to make it fit. As always your help is appreciated forum faithful...
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield Ca
Mike, it kind of depends on what all you are going to install. I put in a new head unit, new door and rear speakers, a sub woofer, and a 5 channel power amplifier. I had to use a dash kit (face plate) and I had to use 90 degree RCA jacks because the head unit wouldn't fit otherwise. I didn't have to cut the dash or anything. I had to make an adapter for the door speakers because I replaced the Bose amp/speakers with component speakers. I pulled the seats and the carpet all out to run RCA and power cables properly to avoid the amp picking up electrical noise. If you're not experienced at installing stereos, have a shop do it for you. You might also check on the General Corvette/audio and electronics section for extra help. Good luck. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale CA
St. Jude Donor '06
If all you are going to replace is the headunit, then you will need a soundgate adaptor to be able to power the bose amps for the 8 inch subs in the doors. I had my headunit installed but wasn't aware that there was anything special about installing it other than needing the soundgate.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, NC "REALITY IS MERELY AN ILLUSION, ALBEIT A VERY PERSISTENT ONE"...ALBERT EINSTEIN"
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Here is what I wound up doing.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1074000
Hope this helps!
.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1074000
Hope this helps!
.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 5
From: Oakland NJ
Thanks for all the replys guys. So if I have this right, if I replaced the head unit, all I would need is the soundgate adaptor and maybe some right angle RCA's to avoid the rear bracket? Do any of you guys have a link where I can get the adaptor cheap? And there are no problems running the 8" Bose woofers with this adaptor?
One other question, if anyone has hooked up an aftermarket CD changer to the stock unit that is wired for a changer, have you had any problems? I was looking at Crutchfield at one of the newer Alpine units and it said it would not work with my stock unit.
One other question, if anyone has hooked up an aftermarket CD changer to the stock unit that is wired for a changer, have you had any problems? I was looking at Crutchfield at one of the newer Alpine units and it said it would not work with my stock unit.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: saint charles
mike
when you decide which way to go make sure that you get your mounting from vrum vrum he is a forum member but he make some bad *** mounting plate that make your headunit really flush and you can get the corvette logo cutted into it is awesome it will cost a little more but the look is worth good luck
when you decide which way to go make sure that you get your mounting from vrum vrum he is a forum member but he make some bad *** mounting plate that make your headunit really flush and you can get the corvette logo cutted into it is awesome it will cost a little more but the look is worth good luck
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield Ca
Mike, that is correct, if you are installing just the head unit only, you only need the soundgate adapter. You only need the 90 degree RCA adapters if you are running the head unit with a power amp and it doesn't sound like you are so don't worry about the RCA adapter. No clue where to find a good price on the soundgate adaptor. Try a google search for car stereo and look through those vendors. Good luck
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