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installing original radio??

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Old Jun 7, 2014 | 08:35 PM
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Default installing original radio??

my 97 has a Kenwood in it which I do not like, so according to the rpo codes its supposed to have a radio with cassette and a remote c/d changer. how hard is it to install an original radio? looks like the c/d player is simple, the brackets and electrical connection are still there.
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Old Jun 7, 2014 | 08:48 PM
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I guess it depends on whether the installer of the Kenwood hacked up a bunch of wires installing it or if they had some kind of plug and play adapter for it. You might want to post this n the General Corvette, Audio/Electronics section of the forum.
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Old Jun 7, 2014 | 08:48 PM
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It could be really easy as long as the po used a wiring adaptor.
Now if he cut all the wires.... Good luck.
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Old Jun 7, 2014 | 09:17 PM
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My question is, why? Ok, you don't like the Kenwood, I get that, although mine is fine. But unless you are really into having every little nut and bolt original, why put a crappy cassette/CD Bose setup back in?
Assuming the Kenwood works, the previous guy either installed an adapter or replaced the speakers...either way, replacing the Kenwood with a decent 21st-century-tech head unit is dirt cheap, almost certainly less than scrounging around for a used OEM setup. Not to mention that if the speakers were replaced, life could get interesting.
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Old Jun 7, 2014 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Lee DeRaud
My question is, why? Ok, you don't like the Kenwood, I get that, although mine is fine. But unless you are really into having every little nut and bolt original, why put a crappy cassette/CD Bose setup back in?
Assuming the Kenwood works, the previous guy either installed an adapter or replaced the speakers...either way, replacing the Kenwood with a decent 21st-century-tech head unit is dirt cheap, almost certainly less than scrounging around for a used OEM setup. Not to mention that if the speakers were replaced, life could get interesting.
Many people want original equipment. I would not have bought my car if it had an aftermarket stereo. My last one did and it took me a week to undo that mess. Even so I like the Bose. With all the road, wind and engine noise of a Corvette the stock stereo is just fine.
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Old Jun 7, 2014 | 11:28 PM
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the kenwood is hard to select channels, it has input for a ipod and blue tooth which I do not use, like how simple the gm unit is. only need a good radio, the rest keep.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 12:59 AM
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I've got the crappy original Delco radio from my 2002 if you're interested in it. I can understand you not liking the radio you have in it, but have a nice DD installed. You don't need Bluetooth? Of course you need Bluetooth!
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 02:15 AM
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I've got the same issue. My recently acquired (from a used car lot) '99 base coupe had an Alpine stereo. My parking lights were stuck on, no horn, pass window didn't work.

They fixed it for me. They replaced my ignition switch and the mech said the wiring on the Alpine was all screwed up so it was removed..

Everything works again, but now I got an empty hole. It doesn't look like any wires were chopped (whew). I'm on the lookout for a stock stereo CD myself. I like the original stock look myself.

I just took a closer look.. The the Alpine stereo/CD player also says "Bluetooth"

I have no idea what a Bluetooth is so I don't think I'll miss it one bit. Hoping to sell the Alpine and find a deal on a good stock unit for my '99
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Last edited by SaxyVette; Jun 8, 2014 at 02:43 AM.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 09:19 AM
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If you need parts, I have the deck, cd-changer, and all speakers in perfect condition. Just removed because its a dragster now. PM me if you're interested. Not trying to get a lot for them. Would rather see them go to use than sit in my garage.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by kennedy759
the kenwood is hard to select channels, it has input for a ipod and blue tooth which I do not use, like how simple the gm unit is. only need a good radio, the rest keep.
Understood. My point was mostly that there are a lot of other choices besides the Kenwood you don't like and a decade-old used Bose, and at this point those alternatives may be less cost/hassle to buy and install...possibly a lot less hassle.

I freely admit I rarely (AKA never) use "radio" as such: my last three cars have had stereos with front-panel USB ports, and a 32GB flash drive keeps 50+ hours of my own music on tap. YMMV.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
If you need parts, I have the deck, cd-changer, and all speakers in perfect condition. Just removed because its a dragster now. PM me if you're interested. Not trying to get a lot for them. Would rather see them go to use than sit in my garage.
pm sent
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by JR-01
Many people want original equipment. I would not have bought my car if it had an aftermarket stereo. My last one did and it took me a week to undo that mess. Even so I like the Bose. With all the road, wind and engine noise of a Corvette the stock stereo is just fine.
Never turn mine on or the a/c Windows down, take in the sounds of the automobile!!
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by FRANK J CARCIA


Never turn mine on or the a/c Windows down, take in the sounds of the automobile!!
I enjoy that, too and I hope all the sounds of the automobile are supposed to be there.

Last edited by JR-01; Jun 8, 2014 at 11:13 AM.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by SaxyVette
I've got the same issue. My recently acquired (from a used car lot) '99 base coupe had an Alpine stereo. My parking lights were stuck on, no horn, pass window didn't work.

They fixed it for me. They replaced my ignition switch and the mech said the wiring on the Alpine was all screwed up so it was removed..

Everything works again, but now I got an empty hole. It doesn't look like any wires were chopped (whew). I'm on the lookout for a stock stereo CD myself. I like the original stock look myself.

I just took a closer look.. The the Alpine stereo/CD player also says "Bluetooth"

I have no idea what a Bluetooth is so I don't think I'll miss it one bit. Hoping to sell the Alpine and find a deal on a good stock unit for my '99
Bluetooth is a hands free way of using your cell phone. You can hook a microphone to your radio and dial and receive calls through it. A must here in Nevada.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by o2bnkc
Bluetooth is a hands free way of using your cell phone. You can hook a microphone to your radio and dial and receive calls through it. A must here in Nevada.
I turn my phone off when I drive the Vette. I don't need Bluetooth either.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:27 PM
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Well, good for you. I've got a business to run, so I can't do that.
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Old Jun 9, 2014 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by o2bnkc
Well, good for you. I've got a business to run, so I can't do that.
I am retired, so I don't need a phone anymore, but I do understand how some folks do..
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