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Console mod options post DD Mods and other ?

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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 12:29 PM
  #1  
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Default Console mod options post DD Mods and other ?

Any suggestions? Since I have the 03 AE shale interior I originally planned on scheduling my car with Dennis to have him do the mod/install, but given comments on here over the last few months it doesn't sound like that's an option. That's a shame since he's only 2-3 hours away.

The previous owner installed a single DIN Alpine unit with black trim as a filler, but I'd like to upgrade to a double DIN unit with nav. I'd like to keep it looking as close to "normal" as possible in the original color.

Also, best options to upgrade speakers? Nothing glass shattering (I'm in my 50's and want to turn it up once in a while), so I'd like to improve on the stock speakers to compliment the new head unit.

I'd prefer to have the work done rather than do it myself. I used to tear apart my old mustang back in the day, but I don't have the time/talent to do it right.

Anyone in eastern Iowa/western Illinois doing this work? I'm a little leery to ship my console off to someone.

Last edited by eicy; Nov 22, 2017 at 12:42 PM. Reason: brain fart
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by eicy
Since I have the 03 AE slate interior
*Shale not slate. And Medium Dark Neutral is the color for your bezel.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by AE Guy
*Shale not slate. And Medium Dark Neutral is the color for your bezel.
thx. Brain fart!
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 12:53 PM
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Get the aftermarket console and have it upholstered in the correct material. Might be a little more, but it should come out looking better than stock.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 01:12 PM
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I agree - a leather wrapped console would look very good if you can find the leather in the right color.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 01:44 PM
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There's the Metra bezel.
Isn't VetteNuts just about ready with their 389.00 OEM type molded DD bezel?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-feel-6.html

Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; Nov 22, 2017 at 01:49 PM.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 02:33 PM
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Vettenuts seems to be the best option at the moment if you're okay with waiting.

Getting a head unit with good output will improve your sound quality on its own. Do you have a coupe or convertible/FRC (Z06)? If it is a coupe, you can upgrade the rear speakers with any regular 6.5" speaker. For convertibles/FRC, it would be a 5.25" speaker. The door tweeters can be upgraded with any 3.5" speaker. The door woofers aren't as easily upgraded, I would leave them alone.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 03:03 PM
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You can easily put big magnet 6x9s in the doors if you space them out about 3/4"
on tubes or mod the grilles to go on the back to clear the windows.
The door panels will fit






I put my amps in the trunk on rubber isolation posts on my sub box






Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; Nov 22, 2017 at 03:16 PM.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by eicy
...The previous owner installed a single DIN Alpine unit with black trim as a filler, but I'd like to upgrade to a double DIN unit with nav. I'd like to keep it looking as close to "normal" as possible in the original color...
Hopefully the previous owner did it the right way, but it wouldn't hurt to verify: to properly replace just the head unit leaving the rest of the system in place you will need an adapter (not just a harness) to provide the required interface. This is due to the way the factory system was designed.

The 2 most common adapters are:
Replacing the head unit should be just plug-and-play by using either one. Both have setup adjustments to customize sound/levels. After tweaking them to your liking, they shouldn't require any further touching.

Originally Posted by eicy
...Also, best options to upgrade speakers? Nothing glass shattering (I'm in my 50's and want to turn it up once in a while), so I'd like to improve on the stock speakers to compliment the new head unit...
If you want to take this a little further, without a doubt, the easiest and least expensive way to upgrade the system with the more bang for your buck is new speakers that can be bolted on in place of the factory ones, keeping the rest of the system intact.

OEM C5 Speaker Sizes:

-Front
Twiddler: 3.5"
Subwoofer: 8"

-Rear Twiddler
Coupe: 6.5"
FRC/Z06/Convertible: 5.25"


Get 3.5" 2-way coaxial speakers to replace the doors' twiddlers and 2-way coaxials of the right size for the rear. Don't touch the OEM subwoofers.

You will need to further verify fitment, but a quick search produced this:

JL Audio Evolution™ C2 Series 2-way car speakers:
  • C2-350X (3-1/2")
  • C2-525X (5-1/4")
  • C2-650X (6-1/2")

Not only they are from the same manufacturer, but they all belong to the same line. This should reasonably assure you they have the same timbre.

You are going to need
<b>this kit</b> this kit
as well. One kit will do both rears.

Last edited by GCG; Nov 22, 2017 at 04:06 PM.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by eicy
Any suggestions? Since I have the 03 AE shale interior I originally planned on scheduling my car with Dennis to have him do the mod/install, but given comments on here over the last few months it doesn't sound like that's an option. That's a shame since he's only 2-3 hours away.

The previous owner installed a single DIN Alpine unit with black trim as a filler, but I'd like to upgrade to a double DIN unit with nav. I'd like to keep it looking as close to "normal" as possible in the original color.

Also, best options to upgrade speakers? Nothing glass shattering (I'm in my 50's and want to turn it up once in a while), so I'd like to improve on the stock speakers to compliment the new head unit.

I'd prefer to have the work done rather than do it myself. I used to tear apart my old mustang back in the day, but I don't have the time/talent to do it right.

Anyone in eastern Iowa/western Illinois doing this work? I'm a little leery to ship my console off to someone.
I know Dennis and DD Mods is no longer a vendor here, however you may want to approach him directly since you live pretty close. He obviously knows how to do it, it's just whether he chooses to do it as he's focused on other vehicles now.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 04:58 PM
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I used Kenwood 3 way coaxial speakers in the rear, they sound good for the price (less than $40 for the pair).
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 05:19 PM
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Howdy neighbor. I'm just north of you in CR. I used to do allot of stereo installs but now I have a friend who owns a car stereo shop do them for me. If you want someone to do the work for you, he would do the job. He carries good equipment, like JL Audio and Alpine. I would suggest getting this and either painting it or wrapping it with vinyl/leather.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/C5-CORVETTE...xZZwYA&vxp=mtr
He then could sell you the equipment and install everything for you. If you have any questions, PM me.
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Old Nov 23, 2017 | 07:30 AM
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I just installed the Metra and it’s a decent option, I know the color doesn’t match your interior.

When I get some time I’m going to go to a paint shop and have it stripped and painted to body color which Along with an upholsterer are the best options with the Metra bezel.
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Old Nov 23, 2017 | 10:42 PM
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metra + local upholstery shop + leather would be my choice if I had to start from scratch
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Old Nov 24, 2017 | 05:54 AM
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I got one of Vettenuts early hand made bezels and it was black and felt like 120 grit sandpaper.

I sanded and painted it to match my interior and am happy with the finish.










Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; Nov 24, 2017 at 06:09 AM.
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Old Nov 24, 2017 | 12:33 PM
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on sale
http://www.vettenuts.net/index.php?l..._detail&p=1764
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Old Nov 24, 2017 | 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by knewblewkorvette
That link has said it's a pre-sale dated from July of 2017...
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Old Nov 25, 2017 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by jdmvette
That link has said it's a pre-sale dated from July of 2017...
It's also on sale now for Black Friday
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