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What do you guys do about putting in a new radio in the C5 ?
You did not mention if you're looking at a Double-DIN replacement or a Single-DIN. That's the 1st decision you have to make.
A Double-DIN is very nice, but if budget doesn't allow it and you want to consider a Single-DIN, then you would need an adapter plate to secure the new unit in place and provide a nice finish.
Here is an adapter plate that matches the interior very well. It has the word "Corvette" engraved in it that can be set up with backlighting (or you can customize the lettering).
The lettering can be above or below the head unit opening, there is also a non illuminated version with the head unit located in the center of the mount.
The main lettering illumination available in red, blue, green, yellow, white LED’s and also red mini lamp illumination.
Custom lettering and design is available.
For a Double-DIN headunit you will need a Double-DIN bezel. Vettenuts offers one that is topnotch, but not inexpensive. There's a less expensive option, although not at the same quality level, from Metra. You may want to compare them before making a decision.
Regarding the headunit, these are basically the main options available:
Replace just the headunit, leaving the rest of the system intact using
Replace just the 4 twiddlers with 2-way coaxial speakers leaving the rest of the system intact
Combine 1 and 3
Take everything out and replace all from scratch
That being said, 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.
The C5 OEM speakers do not include any real tweeter. Bose used 4 plain-cone (paper) speakers to handle high and mid frequencies and called them "twiddlers". That's why you can make a big improvement by replacing them with a 2-way coaxial design.
For bolt-on speaker upgrades, 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.
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.
I just finished a double din swap and it was worth every penny so far. Backup camera and Waze on a big screen were my main goals.
GCG very nice write up, but I will add that I am 99% sure that the current PAC box retains the RAP as well. I will verify soon. I don't really care about that feature but I am certain I have taken the key out and the radio remains on until a door is opened.
Lot of good information here! Gunmetalblue's info about Crutchfield is good to have. I have sometimes found comparable equipment the same price or even a little lower on Amazon, but Crutchfield has a great support team that can walk you through almost any issue you're facing while installing your new equipment. GCG's breakdown was very complete and comprehensive. However, the question he asked about double or single din is ssignificant. You need to decide that before you get very far into determining which specific pieces of equipment you'll need. As Mr. Black said, a great feature with the double din is the back up camera and WAZE. We also have a front facing camera, navigation, and very important to me is hands free telephone. We spent the extra money to go with the double din console from Vettenuts. As stated, it is more expensive than the Metra unit by about $120, if I remember correctly. However, when looking at the difference in texture (the Vettenuts bezel is virtually identical to the rest of your dash), to me the cost difference spread over however many years we keep this C5 became a very minor point. Hopefully if you go the double din route you would have a chance to see both bezels so you can make your own decision.
We used a pop up single din radio that became almost as large as the double din screen however, when up it blocked the center air/heat vents and it wouldn't interface with our Apple iPhones for nav or hands free. The radio/CD/MP5 player would work when the screen was down however, it became a hassle to remember to raise it every time we wanted to see the back up camera. My grandson is very pleased we went with a new system since he inherited the Panasonic unit.
Best wishes with your search!
GCG, I looked at Crutchfield and found a Alpine Unit that says I need to remove the rear bracket in order for it to fit.
Is that a big deal and do you have to have the new bezel? Thanks, John
GCG, I looked at Crutchfield and found a Alpine Unit that says I need to remove the rear bracket in order for it to fit.
Is that a big deal and do you have to have the new bezel? Thanks, John
GCG, I looked at Crutchfield and found a Alpine Unit that says I need to remove the rear bracket in order for it to fit.
Is that a big deal and do you have to have the new bezel? Thanks, John
The rear bracket is held in by I think 4 rivets. It took about 10 minutes to grind them down and remove the bracket. I used a bezel from Crutchfield that came with the radio as part of the installation package.. It worked fine.
I was able to bend the tab on the bracket back about 45 degrees with a stubby screwdriver (for a single din. Takes like 5 seconds. No cutting necessary). In the unlikely event that I re-install the stock unit, I can bend the bracket back!
If you install a 'digital receiver' (deck with AM/FM, MP3, USB HD radio, Bluetooth, Handsfree, Pandora, SiriusXM... and NO CD player), there is no need to modify the bracket because they are not as deep. Who uses CD's anyway.
Last edited by howie2092; Oct 3, 2018 at 10:05 PM.
I was able to bend the tab on the bracket back about 45 degrees with a stubby screwdriver. No cutting necessary. In the unlikely event that I re-install the stock unit, I can bend the bracket back!
If you install a 'digital receiver' (deck with AM/FM, HD radio, Bluetooth, Handsfree, Pandora, SiriusXM... and NO CD player), there is no need to modify the bracket because they are not as deep. Who uses CD's anyway, it's not 2002 anymore!
You could cut the shelf out with the gnarliest sawzall and cut the tabs off to go full double din, and then if wanted go completely back to factory with a stock bezel and stock head unit, and the car would never know the difference internally or externally. I've seen this done.
You could cut the shelf out with the gnarliest sawzall and cut the tabs off to go full double din, and then if wanted go completely back to factory with a stock bezel and stock head unit, and the car would never know the difference internally or externally. I've seen this done.
Thanks guys, I was thinking single DIN, it's not my DD and I'm really not a audiophile person. I have now reception on my stock radio now, it could be an antenna issue.
Replace just the 4 twiddlers with 2-way coaxial speakers leaving the rest of the system intact
Combine 1 and 3
Take everything out and replace all from scratch
@GCG Can you please clarify on #1 above? Are both required or, one or the other? If it's one or the other, can you provide some detail on features, pros/cons? There is quite a price spread between the two.
@GCG Can you please clarify on #1 above? Are both required or, one or the other? If it's one or the other, can you provide some detail on features, pros/cons? There is quite a price spread between the two.
It is one or the other. Either one will perform well, but the
doesn't interface with the Serial Data Bus, it doesn't preserve RAP and requires the extra switched connection. The headunit's OEM harness lacks this connection, but it can be easily brought from an unused harness (except '04) in the passenger's footwell that has ground, always hot and accessory switched wires with separate fuses.
