Radio Surround Gap
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Radio Surround Gap
My newly-acquired 04 Coupe had only 1 thing wrong--the radio-surround had come loose as in the photo (I pushed it in numerous times but it just keeps "popping" out)...
I did manage, however to get it to become more snug by inserting some hard foam material UNDER the lower extension of the surround (down by the hand-brake).. This "reverse pressure" helped a lot, and the lower portion's increased "rise" above the carpet is not really noticeable...
any of you had this issue? what did you do??
I did manage, however to get it to become more snug by inserting some hard foam material UNDER the lower extension of the surround (down by the hand-brake).. This "reverse pressure" helped a lot, and the lower portion's increased "rise" above the carpet is not really noticeable...
any of you had this issue? what did you do??
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Its a common problem caused by the lack of grip on the locating lug on the bezel,
I found that you can improve the fit by playing around with it carefully as you refit it. As you tighten the screws on the console it tends to pull away. Careful tightening of the screws in the glovebox on the console may help.
I found that you can improve the fit by playing around with it carefully as you refit it. As you tighten the screws on the console it tends to pull away. Careful tightening of the screws in the glovebox on the console may help.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
I used pipe-insulation foam--the kind you get at Home Depot.. It comes in a long "tube" shape, with a slit along it's length (or a pre-formed ready-to-split area).. It is gray and designed to go on water-heater pipes...
I picked this type because it's density seemed about right and it was very affordable (just a few dollars)...
All you do is lift up--firmly--on the lower panel extension. This forces the upper to properly press against the dash.
While holding the lower up with one hand, I merely "shoved" about 3 inches of the foam below the lower and above the carpet (that section you see in the photo)...
I drove extensively right after installation (200+ miles)... No squeaks, rattles, or any other annoying sound...
If, after time, the foam compresses, I will just put in some more!
And the foam did not interfere with any electrical items concealed under the panel...
Finally--yes, it "does" raise the lower a bit from the carpet--but no one notices (even me!)... But I "always" noticed the gap at the top...
This may not be a very professional repair--but it works (so far!)..
I picked this type because it's density seemed about right and it was very affordable (just a few dollars)...
All you do is lift up--firmly--on the lower panel extension. This forces the upper to properly press against the dash.
While holding the lower up with one hand, I merely "shoved" about 3 inches of the foam below the lower and above the carpet (that section you see in the photo)...
I drove extensively right after installation (200+ miles)... No squeaks, rattles, or any other annoying sound...
If, after time, the foam compresses, I will just put in some more!
And the foam did not interfere with any electrical items concealed under the panel...
Finally--yes, it "does" raise the lower a bit from the carpet--but no one notices (even me!)... But I "always" noticed the gap at the top...
This may not be a very professional repair--but it works (so far!)..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
That's a good tip. I found that manipulating the rear screw attachments left/right also helped some. Just push the rear of the surround hard to the side, and hold while tightening the rear screws.
Other than that, maybe a nail gun!
DG
Other than that, maybe a nail gun!
DG
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Hmmm--press & wiggle until satisfied--I better stop now!!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Ithaca NY
Here's a great thread with pics that addresses the issue:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...dio-bezel.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...dio-bezel.html
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Here's a great thread with pics that addresses the issue:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...dio-bezel.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...dio-bezel.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Just went out to the garage to try this. It worked pretty well. A heck of a lot better then it was. I did not use added insulation as it tended to pull the left side of the surround out more than I liked but I did loosen all the mounting bolts/screws and shifted it to the right and held it there while I tightened it up just as the other thread suggested. The rear 2 in the small center console panel were the key to this as they are slotted and meant to be used to adjust.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by craig04c5; Dec 27, 2009 at 12:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: GA
One thing overlooked are the two locating pins about 1/3 the way up on the base. They tend to get bent if not properly aligned (if bezel is ever removed and reinstalled). They need to be inserted into holes on console frame. I had this issue on my '04 finally got it pretty close; gave it a true finished look by buying a piece of black leather cording from Redline Goods and inserted into seam around edges. My console is covered in leather so it looked very integrated. Aplogizing now as I don't have any close-up pics to post here 
it works.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
One thing overlooked are the two locating pins about 1/3 the way up on the base. They tend to get bent if not properly aligned (if bezel is ever removed and reinstalled). They need to be inserted into holes on console frame. I had this issue on my '04 finally got it pretty close; gave it a true finished look by buying a piece of black leather cording from Redline Goods and inserted into seam around edges. My console is covered in leather so it looked very integrated. Aplogizing now as I don't have any close-up pics to post here
