Radio replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
From: Wonder Lake Illinois
Radio replacement
I need to know what is entailed to completely get rid of the bose garbage sound system in my 98, I am now finding out that the door speaker amps and rear are having issues, I was going to have a kenwood double din installed but now I do not want to use any of the bose crap that is oem...i'm sure this project will brake the bank
any advice and direction would be much appreciated.
any advice and direction would be much appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I need to know what is entailed to completely get rid of the bose garbage sound system in my 98, I am now finding out that the door speaker amps and rear are having issues, I was going to have a kenwood double din installed but now I do not want to use any of the bose crap that is oem...i'm sure this project will brake the bank any advice and direction would be much appreciated.
any advice and direction would be much appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
I took it all out.new Kenwood HU with Pioneer speakers and the Kenwood's little powered sub woofer. I love it, it's a project. Had to remove most all of the interior panels but it's worth it to have Bluetooth and iPod. Heck I have about 45 gb of music in the Corvette.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,970
Likes: 24,705
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 50
From: Peters Colony Republic of Texas
I did the things you are contemplating about 4 years ago, including: Kenwood navigation head unit, 5 channel 900 watt amp, new coax cabin speakers, dual 8" subwoofers (mounted in the cargo area directly behind the seats) new door woofers and new tweeters (mounted in the A pillars) and a rear view camera. I bought everything from Double D Mods (Dennis' prices are about the best out there, plus he will take the time to consult with you to help design/select/install the system (and/or alternative systems) that best meets your wants. I don't know any other vendor who goes to the length Dennis does to help you get exactly what you want).
I did all of the install myself, with no help. I am a retired CPA with NO prior experience or training in these areas. But by following the many excellent show-n-tells found in the Forum, I successfully did all of the installation without a hitch.
Here are threads to some excellent write-ups that you may want to read:
1. How to remove the middle console: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
2. Upgrading the audio system: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...ress-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...o-install.html (Note: this one is for a C6, but most all of the info is relevant to the C5)
and a couple of "generic" ones not specific to Corvettes:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5829_wire-car-stereo.html
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/installation_video.html
3. Removing the door panels: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
4. Removing the radio bezel and stock head unit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...you-think.html
5. Grounding an aftermarket amp:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...nger-seat.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...nnections.html
Hope the above threads help educate you on what you want to accomplish. Good luck.
The Lizzard
I did all of the install myself, with no help. I am a retired CPA with NO prior experience or training in these areas. But by following the many excellent show-n-tells found in the Forum, I successfully did all of the installation without a hitch.
Here are threads to some excellent write-ups that you may want to read:
1. How to remove the middle console: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
2. Upgrading the audio system: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...ress-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...o-install.html (Note: this one is for a C6, but most all of the info is relevant to the C5)
and a couple of "generic" ones not specific to Corvettes:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5829_wire-car-stereo.html
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/installation_video.html
3. Removing the door panels: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
4. Removing the radio bezel and stock head unit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...you-think.html
5. Grounding an aftermarket amp:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...nger-seat.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...nnections.html
Hope the above threads help educate you on what you want to accomplish. Good luck.
The Lizzard
Last edited by LoneStarLizzard; Aug 27, 2016 at 08:10 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
From: Wonder Lake Illinois
I did the things you are contemplating about 4 years ago, including: Kenwood navigation head unit, 5 channel 900 watt amp, new coax cabin speakers, dual 8" subwoofers (mounted in the cargo area directly behind the seats) new door woofers and new tweeters (mounted in the A pillars) and a rear view camera. I bought everything from Double D Mods (Dennis' prices are about the best out there, plus he will take the time to consult with you to help design/select/install the system (and/or alternative systems) that best meets your wants. I don't know any other vendor who goes to the length Dennis does to help you get exactly what you want).
I did all of the install myself, with no help. I am a retired CPA with NO prior experience or training in these areas. But by following the many excellent show-n-tells found in the Forum, I successfully did all of the installation without a hitch.
Here are threads to some excellent write-ups that you may want to read:
1. How to remove the middle console: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
2. Upgrading the audio system: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...ress-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...o-install.html (Note: this one is for a C6, but most all of the info is relevant to the C5)
and a couple of "generic" ones not specific to Corvettes:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5829_wire-car-stereo.html
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/installation_video.html
3. Removing the door panels: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
4. Removing the radio bezel and stock head unit: 40. How to remove radio bezel and stock head unit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...you-think.html
5. Grounding an aftermarket amp:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...nger-seat.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...nnections.html
Hope the above threads help educate you on what you want to accomplish. Good luck.
The Lizzard
I did all of the install myself, with no help. I am a retired CPA with NO prior experience or training in these areas. But by following the many excellent show-n-tells found in the Forum, I successfully did all of the installation without a hitch.
Here are threads to some excellent write-ups that you may want to read:
1. How to remove the middle console: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
2. Upgrading the audio system: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...ress-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...o-install.html (Note: this one is for a C6, but most all of the info is relevant to the C5)
and a couple of "generic" ones not specific to Corvettes:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5829_wire-car-stereo.html
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/installation_video.html
3. Removing the door panels: http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
4. Removing the radio bezel and stock head unit: 40. How to remove radio bezel and stock head unit:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...you-think.html
5. Grounding an aftermarket amp:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...nger-seat.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...nnections.html
Hope the above threads help educate you on what you want to accomplish. Good luck.
The Lizzard
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
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
From: Wonder Lake Illinois
I am still narrowing it down for my radio, does anyone have a suggestions as to which double din radios have a better viewing in sunlight? I know almost all are non viewable in sun light but maybe some one has an idea. I read somewhere about 3M non reflective material to cover the screen. I am looking at the Kenwood DNX773.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
From: Wonder Lake Illinois
Its getting close for my radio system but my wife says 3k is a lot to put into the car for sound and now it has me thinking harder about spending the 3k but all the old sound has to come out and decent equipment isnt cheap.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 50
From: Peters Colony Republic of Texas
So rather springing for the high-end navigation head unit, subwoofer(s), speakers and amp, go for mid-priced ones. In any event, invest in vibration damping and sound deadening materials as the foundation to your system, and address the entire interior and the doors, not just the trunk/storage area. You'll at least eliminate most of the road noise.
Several of the threads I provided to you show-n-tell how to install all of this stuff yourself. Doing so will allow you to spend more on components while still keeping your bride happy. I estimate I spent about $2,500 in components and installation materials and $0 in installation labor, and got a reasonably high quality system. Also, doing your own install will teach you a lot about how your ride is put together, and will make troubleshooting (for any reason - seat issues, for example) less daunting.
The Lizzard
The Lizzard
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
From: Wonder Lake Illinois
If your C5 has a loud, or even medium loud exhaust tone, you'd be wasting your bucks installing a high quality system.
So rather springing for the high-end navigation head unit, subwoofer(s), speakers and amp, go for mid-priced ones. In any event, invest in vibration damping and sound deadening materials as the foundation to your system, and address the entire interior and the doors, not just the trunk/storage area. You'll at least eliminate most of the road noise.
Several of the threads I provided to you show-n-tell how to install all of this stuff yourself. Doing so will allow you to spend more on components while still keeping your bride happy. I estimate I spent about $2,500 in components and installation materials and $0 in installation labor, and got a reasonably high quality system. Also, doing your own install will teach you a lot about how your ride is put together, and will make troubleshooting (for any reason - seat issues, for example) less daunting.
The Lizzard
The Lizzard
So rather springing for the high-end navigation head unit, subwoofer(s), speakers and amp, go for mid-priced ones. In any event, invest in vibration damping and sound deadening materials as the foundation to your system, and address the entire interior and the doors, not just the trunk/storage area. You'll at least eliminate most of the road noise.
Several of the threads I provided to you show-n-tell how to install all of this stuff yourself. Doing so will allow you to spend more on components while still keeping your bride happy. I estimate I spent about $2,500 in components and installation materials and $0 in installation labor, and got a reasonably high quality system. Also, doing your own install will teach you a lot about how your ride is put together, and will make troubleshooting (for any reason - seat issues, for example) less daunting.
The Lizzard
The Lizzard
I agree with you that I can get more of the top end components by doing the labor myself and getting to know the inside skin of my car. I am semi retired and do IT work for a number of tax offices and custom build computers for a local company. I start prepping my tax offices in September so now my time is shorter than in previous months and knowing me it would take me a long time to replace my system top to bottom. I don't work as fast as I use to on my own projects. My C5 has nice mellow sound coming out of the magnaflow cat back system. So cabin noise is not very bad at all.
Last edited by thunder1951; Sep 1, 2016 at 08:18 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
You could keep the stock HU and upgrade speakers... then later on upgrade the HU and then add an amp and sub if you want to...the speaker upgrade is a plug and play... and you can get an adaptor cable to make the factory head unit Bluetooth and Ipod capable... just sayin, there are less expensive alternatives... they are an improvement over stock...
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 205
Likes: 34
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
From: Wonder Lake Illinois
Mine was less than that. Took the car to Dennis, and you are a LOT closer than I was. Not only did an excellent job and done right, he cleaned the car as well and stored it for me for 3 weeks while I was spending my son's inheritance. That is well above the above and beyond criteria. I cannot say enough good things about the work. Included all JL Audio speakers, 10" sub & box, amp, back up camera, front camera, Sirrius and the DDX9903S deck.