Just finished Rem rear window, 8 track & Soundbar in the '76!
 

It's been a journey but here are some pics. Thanks for all who provided info!


Rear window was a little trying but I got it done. The worst part is the seal installation.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...1ebf28d89d.jpg

I installed an NOS Realistic Mini 8 track tape player. Made the housing out of the rear section of a parking brake console

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...fc066b6a98.jpg

Installed a SoundBar against the rear bulkhead

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...789e82220b.jpg

Good job on the 8 track installation, it looks factory! The window looks good too!!!

can you post a full length pic of the sound bar? Im might do the same and was wondering about the length and the corners. Hows the sound quality?

Nice job Ole442 ,Looking good . :thumbs:

I've never seen a removable rear window. Is this a kit or a factory rebuild?

:cool:Nice idea!

Looks great! I am shocked that anyone still has and uses 8-track cassettes though :-p. Very cool fab skills and brilliant location.

Another reason why I am just not cut out to do a NCRS rebuild: I need modern acoustic equipment in my cars.

8 track looks great. Actually thought it was factory.

Thanks! Yes, I'm OLD SCHOOL! I'm restoring a 1972 Olds Cutlass 442 and when I'm done it will also have a Craig Power Play 8 track unit with a vintage slide in mount! Been collecting tapes for years and, so far, all play well!

OLE442

Here is as full length as I can get. I tried to put it in the back and tighten the set screws but it was all out of wack. So, I measured the width I wanted and squared it up on the workbench and then tightened down the set screws real tight. I put like 8 large strips of the one side of Velcro across the back and taped clear plastic (visqueen?) to the front and flipped it over the back to get the Soundbar in position so it wasn't stuck to the carpet yet. Once in position with it lightly pushed back against the carpeted bulkhead, I pulled the clear plastic sheets out and pushed/stuck it against the carpeted bulkhead. The fact that it is against the bukhead but down low behind the wheelwell housing keeps it pretty well in place. I do plan on putting approx. 4 self tapping screws into the bulkhead to further steady it. Just trying to get up the nerve to drill there! I ran the speaker wires down both sides behind the carpet and hooked it up.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...88b610b7b9.jpg

Is the soundbar this one from Willcox? From your post it seems that it is "stuck" to the rear bulkhead with some kind of adhesive?!?! I'm considering one for my '75 convertible but I'm not sure it will work out in the convertible. Looking at your placement it seems that the sound bar would be almost totally obscured by the folded soft top.

.https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette-sound-bar

My 73 verge had the same sound bar installed. It was done by a car audio shop, they cut the foam flags insignia so that the rear hatch light could be left intact. Also the Speakers are on two tracks, so you may adjust them to the exact size required. I removed mine as I wanted to have an original Delco Radio.

My convertible had a good bit of industrial strength Velcro stuck to the rear vertical carpet. They also had two sheet metal screws for good measure, remember that the gas tank is in the area if you go with the screws. I think there is only one brand of sound bar sold by all the vendors. The top did get in the way, but you could still hear the speakers. You could get the sound bar measurements and make a box to see if you would be happy. I gave mine away so I can’t help with their size.

OLE:

Since you added the removable rear window are you also planning on installing a storage tray for the rear window? And if so, will that fit/work with the soundbar you have chosen? Just curious.

PainfullySlow:

I bought all the parts with hardware/brackets for both the removable rear window and the storage tray but decided not to install the tray in my 76 vette. I think it would have worked with the SoundBar since it is very thin and it looks like the storage tray hinges are near the top of the rear bulkhead. The main reasons I didn't install it was:
1) I just don't fit well working in that small space (maybe I'd have installed it when I was 28 but I'm pushing 70 and a pretty big old guy)
AND
2) I really do not want to drill that many holes to install the backing plates and the hinges in a low mileage car.

Right now, I can reverse the removable rear window and go back to stock but multiple visible holes are another story.

I just listed the storage tray, brackets, hardware and push button latch on the CF C3 FOR SALE section last night!

Take care,
OLE442

OLE442, nice work, the removable window is in my near future, I have everything waiting except different halo panels. Did you trim your originals and then use bezels around the latches or replacement panels?