I'm planning to remove an aftermarket radio from the dash, purchase an original reconditioned AM-FM, and install it in my '74 Coupe. I'm looking for some experienced information from anyone who's been involved in a similar project/car. Tips, warnings, and suggestions to keep in mind during the removal and installation process? Reliable sources from where to purchase an original radio? I'm also looking for the same type of information as I either replace or recondition the clock. I presume that doing both at the same time would be most logical?
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Re: '74 AM-FM Radio, Clock - Removal
That's pretty much what I did with my 78...the aftermarket was installed but got the original with the car. I would trust the sources in the driveline for clock repair and radio procurement. I know many who use I think its Corvette Clocks I used another vendor advertised and was please. Clock quit after about a month or something, returned it and it was repaired and returned at no cost.
You'll have to remove your center instrument cluster and loosen your console. Well I'm not sure in 74...my 78 has the carpet panels which remove but your console is one piece except the bezel. The problem you may find is the wiring and no telling what what was done to prepare it for the aftermarket and whether they elected to install amps, booster, woofers and whatever else they can cram in a very small opening. So, have a wiring diagram on-hand before starting. And if you don't have a shop manual...it will be helpful as it lists the steps and order for parts removal. If it looks like it will be months between removal and install, the manual will be helpful to guide the reinstallation...unless your memory is bullet-proof.
figure out if they modified your instrument cluster bezel to accommodate the aftermarket. You may have to replace to install the original. The 78s have a flexible printed wiring circuit that everything connects to...I believe your instruments are individually wired. Hope this helps.Tom Russo
78 SA NCRS 5 Star Bowtie78 Pace Car L82 M2100 MY/TR/Conv -
READ....
the Chassis Service Manual for your car before attempting to R&R the radio! There's a step-by-step proceedure and there are cautions to understand. The center cluster bezel was intended to break-away in a crash situation. If you don't remove/install it with the proper techniques, best bet the pot metal casting will break at it's designed-in weak points and you'll be looking at a $100-200 extra cost issue!
Expect to dig through your special tool drawer for a deep dish socket and articulating driver to reach the nuts on the studs of the center cluster that suck it down against the center console pad. This part of the job can leave you cursing. The rest should be a piece of cake. But, I STRONGLY suggest you read what Chevy told dealership technicians about Corvette radio R&R proceedures before you dive in and 'wing it'....Comment
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Re: '74 AM-FM Radio, Clock - Removal
When you purchase an original radio, be sure it includes the separate finned casting normally called a heat sink that is required for the radio to function. It is mounted remote from the radio behind the passenger side IP pad at the lower edge of the windshield area. The heat sinks are different for stereo radios. The type of radio and heat sink must match. They are mounted in a slightly different position due to their size diffence but as I recall all cars have universal mounting for either type.Comment
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Re: '74 AM-FM Radio, Clock - Removal
I would like to say thanks to Tom, Jack, and Don for their insightful information. Tom...a few of the wires were cut but I've been able to identify all of them and reconnect. Jack...had I not heard from you, my center bezel would be in two pieces, and even though I had a deep dish 3/8's, it was still a late night. Don...the radio I picked up is matched with the correct convector and also happens to include knobs (an added find). Thanks to everyone!Comment
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Bravo!!!! *NM*
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