Late Model Mikey... Finally

[Michael H.]

Ok, ok, I finally moved into the 20th century and I now have a new/used 89 coupe. (bout time) I really like the car but the original Bose radio/cassette fizzled several years ago and the previous owner installed an aftermarket JVC unit that also fizzled last week. He saved the complete original Bose system and I wanted to reinstall it but I'm told the original speaker amps often die and are quite expensive. I really would like to upgrade to a later Bose or aftermarket system with a CD but I have no idea if I can do this without modifying anything on the car. Would it be best to just buy a current non stock replacement if it can be installed without modifying anything? Any suggestions on a brand? I don't need speakers as he already had good quality speakers installed. I'm not looking for concert hall sound, just something decent.
Suggestions appreciated. I know almost nothing about these cars. My old 66 never had a problem with radios, it never had one from the factory. Thanks!

Michael

[Patrick H.]

Re: Late Model Mikey... Finally

Mike,

Bose themselves will rebuild the speakers and amps. It's not terribly expensive and their turnaround is often 10 days or less.

"For any questions about service, replacement parts, or warranty information for your car's Bose sound system, give us a call or send us an email.
In the U.S. call:
1-800-231-2673
Outside the U.S. call:
1-508-766-6885

Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST (13:30 - 22:00 GMT)"

There are several Delco radio repair locations that can fix your radio (or maybe Bose does that too). I don't recall if any are listed in the Archives; perhaps someone will chime in. I KNOW that I've seen it advertised, however.

Just found some - http://www.corvetteradios.com or http://www.carstereohelp.com/corvette.htm
I just typed "bose delco repair" into my browser.

Patrick

[Michael H.]

Re: Late Model Mikey... Finally

Thanks Patrick. I'll contact Bose.

[tony reilly]

Re: Late Model Mikey... Finally

Hi Mike,
Congrats on finding "your" C4- I'm still looking for an '88 or '89. I have looked into the Bose system a bit and quickly wrote-off the original system. Bose doesn't do "decent". They are very high end "car specific" systems with a high-end price. Normal speakers won't work with Bose. The prices to get them fixed are high and will only get worse now that they bypassed them a decade ago. Yes on aftermarket (not partial to Sony or Panasonic-they are living on reputation), I'm sure there's more than one that will fit. You'll get decent sound and it won't cost you a bundle. Preserve the original in case you car ends up a "classic". E-mail if you want to talk mid-C4's.

[Michael H.]

Re: Late Model Mikey... Finally

Thanks Tony, I'm learning more and more about the Bose system and I have to agree, it's not what I expected it to be. I've also learned it costs a lot of money to make it work again. The speaker amplifiers are about $75. each and I've heard they don't last very long.
I met someone here in Florida that has an 89 and has the entire system in his car, working properly, and I have to agree, it really doesn't sound that great. He spent the money to have everything repaired and he agrees that he should have just installed an aftermarket unit.
The JVC unit that was in my car when I bought it really did sound great and I think I've decided to just have it repaired and reinstall. It's a nice clean installation and no factory wiring has to be modified. Also, it has the CD player so I don't have to bother with cassette tapes that never seem to work properly.
I'll save the complete original Bose system. Thanks again, Michael

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Late Model Mikey... Finally

-------WOW!,,,,Never thought Id see the day. A late model. Who are you,really?.............Bill S

[Michael H.]

Re: Late Model Mikey... Finally

That's funny. I've gotten a lot of that from my friends here too because everyone knew how I felt about "newer" Corvettes but these late 80's and newer cars really are quite incredible. I've driven a lot of them around town but really never had the opportunity to get one out on the highway. I'm impressed. Now, if I could just figure out what all those buttons and gadgets on the IP do, I might even be able to operate the air conditioner.

Stuck in the 60's mikey

WHERE'S THE JACK AND WRENCH!