Tweet
I am considering replacing the Bose radio and speakers in my 1990 Corvette with an aftermarket units. Can any one tell me of the pros/cons of such a swap? Any info at all would be helpful.
-
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
Randy-----
The advantages of doing such a conversion is that you'll end up with a simpler, more reliable, more maintenece-free system. Considering the advancements in audio technology that have taken place since your car was built, you'll probably also end with a system that sounds as good or better.
The downside? Well, you'll end up with a "hashed up" looking dash and, to a lesser extent depending upon how cleverly you do the speaker conversion, speaker boxes. I don't know of any way to do a "clean" dash installation with an aftermarket unit in a 1990 Corvette. It's going to look "added-on" to one degree or another.
My advice: live with the Bose system. Have the dash unit repaired and/or upgraded by United Radio in Syracuse, NY. Repair or replace the speaker amplifiers, as needed. All this will probably cost more than a conversion, but you'll be left with an original-appearance dash. And, you'll still have a very fine sounding sound system, even though it's 15 years old.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
Randy,
Is there a problem with your radio??
JoeComment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
Yes, the CD and tape do not work, and the two back speakers make a loud whinning noise. one of the front speakers works, but the other goes in and out.
I cannot see spending $650.00 to restore 16 year old tech. when for $350.00 I can have state of the art.Comment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
Been there, done that with my 90 coupe. Nobody makes a radio that fits the dash and looks like it belongs there. I had a din radio/cd player and made a face plate to fill the hole in the dash, but it still didn't look right.
I finally ended up repairing all four amplifiers for the speakers and putting the factory radio back in.
You could take the radio bezel and fiberglass / mold the radio opening closed, then cut an opening the correct size for a newer radio. Lot of work.Comment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
OK Randy, you've got multiple problems! I understand that the rubber capstans on the Bose units have always been troublesome, and fail to pinch the tape sufficiently. The speaker issue might just be a dirty connection at the speaker plugs in back the radio.
The Bose unit in my '85 never had a cassette tape issue, and plays normally. I DID have speaker problems, TWICE in 20 years. It was corrected TWICE, by simply cleaning the speaker terminals on the radio. The "whining" noise from the rears sounds like a RFI (shielding) issue. The early C4's were notorious for alternator interference issues. I am not sure about your 1990.
JoeComment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
Randy,
The whining noise is a classic problem of a failed amplifier. Bose fitted capacitors that were only rated at 16v and not all were made to handle higher temperatures that are often experienced in elevated summertime cabin temperatures. As a result, the caps would soner or later "pop" and thus the symptoms of whining, low volume or no volume.
Regarding the head unit, I agree that nothing looks better than the original. Check on ebay, there are several persons who offer repair of any CD problem for around $100-150, with additional charges for the tape player. The common CD problem is dirty sensors which fail to see the CD and subsequently energize the requesite components. Many of the same sellers offer to repair the speaker amps for as low as $50 each if all four are done at the same time. Thus for a little over $300 you can have a like new system with all of the factory original components. Check out this very informative web site. Their prices for repair are a bit higher but the photos and instruction will give you a good idea of the task at hand to R&R the components. It is not that that difficult for a DIY repair. http://carstereohelp.com/strcorvette.htm
Another alternative is to replace the amps yourself. Several sellers offer these components with Ecklers the highest at $140 each. But with some shopping they can be had for around $75 each. They are plug and play once you get the speaker enclosure out which is a relatively easy affair. Be advised that the repairs should be done in pairs or all at the same time. You will be amazed at how good it sounds once everthing is like new again. The Bose system is very good, but the execution was flawed to save a few cents in components.
Yet another alternative is one that I am about to try. Each board has 10 electolytic capacitors - some are quite small but all can be accessed for replacement. Often times the bad caps are evident in that the dielectric goo has leaked out onto the board. With some research, I was able to find upgraded components (25v and 105 degree C) capacitors that will fit in the same footprint. I ordered the requisite 40 plus another 10 in that they were cheaper in quantities of 10 for the grand total of $13 plus shipping. I don't know where you fall in the DIY category, but I like to tinker (what is there to lose, they are already broken?), I also like to research and tackle mechanical problems, but most of all, I am CHEAP!
I expect the caps to arrive within a few days and I will replace the caps within a few weeks. Doing so is tedious work with a soldering iron and desoldering wick, but it is not brain surgery. After everything checks out I will be happy to share the parts list, vendor and repair tips with anyone that is interested.
And by the way, for the sake of the NCRS, I also own a '61. The not-so-wonderful Wonderbar is yet another story...Comment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
I have a 92 with I believe a failed l/s front amp the parts list any any other info would be great SteveComment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
Mike, please let me know how it all works out for you. I am ,like you, cheap, and with a cold dark winter facing me, doing what you descripe almost sounds like fun. If I could just fix the speakers my self, I wouldn't mind speanding the money to get the head unit and receiver fixed. Thanks!!!Comment
-
Re: C-4 Bose Radio
On my 90, two of the four amps also had failed IC chips, which apparently cannot be easily replaced (parts availability issue?).
I send all four of my amps back to BOSE under a repair contract. They replaced all four for about $56 each (as I recall) plus shipping.Comment
Comment