Does anybody know....?

JEFNLSA · 12-27-04, 04:57 PM

Does the base Delco system in my 96 come w/ some type of amp from the factory? I'm replacing it w/ a Pioneer single DIN and I'm wondering if the install (which I'm not doing) is just a headunit exchange or if it is more involved than that. I've heard that there are some components in the storage area behind the seat.....need more info. Right now I have the base system w/ a 6 disc Kenwood (that just took a s@#!) mounted in the storage area behind the seat. There is also some kind of amp looking thing back there (reciever maybe?). Anyway, I'm having them remove the Kwood and just hooking up the new HU to the speakers, unless of course there is some kind of factory amp, and then I guess I should run the deck to that.

Heck, I don't know...time for some help from my buds here at CAC! So w/o further adieu... HELP!!!!
Thx,
Jeff

NC2Stay · 12-27-04, 05:14 PM

Hey, Jeff.

From what I understand, what is in the front console is just a head unit. The tuner is in the back under the hatch and there are amps at each speaker. Installation of a standard DIN unit is NOT straightforward.

What worries me is that you say you aren't doing the installation yourself. That seems to imply that a pro is doing the work. If so, they should know that kind of system - if not, I would recommend you stay away and find somebody who does.

Bob

JEFNLSA · 12-27-04, 05:39 PM

Thx for the reply Bob...

The base system does not have the amps in the speakers. I spoke w/ someone from carstereohelp.com and they said the reciever is in the rear and the installer will have to run the antenna as well as all other stereo related wires from the storage area to the dash. The reciever will be eliminated as well as the 6disc and it will just be HU & speakers that way. Makes sense to me....I guess. From what I understand, the box in back is the brain of the system (recvr/amp/tuner etc..) so they need to pull that stuff out and run all the wires to the front.

NC2Stay · 12-27-04, 06:17 PM

I agree that they will have to pull all the wires to the front. I am not so sure about the speakers and amps, but you may be right. I have never actually looked to check myself.

My interest is that I have a similar system and it sounds like crap. Modern systems are so much better, so I am just collecting info before I take the plunge.

If the speakers do not have the amps, I recall something abou the impedance of the speakers being strange. Check it out. If you are going to have the work done, you might just consider buying new speakers also - both because old speakers deteriorate and because new ones are better.

Glad to add my $.02!

Bob

garlt4 · 12-27-04, 08:29 PM

Not sure what the problem with your system is but I believe the stock Bose Gold is quite a good system... is there a problem with yours or are you just looking for a change??

NC2Stay · 12-27-04, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garlt4

...the stock Bose Gold is quite a good system...

Jeff can speak for himself, but (a) I never liked Bose systems anyhow, and (b) any system that is so old can't compare with today's systems and (c) any system without a sub isn't going to make it.

I am going to replace mine ASAICAI - As Soon As I Can Afford it (new tires and shocks come first)!

Bob

G Winter · 12-27-04, 09:11 PM

My Bose sounds good. The little that I have had it on. I seldom listen to the radio. I just enjoy driving. Listen to the road sounds and the sounds of the car. I do need to do something about the lame exhaust though.

Also my time to think.

WhalePirot · 12-27-04, 10:40 PM

Check out the threads on the audio/electonic section. One is a true horror story about a (hack) 'professional' install that cost a fortune!

My '84 may be somewhat different, but this Bose has amps in each speaker enclosure. I had to run two stereo equalizer preamps to match the Clarion HU output to the Bose amp input in the speakers; adjusting them for best sound. I am NOT a fan of any Bose, BTW, but mine still work okay.

The amp circuit boards apparantly have an oft-occurring set of leaky capacitors which can be replaced relatively easily for someone who knows soldering and minimal electronics knowledge. Kit sources and procedcures are on those threads.

Vettefan87 · 12-27-04, 10:57 PM

I am sure my 87 is different but when I installed my JVC there is a little pink amp wire that plugs into the back of the stock HU so I just cut the connector off and just tied it together with the amp wire off of the new JVC. It sounds a lot better then the other stuff did, and now I can listen to CD's!!! This might not help, just thought that I would share my story.

SPANISHVETTS · 12-28-04, 07:05 AM

IMHO the complete Bose system is rubbish!

You can install a good CD-MP3 receiver and 4 speakers for less than $500 which is about what it will cost to have the Bose rebuilt every time it craps out.

The C4 is the easiest car ever built to run wires through. If the installer charges you for more than 1 hour for running the wires you are being ripped off!

JEFNLSA · 12-28-04, 01:10 PM

Thx for the replies

Just to let you guys know...I do not have the Bose system. I have the base Delco system right now. There are no amps in the speakers etc... so from what I understand I should have no problem with the new head unit. When replacing Bose w/ something else, that is where you run into problems. I am having a Pioneer single DIN system installed and from what I hear the only "funky" part about the install is they have to run the wires from the "brain box" , in the storage area behind passenger seat, up front to the dash/HU. Any opinions on this?
Thx,
Jeff

NC2Stay · 12-28-04, 04:39 PM

Jeff, how do you tell if you have Delco or Delco/Bose - is it the color of the lettering (white vs. gold) that I have perhaps read somewhere?

Bob

SPANISHVETTS · 12-28-04, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEFNLSA

from what I hear the only "funky" part about the install is they have to run the wires from the "brain box" , in the storage area behind passenger seat, up front to the dash/HU. Any opinions on this?
Thx,
Jeff

It is a piece of cake. 3 screws hold the center part of the console in place.(1 is under the astray) Pull off the shift knob and remove the middle of the console with the boot. Remove the center AC vent (2 screws, 1 left – 1 right) now you can remove the radio/DIC trim part of the console (3 more screws and 3 clippie things) and you are looking at the necked head unit. This has to be done to change the head unit anyway. Next run a snake under the carpet from the storage unit along the hump and into the area by the gearshift and pull the wires through.

If you spend more than 1 hour doing this you must be employed by the Spanish Government.

I would run all new wires and leave the GM harness intact incase a future owner wants to make original.

JEFNLSA · 12-28-04, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPANISHVETTS

It is a piece of cake. 3 screws hold the center part of the console in place.(1 is under the astray) Pull off the shift knob and remove the middle of the console with the boot. Remove the center AC vent (2 screws, 1 left – 1 right) now you can remove the radio/DIC trim part of the console (3 more screws and 3 clippie things) and you are looking at the necked head unit. This has to be done to change the head unit anyway. Next run a snake under the carpet from the storage unit along the hump and into the area by the gearshift and pull the wires through.

If you spend more than 1 hour doing this you must be employed by the Spanish Government.

I would run all new wires and leave the GM harness intact incase a future owner wants to make original.

Thx for all the info...
Sounds like you know your stuff.
I think that I'll take your advice and have them leave the GM harness intact.
BTW....funny post!
Jeff

JEFNLSA · 12-28-04, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC2Stay

Jeff, how do you tell if you have Delco or Delco/Bose - is it the color of the lettering (white vs. gold) that I have perhaps read somewhere?

Bob

Bob,
If it does not say Bose anywhere on the stereo then it is the base Delco. Also, I've heard this...the Bose systems do not have a balance control. Only the base Delcos do. Hope this helps....

Jeff