Topic: Front Speaker Replacement
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Former Member
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.
I need to replace the front speakers on my 80 and can't find anything on the forum about that topic. Will I have to take the dash pad off ? If so how big a pain is that ?
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Good news, You DO NOT remove the dashpad. The grills pop out. The speakers are a real PITA. You have to get a very shallow speaker to fit. If im not mistaken, I used Focal speaks. Expensive but worth it.
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I replaced the front speakers on my 82 and I believe your dash is like mine. The grills do come out but be careful when prying them out not to tear the corners of the dash pad. Pry the grills from the middle to let them flex and the end tabs pull out of the recesses in the dash pad. I got my speakers at www.riksvet.com, one of our sponsors here at c3vr.
Lifetime MemberMundelein, IL - USA
Joined: 6/9/2008
Posts: 411
Vette(s): 1978 25 anniversary blue on blue with T-tops.
I changed mine out in my 78. Had to get a small socket and use a small set of locking needle nose pliers around the socket to unscrew the speakers. I bought a set of speakers from circuit city that work just fine. The grills come out easy enough.
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Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
I concur with all of the above. I have my dash out. Had to replace it because it was all cracked. I plan on getting a new radio someday and was told the the old speakers will not take the wattage current radios can put out. So I will replace them before I put it back in.
The old speakers came out easily but I can see where if you could have problems with pulling them.
The old speakers came out easily but I can see where if you could have problems with pulling them.
Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
As always when changing Corvette speakers, check what ohm rating the old ones are. In 1980, Corvettes used 10 ohm speakers. Our radio guy says you can damage your radio if you put modern four ohm speakers in. The speakers Riks sell are correct 10 ohm, although their web site says they are discontinued. We still have some in stock.
Larry
Larry
Former Member
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.
I did not mention that I would be replacing my stereo (the PO had put a newer panasonic stereo in ) with one of the newer ones that looks like the original. One of the front channels is gone, the 10 ohm speakers would explain that. Thanks for all of the good advice. I will now replace all of my speakers so I will be assured all of the impedances match.
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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