Topic: replace left speaker
in Forum: C3 Interior
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What's involved with changing the driver's side speaker on a 71 vette? I had the dash panel off on the passenger side but was having difficulty with the driver's side so I gave up until I got some advise.
I know to remove the several screws on the front panel but I couldn't get it to come loose, what do I need to do?
thanks
Bob
Also I have the original AM/FM radio and am thinking about putting it back in the car, does any one have any thoughts on the sound quality?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You can remove the upper dash pad and replace the speaker(s) easier than trying to get the ds dash/cluster out.
Take all of the screws out across the top, where the dash meets the upper pad, including the center cluster-A/C vent, and pass side pad. There should also be a couple of screws in the defroster vent that will need to come out.
Then take the side windshield pillar moldings off.
Then, you can remove the upper dash pad completely, or just raise it up enough to get the speaker out. To get the upper pad completely off, you'll need to sort of push it up in the center to bend/flex it a bit, and pull outward at the same time.
The original radio quality wasn't all that great when new...just depends on how much you listen to it. New speakers will help a lot, but...it's still '70s technology. About one step above tube type.
Take all of the screws out across the top, where the dash meets the upper pad, including the center cluster-A/C vent, and pass side pad. There should also be a couple of screws in the defroster vent that will need to come out.
Then take the side windshield pillar moldings off.
Then, you can remove the upper dash pad completely, or just raise it up enough to get the speaker out. To get the upper pad completely off, you'll need to sort of push it up in the center to bend/flex it a bit, and pull outward at the same time.
The original radio quality wasn't all that great when new...just depends on how much you listen to it. New speakers will help a lot, but...it's still '70s technology. About one step above tube type.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Joel
Thanks for the info, that sounds a lot easier than the way I was going. I'll probaly replace both speakers and keep the aftermarket Kenwood radio in place.
thanks again
Bob
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Radio? We don't need no stinkin' radio! 
Who can even hear the radio with the tops off????? Not most of this crowd . . . .
Who can even hear the radio with the tops off????? Not most of this crowd . . . . 
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Yep! It's hard to fit your 1000 watt boomer system into the back of one of these babies 
. (even a fastback)
.
. (even a fastback).Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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What Joel described is the route I took when I did it. Best way to go. When bending the pad to take it out completly, I probably closed my eyes, but it didn't crack.
I was a little bit surprised, I thought it would. Also, I can't tell if they was necessary since I didn't try with and without, but I also added some noise cancelling thingy on my speaker wires.
I was a little bit surprised, I thought it would. Also, I can't tell if they was necessary since I didn't try with and without, but I also added some noise cancelling thingy on my speaker wires. By the way, so a search on speaker size, because mine (I forgot the size, but pretty standard) didn't quite fit the holes. I did a "bubba" job on it because I didn't care much about that, but since you have a chance to find the right one before you buy, do a little search on the forums here. I'm sure someone listed some good speakers that worked perfectly (sound and fitting) for his Vette.
Good luck, and remember to keep the screws together with the part they belong too; you'll be surprised by the number you have to take out for this job!
WOW 74-454 now I'm really having flashbacks 
. Mine was easy to replace I had everything out from the firewall to the back wall. Looks great now. Chin Up ripohl take your time and if you get frustrated back away have a cool one and come back later. Good luck
. Mine was easy to replace I had everything out from the firewall to the back wall. Looks great now. Chin Up ripohl take your time and if you get frustrated back away have a cool one and come back later. Good luck
Guy
Darn; I didn't go that far, but I did replace most of the bulbs while being there and went for an "interior screw" set. It's easier than remembering which one goes where when re-assembling.
in Forum: C3 Interior
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