Car Audio Car audio related questions and helpful hints for building the best sound system for your car or getting the most out of what you have.

Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-17-2017, 09:13 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CCrockett86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Camaro Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Three of the four Bose speakers in my 1987 Camaro are shot - it's time to replace them. Does anyone have any ideas or experience finding replacement speakers without having to re-wire the whole car?


If not, what is necessary to replace the old Bose system (or send me to the helpful thread - I couldn't find it)?
Old 01-17-2017, 09:34 AM
  #2  
Member

 
*84TA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Downingtown, PA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 84 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Chances are that it is not the speakers. It is the Amps that go bad. They need a re-build. The amps are inside the speaker enclosure. I have rebuilt several for members on here. If you are interested in having it done, let me know.
The following users liked this post:
jaclyn (06-15-2023)
Old 01-17-2017, 09:54 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (58)
 
Drew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Salina, KS
Posts: 20,309
Received 1,052 Likes on 748 Posts
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Converting to a non-Bose system wouldn't be that difficult. If you had no existing stereo wiring, you'd need three wires for 12v constant, 12v switched, 12v negative ground, and 2 wires for each speaker. Even if you pull the dash pad and door sill to run the wiring in the factory plastic wiring channels, it'd only take a Saturday.
Old 01-17-2017, 01:06 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (167)
 
John in RI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: RI
Posts: 5,018
Received 348 Likes on 263 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: 4.11 LS1 Rear End
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Last week I pulled a pair of BOSE speakers from the doors of a 97 Caddy. They appear to be the same speaker as the rear speakers in your 87 Thirdgen, so if your SPEAKERS are bad - keep an eye out for a 91-98? Caddy in the local boneyards. That same speaker was also used in many other cars too,..... but I don't think that I've ever found Camaro Thirdgen BOSE kick-panel speakers in any other type of car.

P.S. I agree with *84TA; VERY high probability that your original Amps need to be replaced or rebuilt.

Old 01-17-2017, 02:11 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
GASPEDDLER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: South Texas
Posts: 729
Received 50 Likes on 30 Posts
Car: '89 Iroc Z28-15,100 Original Miles
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip, 2.77 Ratio
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Originally Posted by *84TA
Chances are that it is not the speakers. It is the Amps that go bad. They need a re-build. The amps are inside the speaker enclosure. I have rebuilt several for members on here. If you are interested in having it done, let me know.


Matt rebuilt all four of mine two years ago and they are still going strong.
Old 07-22-2020, 09:51 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
wc46810's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 Camaro
Engine: 305
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Originally Posted by *84TA
Chances are that it is not the speakers. It is the Amps that go bad. They need a re-build. The amps are inside the speaker enclosure. I have rebuilt several for members on here. If you are interested in having it done, let me know.
I would be interested...new to the forum and new owner of a 92 with no functioning audio. Replaced original stereo and it didn’t do the trick. Any help would be appreciated. If I can’t get the amps rebuilt then are there speakers that will plug into the four prong connector? Mine are in the rear hatch. Crutchfield couldn’t really help me.
Old 07-23-2020, 08:34 AM
  #7  
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Chopski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Midland, Michigan
Posts: 201
Received 22 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Look up Bose repair central Florida. There is a place that repairs the amps. Bose speakers are different ohms than most other speakers.
Old 07-30-2020, 08:23 PM
  #8  
Junior Member

 
tango68ss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 13
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Originally Posted by wc46810
I would be interested...new to the forum and new owner of a 92 with no functioning audio. Replaced original stereo and it didn’t do the trick. Any help would be appreciated. If I can’t get the amps rebuilt then are there speakers that will plug into the four prong connector? Mine are in the rear hatch. Crutchfield couldn’t really help me.
Look up Noe Saldivar (goes by Ed) on 3rd Gen Camaro in FB.. He has refurbed 3rd and 4th gen original stereos
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...&theater&ifg=1
Old 07-30-2020, 09:22 PM
  #9  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (167)
 
John in RI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: RI
Posts: 5,018
Received 348 Likes on 263 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: 4.11 LS1 Rear End
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

I've dealt with John @ BOSE central & had good results with them. I can also restore MOST BOSE amps @ $40 each + return shipping. The repair is not always possible; I've had about an 85% success rate. ( Sometimes the circuit board is just too 'cooked' to be repaired.)

If you install a aftermarket radio you will need to to use a signal converter so that the original Speakers and AMP can be used. The only other option is to install all new wiring for all the speakers and new speakers.

BOSE systems used a "shared" ground for the 2 front and the 2 rear channels. The other 2 wires on the 4-pin connector are Power (PINK) and ground (BLACK) for the AMP. BOSE speakers are also generally only 2 OHMs.

Feel free to send me a PM for info about BOSE,.... I might be able to help.

Last edited by John in RI; 07-30-2020 at 09:27 PM.
Old 09-20-2020, 06:36 PM
  #10  
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
jdl71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 14
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Originally Posted by John in RI
I've dealt with John @ BOSE central & had good results with them. I can also restore MOST BOSE amps @ $40 each + return shipping. The repair is not always possible; I've had about an 85% success rate. ( Sometimes the circuit board is just too 'cooked' to be repaired.)

If you install a aftermarket radio you will need to to use a signal converter so that the original Speakers and AMP can be used. The only other option is to install all new wiring for all the speakers and new speakers.

BOSE systems used a "shared" ground for the 2 front and the 2 rear channels. The other 2 wires on the 4-pin connector are Power (PINK) and ground (BLACK) for the AMP. BOSE speakers are also generally only 2 OHMs.

Feel free to send me a PM for info about BOSE,.... I might be able to help.
  1. what kind of signal converter? Im using an aftermarket head unit with the original Bose speakers and amp and seems to work fine
Old 09-21-2020, 07:57 AM
  #11  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (167)
 
John in RI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: RI
Posts: 5,018
Received 348 Likes on 263 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: 4.11 LS1 Rear End
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Im using an aftermarket head unit with the original Bose speakers and amp and seems to work fine
You're the first and only person I've ever heard that make that claim......... I don't know how your stereo system is functional.

The BOSE head unit doesn
t have any AMP at all,... each speaker uses it's own AMP at the speaker. ( I'm GUESSING ) That your aftermarket head unit must be sending a pre-amp level signal to the original BOSE stuff.



Old 09-21-2020, 08:24 AM
  #12  
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
jdl71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 14
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

I tried to pm you but I’m guessing I don’t have enough posts. I looked at the Bose schematic and assumed the amps were taking speaker level inputs so that is how it’s wired. Even the scoshe harness adapter plugged right in. Balance and fader both work. I don’t know if this matters but it’s an 87 camaro.


Old 04-29-2022, 09:46 AM
  #13  
Junior Member
 
Dylan Pfeiffer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro

Do you still rebuild these amps?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
skyarme
Car Audio
3
04-06-2017 04:44 PM
bum
Car Audio
3
12-27-2006 09:21 PM
Heritage Z
Car Audio
1
11-23-2005 09:25 AM



Quick Reply: Replace Bose Speakers 1987 Camaro



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:54 PM.