The OE system in our 86 Trans AM is in need of repairs. Before this turns into a OEM vs Aftermarket debate, I will give you some background info on the car and why we are keeping it as factory original as possible. The car is an all original 1986 WS6 Trans AM with 29,300 actual miles on it. When the original owner had the car she used the car as a weekend cruiser. We have owned the car since 2006, and although I do drive it to the Rod Run in Pegion Forge TN, and on the Tail of the Dragon once in a while, these days it is mostly a trailer queen, and gets about 150 miles a year added to it. The car has earned First Place in the stock class 82-87 Firebird in 2009, 2010, and 2011 at the FBodyGathering's in Atlanta. In 2010 the car was awarded Best Firebird in the show by Scott Settlemire of General Motors. That being said, the show is a 100 point show. The car is not concourse ready, but could be with minimal work.

 

The system is a Delco AM/FM/Cassette with graphic equalizer. It has the Pontiac Performance Sound option with the separate amplifier under the passenger kick panel, and factory sub-woofers in the sail panels as well as mid range speakers. There are six speakers total. The positives are the OE fit/stock look, red lights that match the dash, and it is rare to find a Performance Sound optioned car that has not been upgraded to something newer. The problems with the system is that the factory amp quit working and the radio has that intermittent pop that occurs when the solder joints inside become corroded and loose connection. The OE speakers probably also need to be replaced. One thing that I would like to add is direct connection capability for a remote CD player. I don't care if the system will control the player, just that the sound feeds directly into the amplifier for better quality sound then one typically gets from an FM modulator. Who does this kind of refurbishing and possible mods to OE systems? Thanks in advance. Charles

 

Hi 86WS6,I had a local shop rebuild my subs,he has a few cones in his inventory to rebuild them,as a matter of fact he has done another member of TGO subs also.As for the front 4X6 speakers I purchased them from a local GM dealer here but you can do better as far as price and go through GM Parts Direct .com for half the price that I payed (and I mean half).As for the rear 4x6s,they are also impossible to purchase,so I'm leaning on buying a set of fronts and soldering the plugs to them or taken them and having them re-coned also.If you want the fellows name and no. that did the rebuild let me know,he does shipping and he repairs car radios also and the sound is like it was 26 yrs ago.I also try and keep 100% stock.And also their is a member on here that has a few amps for sale,my82roc PM him.

 

Heard good things about these guys:

http://mnrelectronics.com/repairs.html

 

Is this the one you are looking for? Works great even the cassette.
The last one I sold was this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160747991714...S:1123&vxp=mtr

Delco 16050352

 

Can't tell 100% from the picture, however it does look like the same head unit. My cassette works fine, but who listens to cassettes these days. The radio works if one does not mind the popping and cracking static noises once in a while.

The separate amplifier for the Performance Sound is dead, so the sound quality has diminished significantly from what it is supposed to sound like.

I checked the speakers and they look brand new. No visible problems. The cone material is perfect. I plugged in an aftermarket head unit to the system via an adapter plug, and the speakers sound fine.

Right now I have a Pioneer 12 disc CD player placed in the locked storage box in the left rear quarter panel that plays through an FM modulator. I would like to run a direct feed from the CD player to the primary amplifier in the head unit.

I have thought about abandoning the CD player for a USB port and a memory stick, however without a direct connection to the head unit amplifier, it will still have to transmit via an FM modulator, so the sound quality will still not be up to par.

Needs:

1) Head unit repair or rebuild, with a modification for a direct amplifier imput like the ones that some people are using to feed an Ipod signal directly into the system.

2) Performance Sound amplifier repair or rebulid

 

Can you post a pic of your amplifier? I just may have one. IT will be tommorrow before I can get back to you tho, Gotta go to Evansville and back today.

 

I had my stock Corvette rebuilt by Dr. Dons in Huntsville Texas. Pricey, but he does great work. My deck is better than new now.

 

It looks like I will probably use M&R Electronics for the HU and amplifier rebuild. Kee Audio is going to rebuild the subwoofer surrounds, install new subs, and provide the new speakers. It will be OE with some extra punch. I will be documenting the build and posting pictures. Thanks everyone for the great information. Charles