So, a couple of months ago, I bought an 85 z-28 for my daughter.

It's kind of a daddy/daughter project.

So, tonight.... I'm start tearing into the dash... I bought a new radio to install, old one was an old aftermarket tape deck.

Basically the guy who I bought it from said... "it worked last year, I think it's just a fuse"... he stated he'd owned it about 5 years (title agreed with that)

So, before I tear into the dash.... I get out my test light. I check ALL the fuses... They are all good. Sure would have felt stupid to tear into something IF it was just a fuse. I mean the radio will be changed, but I've still got a couple tapes of RATT and OZZY...


So when I found the fuses were good, it was time to get into the center dash section with the radio.
Besides the aftermarket unit being loose in the mount... All seemed good.... that is until I pulled the radio out.
The stereo wasn't hooked up to any wiring... NONE!!! to make matters worse, there wasn't a pig tail from the body of the old aftermarket radio. I'm seriously doubting it had ever been hooked up. I couldn't believe it.
After first I was completely PISSED.
Then I started laughing. I couldn't believe it....

My wife actually drove this car home on the day we picked it up. She drove over 3 hours without music. She always listens to music. Always!!!
When I think about her driving home that day, I just about loose it and start laughing all over again.

So, Now What?
Well, the radio I bought will go in.

I know... Never to trust a seller... Not really sure I trusted him, but he put up a good line of BS....

Starting to make me wonder.... Wonder if there are speakers in the car?
Only time will tell...
On the positive side, I've already got speakers too...

 

The new radio will go in just fine. Do a search for a wiring diagram for your year model and sire your new harness directly in. It's easy enough to peek in the dash through the windshield and see if the 4x6's are still there. In the rear, you can remove the cover...or just wait until it's wired up and pray.

 

Well, it made your diagnosis a lot simpler.

 

I can't tell you how many Thirdgen car ads I look at and see no radio. Perhaps the seller just wanted to fill the hole. It does make the interior look better, even if it doesn't work!

 

Often when someone sells a car they've recently put an aftermarket stereo in, they'll take it out and throw the old one back in there without hooking it up.

 

Well.... I finally got around to the radio/speaker install today.

As I already stated.... No wiring for the radio.

The Z didn't have any rear speakers either, and the fronts were not connected. What was in front was OEM. I didn't even bother trying them.

The rears had been cut off 😕
Hate when people do that.

The head unit went in with relative ease.
I presently have 3 speakers installed.... I got called called into work tonight (my night off). So tomorrow I'll get that finished up.

 

Think about all the time you saved in pulling it out.

I could write a book with all the lies I've been told when buying cars - it's gotten to the point that once I get my first bull**** answer I stop asking questions.

 

Reminds me of an 87 Supra I bought from an old man............jeez the bull; thought I would eat that car between 2 slices of bread!!!

 

Good point... Less to throw away too...
It's been a LOOOONG time since I've messed with an F-Body, but it's kind of like riding a bike.
Just chipping away as time and inspiration strikes me... It's nice having a heated and well lit garage to tinker in.. Just wish it was a 2 stall instead of a oversized 1 stall... but beggars can't be choosers.

As far as... 1st B.S. answer.... I completely understand.
But honestly, this guy.... I didn't see the BS meter coming off "0"....



Everything up to audio equipment had true.... No other major surprises...
And hey, to be honest.... I'm not a fan of stock stereo equipment... I would have changed it in time anyway...

 

Well, it took a little longer than planned....

the Retrosound head unit is in. New 6x9 in the rear and a pair of repurposed Sony 4x6 (with bass blockers inline).

The only thing left to do is re-install the dash pad.
Decided to replace foam weather strip around the side defog ducts while it's off.... Thought I had some, but couldn't put my fingers on it.
Picked up some today.

The system sounds better than I remember it sounding in my 87 Formula (back in the day). May have to add a sub at some point, but really don't think it's necessary... at least right now.

 

Just bought what I thought was a radio from an 87 camero and the connecters are different than my 88 iroc's. Any suggestions?

 

Buy these 2 adapters and solder them together use heat shrink tubing and voila you have a wiring harness adapter.

http://www.parts-express.com/metra-7...-pin)--265-602

http://www.parts-express.com/metra-7...-pin)--265-602