QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

1989 Firebird. The plastic tabs in the console pod that mount the radio all broke ages ago. Tossed the radio in the hole and been pushing it back in the hole occasionally after making people feel bad about their new car purchase. Had only 3 speakers working for a while. Down to 2 speakers working this year. Finally now the radio stopped working altogether. The speakers are still on but the radio acts like it can't catch a radio station.

So....... how do you guys properly mount radios in pods with all the original plastic being fragile and/or broken? And is there any hope to repair my radio or is it time for an upgrade?

I'm not picky about sound quality and I couldn't talk on a "hands-free" phone even if I wanted to because the car is too loud. And I hate touch screens and tiny buttons. Basically I liked my old stock radio.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Well, when the wife probably used up all the glue on purpose, you'll have to rely on tape.

Guess what I'm getting at is if the mounts are busted, it's probably time for a new radio pod. I mean you could probably pop a cheap Pyle pull-out cassette deck in there, shim it up just right with home improvement labyrinth building shims, then squirt it all full of Great Stuff foam. Once it cures the radio ain't going no where no-how. You could even wrap the radio in parchment paper and cling wrap first so it's removable.

Be sure to hold a small private ceremony in the back yard, taps optional.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

What.... You don't approve of the duct tape that is holding the top brace together?

That pod is perfect condition on the outside. I've been told "good luck" finding a pod that doesn't have broken parts. Maybe it could be saved by making a sheet metal structure on the inside to replace the plastic?

I'm not even sure how people mount these aftermarket radios. Does it even matter that I don't have the screw holes any more?

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

Didn't the 82-84 Firebird radio/HAVC area of the center console use a "full sized" metal bracket to hold the radio and HVAC controller in place ?? I wonder if one of those could be cut/modified to fit inside the 85+ radio pod ??

HP52TA

iTrader: (4)

Qwk, I think you have been called out. If you can't come up with a better idea, Drew's idea is great and you should hit the hardware store first thing in the AM! We want pics.

Also check on some 1/2" x 1/8" aluminum angle and some JB Weld and dremel tool as option B. Clean and rebuild, I was considering it before I lucked out on ebay.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Not sure how broken up it is...sounds pretty bad.

Mine had quite a few fractures. I did several types of repairs, starting here.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...ml#post5901947

There's a fairly short lead for the antennae. If your radio has been moving around a lot, it may have simply pulled out of the back of the radio, explaining it's inability to pull in a station. Worth checking anyway.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Thanks, Dave. Good write up.

This is what my pod looks like. Absolutely no radio mounting points any more. The top bar is broken in half and wrapped in duct tape. Nothing else is broken.

Just for kicks and grins, that second, smaller, grey electrical connector does not plug into the radio, right? Seems there is only a pace to plug in the larger, blue connector. The antenna cable is stupid short. I did make sure it was plugged in though.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

That doesn't look bad at all. Hit up your local hardware store for some aluminum angle stock, and some slow set epoxy. Figure about where you want the mounts set back so the radio fits up to the trim plate, and cut yourself some pieces of aluminum to size. Rough up the surface that will go against the plastic core with some coarse sandpaper, say like 100 grit, and epoxy the aluminum to the plastic. Figure out where the radio should sit, market the holes and drill undersize, or get some U style clip nuts and use them to bolt in your radio. Also make sure you've got the nylon peg on the back of your radio that fits the holder in the back of the pod, that little bit of extra support helps a lot.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I still find NOS ones fairly often.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

This is the 82-84 Center Console bracket I was talking about...... Might have to trim it a little here and there, but seems like a good starting point.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Interesting! Thanks, John.

TTOP350, if you see an NOS let me know.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

Sorry - forgot to mention this; That small grey plug with 2 wires is used ONLY for the push-button Firebird SWC (steering wheel controlled) radio.



If you do not have SWC, you do not need that plug. If you do not ever intend on installing the GTA radio and feel like being a hero,.... I'd LOVE to get that small grey plug from you. I really need one and can't seem to find one anywhere.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Ugh! What DO people do to these poor things? Is this an anger management issue for the previous owner?

I'm with Drew on the aluminum angle...I might even try to peal the skin back and get a few rivets in there. Or John's bracket. That's one seriously busted up piece though.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Is this the one?

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

I've had the car since 1992. I don't know how it broke but I'll bet it was fun!

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

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