Hi, i've found a bose system from an 87 iroc i'd like to put in my 85. the guy says it's a complete set. That being the kick panel speakers, stereo, the rear subwoofer, and hatch plate. i was wondering if the system also included the typical speakers under the dash and inside the b pillars. Thanks

 

They don't have speakers in the stock locations, no.

 

If you don't already have the rear hatch cover in your car, you will need the rear plastics also that go with the cover. The rear plastics are shaped and have a lip for the cover to rest on.

 

IIRC, either 1986 or 1987 ( I want to think 1986) GM added the hatch pulldown. In these cars they changed the rear cover as it required a larger bump, in mid 1991 and 1992 they went back to the smaller bump as they modified the rear pull down motor assembly.

The normal covers have the lip, however the lip is slightly different on the BOSE or the cars with the rear cover as there is a place for a lock IIRC.

 

Not only did the rear plastic panel have rests for the door, but there were metal braces behind them to support the panel. The braces were spot welded to the rear body panel.

 

What really stands out is that the Bose system is dated... Aside from a small bit of novelty, it's nothing special. It was a 1980's upgrade to the stock system, even name brand, entry level, modern equipment will probably sound better. You can probably get better sound quality out of a bargain priced "stereo system in a box" from Walmart.

 

I have the bose sound system in my 86 TA, the rear speakers are blown out(24 yrs) I contacted the Bose company. They said that it was just a factory option from the dealers and they don't make the speakers for that car,never did. I was looking for the exact replacement speakers, but the guy before me makes a good point. The speakers out now are so advanced that they blow away the old ones. I ws wondering if you could get new speakers without changing the amp and such?

 

Your '86 wouldn't have factory Bose. It was a Bloughpunt or whatever the heck it's called, lol. Sorry, I have no idea on the correct spelling.

Was Bose even available on the Firebirds, or was it Camaro-only?

 

Bose was the Camaro option, the Firebird had the Pontiac "Performance Sound" system with 4x6 speakers and 4-5" subs in the back in special plastic enclosures. Both are iffy as far as sound. If you want sound quality use modern components, if you want the "Gee whiz" factor search for the old factory stuff.

It's vastly easier to achieve a better sound system when you abandon original sound system hardware and the stock appearance.

 

Yeah, blaupunkt but for some reason on the papers for the car it said pontiac performance sound, Bose System. I would get aftermarket speakers but i'm afraid it wont fit on the stock plugs or work with the stock amp. I dont know how to do wiring and soldering and such.

 

The Firebird system is a lot closer to stock Delco sound equipment. It adds an amplifier and a pair of small subs, but most of it is typical. The speakers are mostly typical Delco stuff, the deck is normal, most of the wiring is normal.

The BOSE system in the Camaro, is much more unique. The speakers, amps, wiring, head unit, are all unique to that system. Without special adapters none of it will really work with aftermarket components.

With the Firebird system, the UQ6 parts can be disconnected, and it'd be pretty much the same as a 4 speaker car. The rear speaker harness is a little different because it has extra wires for the subs. You could either use one pair of wires, or get the rear speaker harness out of a normal 4 speaker car and swap it in.

If you were going to use an aftermarket headunit, it'd be easiest to just run new wires for everything.

 

The Firebird system should work fine with an aftermarket head unit. It just uses an add-on harness that piggybacks off the regular radio/speaker harness.

 

I think those metal braces that you are reffering to are the t-top bag latches. I think thats what you meant. I could be wrong though. Ill have to investigate on my 86 IROC.

 

Nope, there are metal braces spot welded to the rear body panel. They help support the optional cargo door, so that any weight on the door is not solely resting on the plastic panel.