Audio System Upgrade In this section, the 1968 Camaro gets a contemporary stereo that's a significant upgrade over the old, factory-installed unit. The upgrade includes a replacement receiver that fits the old mounting location, includes a cassette deck and electronic AM/FM tuner. In the trunk, a CD-changer is added. In the segment that follows, new speakers are installed, including additional speakers in the rear. Following are the installation procedures as shown in the episode.
Important : The steps outlined below are highlights from the stereo installation for the selected upgrade components as shown in the program. There will be variations in installation procedures depending on brands and models selected, and depending on vehicles. Car stereo equipment generally comes with thorough installation instructions. Read and follow the instructions, diagrams and safety precautions that come with the products that you select.
Safety Alert: Whenever doing electrical work on a vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle's battery to eliminate the possibility of electrical shock or damage.
Reciever/Cassette Deck
- If possible, consult a factory blueprint showing the factory stereo components and how they are installed (figure A). This will clarify how the stereo components fit in the dash, and how they are removed.
- The first step is to remove the knobs and controls off of the existing factory radio. This radio has a balance/fader control located in the right-hand knob (figure B). This will later need to be disconnected in order to remove the radio.
- Unscrew the retaining screws that hold the plastic dash-plate bracket on. Then, remove the two 9/16-inch jamb nuts installed at the base of each knob. With those fasteners removed, lift off the plastic dash-plate (figure C).
- With the dash-plate removed, disconnect the wires at the back of the fader/balance control (figure D), and remove the metal surround face-plate from the receiver itself.
- Remove all of the retaining screws that hold the old radio body in place in the dash. Keep all of the mounting hardware, and take note of where they came from in order to ensure proper re-installation later.
- With all of the screws removed, lower the radio down from behind the dash (figure E).
- Disconnect the radio electrically from the wiring at the back of the unit (figure F), including power supply, ground and speaker leads.
- Once disconnected, remove the radio unit from the vehicle.
- Keep in mind that electrical wiring for receivers (figure G) can vary according to the brand and model of the replacement unit you are installing. However, all car stereos are going to have the following connections:
- Power
- Ground
- Antenna connection
- Speaker leads
Follow the stereo-manufacturer's instructions for wiring the model you've selected.
- The final step in the wiring of our receiver is to plug in the CD-player connection at the back of the unit (figure H).
- The long CD-player cable is run beneath the seats and carpeting in the vehicle (figure I) back into the trunk, where the CD changer will be mounted.
- Install the new receiver inside the dash (figure J) by reversing the procedures used for removing the old unit.
- Re-install the plastic dash-plate, the metal face-plate (figure K) and the rest of the trim pieces on the front of the new receiver.
- Add the support screws for the brackets, and re-install the 9/16-inch jamb nuts at the bases of the controls (figure L).
- Finally, install the knobs and external control pieces.
CD-Changer The CD-changer is mounted in the car's trunk. The brackets that come with the changer (figure M) allow it to be mounted in any of a variety of positions or orientations.
In the segment that follows, new stereo speakers are installed to further upgrade the Camaro's audio system.
RESOURCES :
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
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