Expert: Cleggsan - 6/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Cleggsan,
I have a 1992 Cadillac Eldorado.  It has its original Bose cd/cassette system.  One of the rear speakers blew out and I need to replace it.  Where should I buy the speaker and what brand should I buy?  Can I purchase an individual speaker or does it only come in pairs?  I would also like to be able to connect my ipod to my stereo.  There's another problem.  The antenna of the car does not automatically go up and down anymore its stuck.  I have it out; I removed the fuse that controls the antenna because the motor to the antenna wouldn't stop running.  I don't know how to install speakers, and I've asked all experts for help with the antenna and I couldn't understand how to do it.  Please help.  Thank you.


ANSWER: Bad News:  Bose systems are non-standard and do not interface with conventional aftermarket products - - without engineering intervention and then sometimes not even then.  For example, most of the better Bose systems have the final amplifier mounted right inside the speaker basket with only audio level wiring going to the speaker.  I don't know if this is the case with your model.

Therefore, you must proceed very carefully.  If you study it thoroughly and follow all the right advice you can accomplish what you have asked about.  However, my experience has been that most who start on the mixed systems eventually end up with enough frustration that they rip out the entire Bose system all the way back to the speakers and install completely new products.  

Those who succeed are who have technical knowledge of the audio interfacing between head unit, amplifiers and speakers.

If you go to this page you may find some iPod interface boxes that will work for your Caddie:

http://www.installer.com/ipod/index.php

There are many types of such devices, even at Walmart, etc.

The antenna will need to be traced out to find out what is working and what is not. If it needs lubricated that will free up the friction; if it is bent or rusted out you may have to purchase a new antenna system.

And so forth.

I urge you to do two things:

A:  Go to www.crutchfield.com and plow through their "outfit my car" pages for your model and learn what some of the options may be.

B.  Consult with Ernesto on allexperts.com and get his opinion since he is very good at these mixed systems.  He can be reached at:

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/835-69262/Audio-Systems/Ernesto-R.htm

Good Luck!  Hope this helps with your difficult project.

C



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Cleggsan,
I contacted Ernesto, but I received a message saying that he wasn't available.  I have another question.  If I were to just buy Bose speakers so I wouldn't have to replace the entire bose system where could I find those speakers?  I tried looking for them on the bose.com, but my car model wasn't listed.

Thank you again.

Answer
Most manufacturers only support their products for 5 to 8 years, so your model is probably a goner.  BUT, they should have replacement models that would be equivalent. You should contact them directly through their automotive division.

Did you go through the crutchfield.com outfit my car routine?  They are very smart and make no mistakes about what will fit and what will work.  You can call them also.  You will need full details about your car as there were various audio systems available for that year; they were not all the same, so be prepared to answer more questions than those you have shared in your question to me.

C

PS:  Ernesto is now available; he sometimes maxes out.  We experts only take a few questions each day.  Try him again.  He is a real expert in these older cars.