Replacing the radio in my C3 Corvette

Replacing the original radio in my C3 81 corvette with a new one from Custom Auto Sound. Jerry rigging the knob holders and otherwise making it work. Mine is a 1981 vette, but could be similar to other years of vet.

[@markmartin9577]

I'm about to replace a radio in my '79 Vette and it's amazing how hard it was to find a video that showed exactly what interior pieces have to be removed to do that. This really makes that clear. Thanks for that. Also, I can totally relate about having to search for a washer and having a collection of spare parts and having the right tools. I got it from my dad to have a collection of screws, nuts, bolts, washers, bushings, brackets etc. He always had old peanut butter jars full of them. Even as a kid or a teenager I learned I could find what I needed to fix something in those jars. Now I'm carrying on the tradition. And since buying the Vette and having to become an amateur mechanic I've picked up some good tools that make the work much easier. It's a must. Otherwise you can spend 3 days just trying to remove a bolt. Helpful post and I enjoy the commentary.

[@JerryRigger]

Funny you mention the peanut butter jars. I save all the plastic peanut butter jars so that I can store things in them. They’re great because you can see through them and they don’t break if you drop them. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.

[@markmartin9577]

@@JerryRigger all true! My dad was on to something. No problem! I subscribed so I’ll see what you rig next! All the best.

[@JerryRigger]

@@markmartin9577 Yeah I get the feeling your dad’s a pretty smart guy. Thanks for subscribing

[@kenmcdonaldii3887]

I just replaced mine in my 81 c3. I bought the 740 model. The previous owner removed the original three (black/blue/white) wiring harnesses and direct wired the radio. I removed the snake pit of wires, reinstalled the original wiring harnesses which then plugged into the adapter to the new radio. It took me a couple of hours but well worth it. Now the car is back to the original wiring harness and I have a Bluetooth radio - even the power antenna works with the on and off button on the radio. I really surprised myself. It was helpful to remove the seats. Just temper to install the drivers seat “open” as if you were going to sit in it. If you install it closed/down it will be under the steering wheel and you won’t be able to open the seat.

[@JerryRigger]

Excellent, I wish there was a way for people to post pics of their finished projects in the comments. Love to see the vette pics. Thanks for the heads up about the seat installation and thanks for liking and subscribing.

[@dustinkey8885]

​@@JerryRiggerthe yellow is the battery constant wire red goes to the key

[@kshoults2566]

Outstanding video- I’m sure that was a lot of work to film this and it’s super helpful as I go into doing mine this weekend. THANK YOU!!

[@JerryRigger]

Being as I am a channel with less than 250 subscribers. It’s nice to get some encouraging feedback. Thanks for liking and subscribing.

[@kevinshorter5861]

You did a very great job too

[@JerryRigger]

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for liking and subscribing.

[@lawrencejohnson4127]

Thank you, is was told by a installation shop,the whole dash board has to come off to put the radio in,cost would be 1,200.

[@JerryRigger]

Thanks for liking subscribing and supporting the channel.

[@seanking3332]

76 CORVETTE has a great video for installing a sound bar with 4 speakers in the back

[@JerryRigger]

Nice to know. Thanks for watching.

[@V8Adam]

Thanks for this, I didn't know which way the connector went on the oil temp gauge but I saw it in your video.

[@JerryRigger]

glad I could help

[@jamescasello8100]

You can wedge a piece of styrofoam under the radio. Make it real tight and you are done. I do it all the time with many different projects. BTW, I like your video.

[@JerryRigger]

Good idea and I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for liking and subscribing.

[@seanking3332]

I did subscribe. Thanks, Sean

[@JerryRigger]

Thanks Sean I appreciate it.

[@seanking3332]

I would liked to hear that it actually worked. I replaced the stereo with an Alpine with cd, usb and audio input in my "79 c3 for $ 150 installed at Car Toys. Works great. Took about an hour.

[@JerryRigger]

Excellent, Alpine makes a great stereo.

[@JerryRigger]

yeah I guess I should’ve thought about demoing it when I got done. I have to keep that in mind for the next video.

[@larrykamakua8306]

It works easier if you remove the seats first , I’ve replaced my stereo and it works easier !

[@JerryRigger]

good to know. Thanks for liking and subscribing.

[@colbycrawford8969]

Did your wife get tired of listening to those 1970’s 8 track tapes or didn’t the tape player work at all. 😂

[@JerryRigger]

She still has to listen to them they are just digitized now!😆

[@rolexshine923]

changing the radio on a c3 looks way so much painful then i expected

[@bear.caller]

Keep in mind I had to make repairs to the front console. It has been many years ago but if I recall correctly I pulled the radio out before by going thru the passenger side panel and not removing the console. This was a bit of a struggle with the original big bulky radio but after market radios are much smaller. That being said it probably looks harder than it actually was. Thanks for watching.

[@JerryRigger]

Nice looking C3

[@IloveArchies]

Do you have the old one still?

[@JerryRigger]

I save all the original parts from my vette.