A little info first. I am using the complete inner workings of a '95 Formula/Z28 as the donor for my '48 Chevy sedan. I'm using everything; engine, tranny, steering column, rear, including the complete wiring harness. The car had the BOSE factory system, but I did not get the head unit. I do have the speakers and the powered subwoofer.

Here's the problem.

I was going to just buy an aftermarket head unit, or something like a newer Chrysler unit with tape and CD. However, I found out that the BOSE speakers have a different impedance, and will not work with aftermarket head unit. So if I use something other than the BOSE, I have to buy speakers, etc.

I went looking for a replacement BOSE unit, and found plenty, but was also told that I can only use one from a '95 Camaro. I'd like to find out if I can use a later model head unit from a car that had the powered sub. I will be building the opening for the head unit, so size and shape is not an issue.

Any idea where I can find out what might work? I had a local stereo repair shop guy tell me that it is hard to duplicate the sound of the BOSE sytems for the money. They wanted $325 for a refurbished head unit that I could use as is. I just want to evaluate my options before I commit.

Can anybody comment on the sound of this system? I never heard it in the car.

How about aftermarket radios? I think its ridiculous that the speakers will not work if you change the radio. Never heard that one before. It should work fine with any radio.

as long as the head unit is rated for the same impedance as the speakers there should be no problems.

Impedance doe not matter when it comes to the radios. You can use a 8 ohm, 4 ohm, 12 ohm, 6 ohm, and 2 ohm, or 1 ohm impedance on any radio. now the impedance does play a role in the power output of a receiver. At 8 ohms youn will have less, at 4 ohms you will have rated output, and at 2 ohms and below you will have higher power rating. Now 6 and 12 ohms are a little different. they are rated more for 3 speaker setups to bring it to an even 4 ohm setup.most 6 ohm speakers are actually DVC (dual voice coils).

As far as the bose system goes there is also an exetrnal amplifier you will need from the car. and it has a floating ground so as long as you have the amplifier and find ANY bose system head unit you will be fine.

Hey, quick audio question: I am building built-in BBQ area, and want to install a marine audio system in it. My question is, what do I have to do to power it? I know all car-like audio systems are 12 volt. Would I need an inverter and some kind of connector to get it to run off of 120volt A/C? Thanks!

For the BBQ you would have to use an invertor. Radioshack has them to convert 120V a/c to 12V D/C. The invertors have screw connectors that you put the wire in the hole of the post and thread down the cap. They are EASY to use.

Awesome, thanks! Any idea how much this might cost and if it would be suitable for outdoor use (in a cabinet)?

in a cabinet it will be fine. they cost like 30 bux max.

thanks! I'm having a bit of trouble finding anything except 12v to 120v (inverters) that pulg into accessory outlets in cars. Could you possible direct me at a model that would work for the stereo? One that would convert 120v to 12v D/C and one that I could put the wiring directly in? Thanks!

http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp...2145&cp=2032056

there ya go. That is 3 options

thanks! Any idea now many amps I will need? I am looking to drive 4 speakers, 15-20 watts/channel.

ok, so I have the converter, but I am a little stumped about the wiring. The wire harness from the CD player has a RED, a BLACK (Ground) and a YELLOW. The instructions say that the YELLOW is the positive therminal, and the RED is the "accessory" wire for the car. The black is meant to be grounded to the car. My question is, the converter has a + (red) and a - (black). Which wire (red or black) goes on the black connector, and can I assume the yellow goes in the red?

Thanks!