I have an '86 Z51 sport model with a Bose radio. The cassette mechanism malfunctions and is useless, but the radio is good. What are the pros/cons to replacing the radio with an aftermarket radio/CD player?

 

cons-the hassle of wiring everything in.
pros-usually better sound quality...more sound control...a cd player..?

 

the cassette player is useless on my 86 too, and i hate having to rely on the radio for consistantly good music. i would think that the only con is that its really hard to find, and really expensive to find a reciever that is the extra large size to fit the GM radios.

the wiring really isnt that bad. just remember that since the bose system has amps built in to each speaker, and unless you get a receiver that does not have a pre-amp
(very rare) , you will have to buy a special adapter to go between you receiver and speakers (usually around $40)

 

i just replaced mine with a pioneer head unit and all 4 speakers $800. installed it sounds pretty good but
to get the best sound you would have to add an amp and even a small subwoofer which i chose not to do.
the stock head unit and speakers with the built in amps are great
but after 15 years they turn to crap

 

I put a Pioneer with CD in my 88 and kept the Bose speakers. Sounds pretty good! Not great but good. No modifying of anything. I can put my OEM Delco Bose back in in no time. Everything just pluged in. The whole conversion cost like $300. It's the same Pioneer they show in the Eklers and other catalogs. Only I bought mine local. If you have Bose speakers and plan on keeping them you will need additional components. But the cost of these was included in my $300 price. If interested in info on this on can dig up the reciepts and try to get the part numbers for you.