'95 Firebird stereo

Does anyone know, or have suggestions, on how to properly remove the stereo from a 1995 Firebird. It's the stock stereo and the CD player isn't working. So I was wanting to have it fixed.

Why not just replace it? Because my car also has the controls on the steering wheel and I'd rather not upset that balance. unless someone else has a better idea. Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure how to get it out, but I think they charge about $500 to replace it at the dealers (my cd went bad on several TA's in the 90s). It it worth it to have the controls integrated on the steering wheel.

Good luck,

Jeff

I wasn't planning on spending the $$ to get a new one, just wanted to find out how to remove the stereo without breaking anything.

Also, I keep hearing about generations and LT1/LS1.....what are they and how do I find out what I have?

Sorry, I can’t help you with any tips to remove your stereo.

The LT1 was the engine used up through 98 (cast iron engine block aluminum heads), and the LS1 is 99-02. The LS1 has is all aluminum and is touted as the more advanced corvette engine (certainly less weight). My take is that neither of my LT1’s had the piston slap that I have had with both of my LS1 when I take off from a cold start.

I do know that they changed the transmission and I think the rear axle to have an electronic controller and that is why the “performance transmission” button went away (again LT1 wins, I liked the button!).

Now you know what (I think) I know. If I am wrong, I am sure I’ll get slammed (this seems to be a fairly hostile forum;-).

Jeff

Ok, how's this then. Being I'm new...really new...at this I'll just say what I have.

1995 Pontiac Firebird
6 cyl 3.4l
completely stock
no mod's
new tired and a fresh coat of wax

So from what you said I have a LT1 engine. What does that mean? Also, is this vehicle a 4th generation? What seperates it from other generations? Thanks for helping clue in a clueless person.

Well actually the LT1/LS1 refer only to the V8 versions. I think that just saying V6 or 3.4L would be enough. I don’t know if there was a real technology shift in the V6 between 98 and 99 (maybe someone else can chime in).

As far as the generation goes that refers to the chassis/body style of the F-body car (camaros and firebirds). The switch there was in 93 when they went to the very sloping windshield that we know and love today. Even though there were some minor mods to the design in 96 to account for daytime running lights that is still the same generation because the chassis did not change significantly.

I think it went like this….
Gen 1 19xx-1969
Gen 2 1970-1981
Gen 3 1982-1992
Gen 4 1993-2002 RIP

They tell me I’m full of it, and you just got some on you;-).

Keep digging, you will come up to speed.

Jeff

Ok, whats an F-Body?

I don't know why they call them f-body? It is just what they call camaros and firebirds. I am sure there is a reason, but I don't know it.

Jeff

yes you have a v6 the lt1 is a v 8.
now about the radio.open the glove box. you should see 2 screws on the left which hold the radio cover on. also the panel under the steering wheel has to be removed about 4 more screws. pull that panel off and their should be 2 more screws holding on the radio cover. once you have this screws out pull the radio cover off. then you should see 4 more screws 2 on each side of the radio. take these out and the radio should pull out. unplug the wirers and radio antenna.

Are you sure it takes that much...I mean I could be wrong but I have a '97 and all I had to do was take off the front dash piece that clips on and take 2 screws out of the sides of the head unit to get it out.

yes he has a 95 and it should be like my 94. the factory may have changed it on your 97 to save time and money. I only wish they were all as easy as yours.

I put a system in my 95 bird when I first bought it (2 years ago), but for some od reason I kept the old stereo laying around in my room (or back seat, not sure). I cant even remember if its cd or tape, I'll look when I get home. But, if it is CD, you can have it if you pay for shipping. Free me up some closet space. It should work fine, it just didnt have the connections to hook my system up when I bought it. I'll let ya know..IF I remember...

Thanks for the input gentlemen. I really appreciate it.

Death...If I'm unable to fix my present stereo I'll gladly pay for the shipping for yours! :) I will let you know. Thank you.

Gents. I found that all I had to do was remove the front bracket that was clipped/snapped in. Then remove 3 screws/bolts and the unit was out. I guess the 94's were the last to have all that crap with them.

Now to see if I can fix it up.

Sorry, I can’t help you with any tips to remove your stereo.

The LT1 was the engine used up through 98 (cast iron engine block aluminum heads), and the LS1 is 99-02. The LS1 has is all aluminum and is touted as the more advanced corvette engine (certainly less weight). My take is that neither of my LT1’s had the piston slap that I have had with both of my LS1 when I take off from a cold start.
Jeff

LS1s were using in 97+ Vettes and 98+ Fbodies.

As far as the stereo...I am trying to recall what the interior on the 95s were like. I dont think they're like my 98 TA. See if there is a trim cover over the stereo. if so, its probably just a snap on, just get a flat head screw driver to take it off and under neath the cover will be a set of bolts holding in the stereo.

If there is no cover...you'll have to take the dash apart and you'll just have to loook for screws to remove.

I wish I could be more help, but that's all I can do right now w/o seeing the interior of a 95. If I come across one, I'll look at it and see how to get the stereo out.

Good luck.

Gents. I found that all I had to do was remove the front bracket that was clipped/snapped in. Then remove 3 screws/bolts and the unit was out. I guess the 94's were the last to have all that crap with them.

Now to see if I can fix it up.



Hey man,

I am trying to remove a stereo from a 99 firebird, and I am assuming ours are similar. I have read that I need to pop that front piece off, but how hard do I have to do it? Mine does not want to pop offf. Any help is appreciated.

Little info on the 6-cyl 'Birds.

in '96 they moved up to the 3800 Series II engine (3.8L) with a factory rated hp of 220 (as listed in my Haynes manual). I believe that GM did the same as with the more powerful F-bodies and underrated the HP.
While the 3800 in the Firebird/Camaro is the same one in the Grand Prix, Grand Am, and various Buick models, the F-body ones beat them off the line stock (but not by a huge margin).

Also, in reference to the steering wheel controls- I originally did not want to remove my Monsoon system because of the steering wheel controls (and the cool equalizer), however they do sell kits now for about 50$ that allow you to keep your controls with an aftermarket deck.

(If I'm wrong on the stats, let me know- I'm pulling them out of memory)

Also, in reference to the steering wheel controls- I originally did not want to remove my Monsoon system because of the steering wheel controls (and the cool equalizer), however they do sell kits now for about 50$ that allow you to keep your controls with an aftermarket deck.




Here's a link to a device available from Crutchfield that converts the steering wheel controls into a signal such as that coming from a remote control. It only works if your new radio came and or is compatible with a remote control though.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-m3wiRODqINv/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=118900&I=127SWIX

boys i feel kind of alone.. everyones got 4th or 3rd gen birds on here.. does anyone know how hard it is to take the cassette player out and put a deck into my 76 bird... ( i also have the original A-Track for looks).. i heard that its really hard to put a new deck in these cars but im just wunderin in anyone else has any input.. if not ill just jam to my old queen tapes..haha

boys i feel kind of alone.. everyones got 4th or 3rd gen birds on here.. does anyone know how hard it is to take the cassette player out and put a deck into my 76 bird... ( i also have the original A-Track for looks).. i heard that its really hard to put a new deck in these cars but im just wunderin in anyone else has any input.. if not ill just jam to my old queen tapes..haha does you're 76 bird have the two knobs one for volume on left and one on right to change chanel if so you have three options. 1 leave it in and try to enjoy 2 take a dremal tool and cut the dash so the new style radio will fit or 3 mount a new radio in the glove box or under the dash.

I have a 95 Firebird and I learned very quickkly with the stereo system that these cars sound great with a very small system.

I trashed the factory deck and threw in a JVC 120x4.
I have a generic 500 watt amp that pushes 2 12" Rockford Fosgate original punch series speakers.

I built a custom box to fit into the T-top well and put large ports into the box. This was the key for me, the sealed box did NOT sound very good.

With the back hatch set up the way it is the sound that comes out is incredible. Many people have told me that it sounds better than systems that cost thousands of $.

In short, that interior design of the car allows a small, inexpensive system to sound really great.

-----Just some tips if you really want to improve the sound