'91 C2500 stock stereo issues...

[relic7680]

I have a '91 C2500 with the stock AM/FM stereo with tape and equalizer. I have replaced all three units with stock "refurbished" ones from ebay. Last year, the receiver (part under the dash) started cutting out audio to the right speakers (newer pioneers), so I replaced it with another ebay unit, which was supposedly new. Last week, after sitting 2-3 months in storage (battery connected), I pulled the truck out a found the stereo to be mostly inoperable. The system does not power on the tape/eq unit, there is no audio, and I can't adjust the tuning, volume, or time. The scan, set, RCL, balance, and fade buttons on the control head still work, but nothing can be adjusted. I tried replacing the control head with a known good unit out of a junkyard, but nothing changed. Before I go back to the yard and try their receiver and tape/eq units, can anyone give me some advice? I'm tired of replacing parts...and there are no electrical harness mods or issues that I know of. I have the factory service manual, but it offers little guidance.

[malikinam]

i a successful in making an equaliser in which we have used a centertaped transformer i can develop it into the new technology.
any body want to get introduction to the new technology..???
thanks

[j cAT]

The problem your having is quite common. radio units are exposed to a very harsh environment. these components in the units at this age are damaged with use or not. just sitting not being used these internal components are breaking down and cause failure to operate.

crutchfield has radio/sound equipment that can be installed into your vehicle with the proper adapters etc.

tape players are obsolete. in todays world , CD is going to start to be obsolete. digital media , is what is most used today. Making copies of the music you have, and sharing these media files with your friends can add up to be quite a few thousand songs.

radios made today have better reception . any old radio , the ability to receive radio signals will drop , this is due to the component breakdown.

vinyl records/tape is a made to fail process. the record companies made lots of profit on their failure design.

[relic7680]

I looked into a Pioneer head unit from Crutchfield...might go that route seeing as how I already installed speakers from them. I like keeping the truck looking original...but I already have a couple hundred into replacing stock stereo components.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by relic7680

I looked into a Pioneer head unit from Crutchfield...might go that route seeing as how I already installed speakers from them. I like keeping the truck looking original...but I already have a couple hundred into replacing stock stereo components.

ebay refurbished is "' they use a polishing cloth on the exterior".

just don't turn the old unit on, that way the vehicle still looks original.

just remember this radio equipment is not old tube radio stuff. It takes lots of time and money to properly rebuild these radio/amps for this vehicle.