DCM: AKA (Expletive!) - Page 2 - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Reichert · 07-24-2018

Before I learned about Dr. Don from the forums here, on my own research I found these guys in Florida that specialize in Corvette stereo repair. I removed and boxed up the DCM, all 4 amps, and head unit and mailed the whole kit to them. I had it back within a week, and everything worked like new. Every bit of it turned out to have some problem or another, especially the amps. Cost was $700. $100 of that was extra to have a 3/8" stereo line-in added. Lifetime warranty on amps; 1 year on the tuner.

http://www.carstereoremoval.com/htm/...alCorvette.htm

There are some good videos of removing the components on their website as well: http://www.carstereoremoval.com/htm/...ette90_96P.htm

And yes .. despite all of the how-to videos and planning .. extracting the DCM out from under the dash was a joyless experience that I hope never to have to repeat.

TX '90 ZR1 · 07-24-2018

Stephen:
I got good reports on them as well. I decided on Dr. Don for a few reasons.
First, he was closer, which is not really a big deal now as easy as it is to ship cross country.
Second, he was highly recommended on the forum.
Third, and this is the one that sealed the deal. I called his published number and Don himself answered. He was kind enough to spend about 30 minutes on the phone explaining how he advised would be the best way to approach the radio issues. He went into great detail on removing the DCM even though I could not convince him to let me bring the car for him to remove and re-install.
My continued experience has been the same. I call, he answers and spends the time to make sure everything is understood.
I think he may be a bit more expensive than others, but the personal service, in my opinion, more than makes up for it.
If I wasn't spending on the ZR-1 & V-Rod I would be blowing it on whiskey and wild women. I think the rides are the better choice.

Reichert · 07-24-2018

I likely would have used Dr. Don also if I had spent more time on the forums before diving into it. At any rate, it's great that for this particular system, there are at least a couple of good choices.

The only thing I'm not happy with is the fact that the antenna is deployed even when the line-in is in use. To work around that I was thinking of adding an separate power switch for the antenna. Did you happen get Dr. Don to add a line-in added to your DCM?

Z51JEFF · 07-25-2018

I’ve read that there are several cars out there that used the same Delco system,Nissan Maxima is one I think,you can easily find these in the wrecking yards.

TX '90 ZR1 · 07-25-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reichert

I likely would have used Dr. Don also if I had spent more time on the forums before diving into it. At any rate, it's great that for this particular system, there are at least a couple of good choices.

The only thing I'm not happy with is the fact that the antenna is deployed even when the line-in is in use. To work around that I was thinking of adding an separate power switch for the antenna. Did you happen get Dr. Don to add a line-in added to your DCM?

Stephen,
I'm not really up to speed on some of the newer audio choices. Dr. Don did not mention anything about adding a "line in" to the DCM.
I think he does some kind of modification to the control head to allow input from different sources. Not sure what they are, but I think it is mentioned on his web page.

Reichert · 07-25-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX '90 ZR1

Stephen,

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX '90 ZR1

I'm not really up to speed on some of the newer audio choices. Dr. Don did not mention anything about adding a "line in" to the DCM.
I think he does some kind of modification to the control head to allow input from different sources. Not sure what they are, but I think it is mentioned on his web page.

It's just something like this (with a 6 foot lead line), to be able to plug in an external audio source: https://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-.../dp/B000ML4A2Q

I haven't yet, but I intend to mount it in the blank space next to the power key.

dredgeguy · 07-25-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reichert

[LIST][*]

It's just something like this (with a 6 foot lead line), to be able to plug in an external audio source: https://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-.../dp/B000ML4A2Q

I haven't yet, but I intend to mount it in the blank space next to the power key.

I put the Dr. Don aux input in the center console and have a XM radio hooked up to it. The XM antenna is located under the rear hatch latch, completely out of view and it works great.

RussMcB · 07-25-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by dredgeguy

<snip> The XM antenna is located under the rear hatch latch, completely out of view and it works great.

That's a good idea. I put mine under the rear fascia body work (while it was off during the paint job). I like your idea better.

dredgeguy · 07-26-2018

Here is a pic of the XM radio installed using Dr. Don's aux input. Sound is perfect!

07-24-2018	#11
Reichert Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 104	Re: DCM: AKA (Expletive!) Before I learned about Dr. Don from the forums here, on my own research I found these guys in Florida that specialize in Corvette stereo repair. I removed and boxed up the DCM, all 4 amps, and head unit and mailed the whole kit to them. I had it back within a week, and everything worked like new. Every bit of it turned out to have some problem or another, especially the amps. Cost was $700. $100 of that was extra to have a 3/8" stereo line-in added. Lifetime warranty on amps; 1 year on the tuner. http://www.carstereoremoval.com/htm/...alCorvette.htm There are some good videos of removing the components on their website as well: http://www.carstereoremoval.com/htm/...ette90_96P.htm And yes .. despite all of the how-to videos and planning .. extracting the DCM out from under the dash was a joyless experience that I hope never to have to repeat. __________________ -Stephen 1990 #2288

07-24-2018	#12
TX '90 ZR1 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: TX Posts: 2,038	Re: DCM: AKA (Expletive!) Stephen: I got good reports on them as well. I decided on Dr. Don for a few reasons. First, he was closer, which is not really a big deal now as easy as it is to ship cross country. Second, he was highly recommended on the forum. Third, and this is the one that sealed the deal. I called his published number and Don himself answered. He was kind enough to spend about 30 minutes on the phone explaining how he advised would be the best way to approach the radio issues. He went into great detail on removing the DCM even though I could not convince him to let me bring the car for him to remove and re-install. My continued experience has been the same. I call, he answers and spends the time to make sure everything is understood. I think he may be a bit more expensive than others, but the personal service, in my opinion, more than makes up for it. If I wasn't spending on the ZR-1 & V-Rod I would be blowing it on whiskey and wild women. I think the rides are the better choice. __________________ Kenny 1990 #442

07-24-2018	#13
Reichert Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 104	Re: DCM: AKA (Expletive!) I likely would have used Dr. Don also if I had spent more time on the forums before diving into it. At any rate, it's great that for this particular system, there are at least a couple of good choices. The only thing I'm not happy with is the fact that the antenna is deployed even when the line-in is in use. To work around that I was thinking of adding an separate power switch for the antenna. Did you happen get Dr. Don to add a line-in added to your DCM? __________________ -Stephen 1990 #2288

07-25-2018	#14
Z51JEFF Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fremont,Ca Posts: 3,079	Re: DCM: AKA (Expletive!) I’ve read that there are several cars out there that used the same Delco system,Nissan Maxima is one I think,you can easily find these in the wrecking yards.