87 GMC Suburban SIMPLE SYSTEM Replacement

Big Red, my 87 GMC Suburban has all original radio/casette player with original dash speakers (are there 3 of them in the dash? ) plus the 2, 6 x 9 ? speakers behind 2nd row seat. The speakers work sometimes, other times not so much. The radio plays fine.

I don't work on Big Red myself, but I'd like to have the front speakers replaced with something new without having to fart around with the dash pad. I'm thinking:
1) Replace radio/casette with modern radio with Bluetooth
2) Disconnect dash speakers, leave them in place and replace kick panels with a new speaker in each one
3) Have the rear speakers replaced with new speakers same size and new wires.

Not looking for super sounds, just 4 speakers that work and a modern radio with bluetooth capability. Recommendations, and what did I not think of ?
Thanks !

The speakers themselves may not be bad, but the original 39 year old head unit amplifiers might be failing. Of course after baking in the sun for 39 years, the speaker cones themselves are probably cooked as well.

I have speakers in the lower doors (not my idea they were there when I bought the truck) as well as the speakers behind the second row. If you're having someone do the work, pulling the dash pad (its not as nightmare-inducingly difficult on these trucks as some other vehicles) and replacing the existing speakers might be more cost effective than buying new kick panels and paying someone to install those, run new wiring and such. My rear speakers are pretty cooked and need replacement as well, but replacing the wiring is likely not necessary unless damaged or you are going to a much beefier system that warrants upgraded wire.

I'd probably do this in 2 stages - replace the head unit with what you're looking for (I have had good results with Sony and Pioneer units, not as impressed with the low-end Dual thats in my Suburban at the moment) and confirm that there is audio at each speaker location. Then replace the speakers themselves once you know the wiring to each is functional.

You have the advantage of starting with a properly installed factory unit which means the correct wiring adaptor for your chosen head unit should just plug right in - I had to reverse engineer a lot of badly done wiring just to make mine safe to turn on.

Makes good sense, thanks for you perspective and pointing me in a good direction.

I always say the same thing, I have two turtle boxes, I throw one or both of them in any of my old trucks and have bluetooth with great sound and just move them from truck to truck lol.

Not a bad idea either. How do you like those Turtleboxes ? Gen 3 ?

GeoCamino said:

Not a bad idea either. How do you like those Turtleboxes ? Gen 3 ?

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Mine are gen 2's, there are a lot of options now, including building your own.

Jrgunn5150 said:

Mine are gen 2's, there are a lot of options now, including building your own.

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I built my own and was disappointed. Tried 2 different speakers. I guess I could try a third upgrade. And definitely improve on the player/amp thing

I'd go ahead and replace all 4 speakers and the stereo. Pulling the dash pad is no big deal. I could probably do it in 1/2 hour or less.
Crutchfield should have everything you need.