69 b-bod front speaker options

[uk-maxie]

Hi all

I just posted a reply in this thread, but thought I'd sneak a link to it here, as it might get seen by more people! :grin:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?p=174079#post174079

I'm hoping someone has some experience of removing/upgrading their in-dash speaker, as I need to add a couple of decent speakers and am struggling to fit any in under the dash or in the footwells whilst still maiintaining a stock(ish) appearance.

So if you've had any experience of removing/changing that factory speaker, please have a look in that other thread, thanks :icon_thumleft:

 

[70rr-brian]

I put a trunk mounted stereo system in my b-body that uses an infrared remote. I mounted the rear 6x9's in the obvious factory cutouts in the rear but I fabricated mounting plates for 4" front speakers that hold them flush with the bottom of the dash. One on either side of the of the steering column. Can't even tell they are there unless you stick your head under the dash. Don't have any pictures of it but if I get some time I might take some later.

Just leave the factory dash speaker where it is and don't use it. There is only one slot and its an oddball size anyway.

 

[uk-maxie]

Thanks for the reply Brian

First choice was to add some speakers under the dash like you have but when i realised I couldnt use the pod speakers i already have, and noticed in other threads that '74 Sport had utilised the in-dash speaker with little or no problems, I started thinking that might be a good solution too.

I'll have another look at fitting 3.4 or 4" flush-mounted speakers under the dash like you have over the weekend (the car lives in my brother's garage 20 miles away). From memory, the passenger side speaker would have to be in towards the centre enough to clear the underside of the glovebox, but I'm hoping it can stay far enough away from the driver side to still give some separation :icon_confused:

There doesnt seem to be much choice in small speakers over here; all I can find that dont cost the earth are these Alpines http://www.alpinecaraudioonline.co.uk/products/65/134/alpine_sxe-0825s/ And I dont know yet if I can get a grille/facia for them :eusa_think:

Did you box yours in tho Brian? The guy in the car audio shop I spoke to about those Alpines said you wont get anywhere near as good sound if the rear of the speaker is just open to the underside of the dash. Spose we could try them without first then knock something up if they are as bad as he says.

If you could manage to post a pic or two, I'd be most grateful. Always like to see other people's cars anyway :grin:

 

[70rr-brian]

I tried to take some pictures but its a bad angle and they are dark. It would just be a waste of time posting them.

So I looked at it a little closer. Actually the vent cables is where I mounted mine. One just to the right of the passenger vent cable and one just to the left of the drivers vent cable. To answer your question, no I did not box them in. Because there was really no good way I could and still make them fit.

As I said I fabricated some metal mounting plates. 1/16" steel. The grill of the speaker is mounted fine with no issues on the plate. I only use two screws to hold the mounting plate in place just under the dash with rubber bushings to suppress vibrations. I read the same thing about enclosing the smaller speakers but as I said for me it just wasn't an option. If your car is anything like mine when you get under there you will see what I mean.

Obviously having the two speakers where I have them is not optimal for full stereo in the entire occupant compartment. But for the driver it sounds pretty damn good. I looked at it this way. I have a passenger less than 5% of the time in the car...and I don't care if they can hear it in stereo. LOL

I ultimately met my goal. Having stereo for me, the driver, without any visable changes to the stock appearance of the interior.

 

[70Fish]

FYI I had a sound system in my 68 Dart where the installer replaced the single dash speaker with two 3X3's side by side or something like that, and while it was "in stereo", the sound was obviously focused to the center so I wouldn't put anything in there.