Hello, I'm looking to add some rear speakers to my Skylark Convertible. The car already had 6" speakers in the doors, and cabling run to the rear. I'm was thinking of two locations in the rear panel (photo attached). It seems there should be ample depth for the magnet even with the top down. Having the speakers point forward seems more desirable, but would only allow for a smaller speaker. I think I would be able to use up to a 5" speaker if I pointed them inwards. Both solutions require cutting some metal. Any thoughts, pros, or cons? Regards -Ted
Hi Ted, The arrow on the right is where I am placing some Pioneer 4 inch round speakers - just waiting for them to arrive. They should fit nicely there and not interfere with the convertible mechanism. While I have the panel open, I also added in the rare optional convertible front shoulder belts which bolt onto the convertible anchor plate (there is a hole towards the bottom of the bracket for this purpose). I also have Pioneer front kickpanel speakers which take of the front in my convertible.
Hi Chris: Thanks, that is good confirmation of what I had in mind. I was looking at 4" speakers myself for that location. How are you planning on cutting the metal? Also -- what's this about a shoulder belt for the front? It's been on my mind since purchasing the car. Looking at the dash and the steering column: it's pretty much a death trap should anything happen. I'd be very interested if you had more info. Hopefully whatever you're doing fits the '68 as well. Thx -Ted
Hi Ted, To cut the metal I was going to start by drilling a big hole in the middle and then getting a metal cutting saw in the hole to work my way around. Here are the factory instructions for convertible front shoulder belts (from 1968-72 so you would be good). I bought a repro set with all brand new belts, buckles, plastic sleeves, and buckle holders. Cost me $240 for everything. The only problem is I bought it over a year ago from a seatbelt dealer on ebay and I do not remember his info. Perhaps someone else here knows or you could search on ebay or online. I'm taking pics as I install the belts so if you are interested and get the belts I can email them to you for reference.
Chris if you could post a pic of the shoulder belt that would help I couldn't figure it out from the pic you posted. I also feel like I will "someday" be driving a dethtrap and I had no idea you dould get a shoulder belt for them. Thanks
Hi Chuck and Ted, I still need to finish taking pics of my set up but here are some pics that other guys with the convertible front shoulder belts have posted before - I used them as a reference when I was doing my own set up. I had thought about doing an aftermarket 3-point seatbelt set up but it just didn't seem as secure as the factory set up which at least bolts into the convertible frame anchor which is well secured for strength.
Looks cool: Any info you might dig up on sources for these puppies would be great. I scoured eBay and online: I used "Fisher" and the part number you had on your previous picture as search terms, but nothing really came up. Looking at this last set of photos: Is the shoulder strap retractable? (I.e. can you lean forward?) Thx -Ted
I will look around as well - I thought that I still have the original box with the guy's address but I have not found it yet. The belts are not retractable, but are adjustable - which is the plastic tab on the belt that you see in some of the pics. Once you adjust it and lock in the buckle you cannot lean forward.
Here is an old post I started in which I found the guy selling the convertible front shoulder belt set up. I will looking through my boxes in the garage to see if I still have his address. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=189129&highlight=convertible+front+shoulder+belts
I just installed my speakers in the rear quarter panel. I went with 5.25" Polks, and I love them. You'll have a little more room with 4" speakers -- but it was a tight fit for me. Too low, or too far back, and you'll end up hitting the support beam for the convertible top. As it is, I made the holes a little to high, so the convertible top is actually resting on the speakers when it's retracted. It's going to be a marked improvement in the sound!
>>The 4 inch speakers that I have came with a template which was very handy - today I carefully marked where I will install the speakers in the rear panel - made sure not to place the speaker hole too high as I have seen speakers in some convertibles partly covered by the boot. After finishing the marking, I drilled for the screw holes, and cut the center material away - tomorrow I will cut out the centers using a mini hacksaw and then will put the speakers in.
>>I actually just came in from the garage now and finished cutting one hole for the speaker. Fits nice and flush with the panel but took a lot of work. I wound up drilling holes around the template circle I drew and then used a mini-hacksaw to cut it out. Definitely getting a good work out today! After lunch I'm going back to do the other side.
Gotta love the search engine on this site!! Have a '68 Convertible wanting to put 4 speakers into. This thread was fantastic help. Any pics of the finished product? Thanks! Paul
