modern tunes for old convertible

I have a 70 GS455 convertible that I want to install a modern cd/stereo/xm sound system. I already have the head unit installed in the dash(thank you Buick for not having to cut anything up) and will find somewhere discreet to install the xm docking station. My question is what to do for speakers if I don't want to cut up the doors or kick panels? I will probaly install the stereo dash speaker, but what about the rear?

Looking at the factory 6 x9 mounting holes behind the rear seat cushion it seems to me that not that much sound is going to come through the seat backing panel and seat cushion itself. Is anyone with a convertible running speakers in the factory cutouts and how does it sound? I'm not looking for glass rattling sound, but I would like to be able to enjoy some tunes on a long trip or around town as the car is a driver.

My thought was to have some type of hinged boxes that would attach to back of the rear seat and be removable. With the top up they would lay flat and fire upward just like in a coupe, and with the top down they would hinge upwards and sit on top of the top and fire forwards. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks, Steve

 

I would like to know this as well.

 

In the next few days I'm going to install some Infinity 6 x9's in the factory cutouts behind the seat and see how it sounds, but I'm a little skeptical! I'll let you know how it sounds.

 

I have 4 conv....will never hear any speakers mounted in the back seat support facing the trunk.

Install 5.25" in the kick panels and make a box for the rear seat that is set-up with wiring quick disconnects...works great and it is quick and cheap to build.

 

I tried the factory speaker mounts and didn't work.

I made my box from 1x10 pine from Home Depot and also got the black carpet from HD.
You can get the quick disconnects at Radio Shack...cost about $2

 

Nice set up with the rear speaker box George - I may try this for my convertible instead of putting speakers in the rear armrest panels.

 

In my 70GS I have two 6X9s in seperate boxes for the rear with long wires and quick disconnects. They usually sit on the rear seat but can be moved anywhere if need be.
Lon

 

An alterative would be to run wires under carpet and just place some speakers under the front seats. This will get some sound behind you as you drive. Unless you have people sticking their feet under your seat, they are out of sight.

 

I bought a 72 Cutlass conv which had some small speakers in the armrests...they were too small and partially covered by the seat so sound quality was poor.

The speaker box is the best idea....I made mine long so when I take turns it doesn't slide around like individual speaker boxes would. I always carry extra towels...to sit on when the vinly gets hot so I always kept a few on each side of the box to center the box. The length was key as I would remove the box when I had 4 people in the car....I could place the speaker box in the trunk.......up to you if you want to wire another quick connect set in the trunk so speakers will work while in the trunk.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I will try some type of speaker box. I guess this is one of the trade-offs of owning a convertible.

 

I too have 6x9's in individual boxes. and can hear them pretty good when cruzing at 65mph. The convertible boot in my car is also abnormally deep. I can put the boxes way back there and then lower the top over them.

-nate

 

Freind of mine has this setup in his drop top. We used 2 Pioneer 4x10 3-way speakers in boxes we made out of pressboard,and shoved them under the seats. The boxes were more for mounting,placement then they were Sound dynamics. Good sound out of the 3-way rear facing speakers with small 200watt amp also mounted under the seat.

 

This is what I've done ... tweeters are in the front vents. "headrest" rear speakers are on some flat and wide L-brackets that slip behind the seat into a catch ... they can be out in about 15 seconds. Sub is tucked on the right side quarter

 

Headrests are for TVs ONLY!:bla:

That looks really good. And Im sure them being foward facing makes for really good sound.

 

Looks good. Where do the wire for the rear speakers come from, in between the two seat cushions?
Thanks

 

I actually bought the convertible that George shows with that 6X9 box. I pulled it out and replaced it with 2 6x9's in the factory spot, put 2 5.25's in the kick panels and 2 4" speakers in the front speaker location in the dash. I then installed a amp that powers both the 6x9's and the 5.25's in the kick panels. I have to say the stereo sound great in my car and can be heard just fine with the top down due to the speakers up front.

Brian
I used Polk Speakers for the 6x9's and the 5.25's.