While I was waiting for all my fuel system parts to get here, I figure I'd start working on the sound system. I originally was using the stock AM /8-Track radio along with the Redirad AM convertor to listen to my iPod, but quite honestly, it just wasn't enough for me. I debated long and hard on what to do and finally decided to remove the stock radio and install an aftermarket headunit. It pained me to cut into the stock bezel and dash peice to fit it but I have a spare if I ever wanted to convert it back to stock. I'll add the pictures later today of the work i did yesterday. It was suprisingly easy and it's almost like the stock bezel was made to accomodate such a mod. System Components are as follows: -Head Unit: Pioneer DEH8200BT -Rear Speakers: MB Quart 6x9 Components (the tweeters are going where the stock 3" speakers go in the dash) -Front Speakers: MB Quart 5.25 Components (IF I use these I plan on making some kick panel pods so I don't have to cut up the door to fit them) -Sub(s): Don't know yet. It won't be anything crazy, just enough to add musical bass to the overall system. -Amp(s): Don't know yet either. I think I'm going to run the speakers off the head unit for now and see how they sound and if I think they need it then I'll get and amplifier for them.
I'm very interested. I plan on doing this once I get home. Did you run new speaker wire from the headunit to the speakers? I'm not that crazy about cutting into my dash (I'd hate to screw it up) but how much depth did you have back there?
Not yet, I'm trying to decide whether or not I'm going to run the speakers off the HU or an amplifier. I didn't cut into the dash. I used the original mounting holes for one side of each of the tweeter mounting brackets. Then on the passenger side I had to counter sink a hole and epoxy a stud in place because on that side there wasn't enough material to use a screw. As far as space you only have room for a 3.5" speaker with about 2" of depth. I was going to get a 3.5 coaxial but i didn't want to figure out how to mount them since the stock brackets wouldn't have worked.
Well, scratch what i said about making speaker panels...the drivers side panel will not allow me to fit the 5.25 woofers. I doubt I could even squeeze a 4" in there. Sigh...so now it's either just stick with the 6x9's, drill holes in the door OR build a speaker pod and bolt it to the door.
I just upgraded my sound system yesterday myself. I got a new in the box 8 track player! Came in the mail yesterday and had it in last night. Nice to cruise with more than just A.M.
I had some smaller 5x8 units under the dash in my Centurion. I think one was mounted to the dash pad itself, and one was laying in a cradle with a foam ring on top of it to get flush against the bottom of the dash pad. Had something to with it being really hard to install the dash again with both speakers mounted.
That's a pretty sizeable set of speakers to have under the dash. I know in my 71 Riv it had a single 4x10 speaker in the middle of the dash and it was just for the 8-track player. In this one it just had the 3.5" speakers in the dash but the 8-track was part of the radio and not a separate unit. I MAY buy a pair of 3.5" or 4" mids and build a holder to put both in the center dash position. We'll see, I just really don't want to cut into the door for once.
Most components need an amp to drive them. Definitely go with the amps, a single 10" sub (just enough bass), and a capacitor. This is always the best way to get nice crisp clear sound.
Actually, capacitors are just bandaids for a poor charging system. If you have a good alt, battery and properly sized power wire (base don the demand of your total electrical system), you should never need a capacitor. That's just my experience though. I've been building sound systems for cars for almost 9 years now and have never had to use one, even on a 3000watt system.
Did you consider using the 4x10 center section of the dash to mount some speakers? I'm doing this with them mounted on an angle (away from ea. other towards the doors and windshield. Should help with the front "soundstage" , and possibly create a milli-second delay like an actual concert hall. After building systems since the mid 80s, I can't believe how much I have forgotten.ou: What I'm trying to figure out is how to get better quality sound in and out of mp3 players. All that compression and tech stuff they use to make room for all the songs come at a price-sound quality.:spank: Hows you system now???:beer
System is still in the building process ( i took a month break while my daughter was visiting). I ended up buying two Infinity 3.5" Coaxials that I'm going to power off the head unit and place them under the former center speaker hole. I did get some 1/0 Gauge to run form the battery to the rear of the vehicle for the amps, I just need to route it. I should start making progress on all of this again this week now that I'm by myself again.
Listen to your setup after installing an amp on those 6x9s. With a good set of 6x9s you will have plenty of bass. I thought about adding a subwoofer to my Electra, but after adding an amplifier I decided not to do it...6x9s have a lot of surface area...it's not the only thing that matters with low-end but the bigger speakers can move a lot of air. Also agree, skip the capacitor.
I've got a Gold 110 amp(?) batt isolator you can have for shipp. if you're going w/ 2 batteries. :TU: I also agree on the caps. I have a 1 farad that was given to me. The new ones are just so people can read their voltage IMHO....
Here are some updates. I got the 1/0 gauge power wire run with a 100amp kicker fuse block approx 18" from the + terminal. I routed underneath the radiator cover piece down the drivers side of the vehicle. I ended it at a Kicker power distribution block I had left over from 5 years ago. Right now I only plan on running one amp for the 6x9's and if i decide I want sub(s) I'll up the fuse and add the amp.
FINALLY, got the center speaker bracket made and mounted today. Ran into so interference problems with the driver side tweeter bracket hitting the ridges on the cluster housing, so I had to cut some choice pieces off. The center channel housing is also preventing the front center dash brackets from clicking in but that's no big deal. However, it's also pushing the left front porting of the dash pad up and since I am missing the left clip anyway, it's sitting about 1/2" about the frame. So, I have to hunt down one of those. if I can get that it, it will successfully will lower the dash pad back down to where it's supposed to be. I tested the center speakers and the radio and everything sounded great. Even tested the Bluetooth out and it worked like a champ. Anyway, I'll get some pics tomorrow.
I have a 70 electra convertible and of course ran into the same cut or not the bezel so i decided on an old idea. I fouund an old pull out mounting bracket and mounted my stereo to the front of the ashtray ,which is more easily replaceable. when i park i disconnect the antenna pull the plug and put the unit in my trunk though really i rarely park where i cant see the car otherwise garaged. i dont have the money to finish but its a start. Whats really cool is i can move the stereo in and out on the ashtray..
It blows my mind that anyone would ever put an new style radio in one of these cars, especially hidden!. Might as well sell the buick and buy a ricer!ou: It you really want to be cool, get your stock radio converted to modern electronics. That way you get the correct look rather than a rice look. IMO.
I can appreciate your stereo concern but im on a different road plus down here i wouldnt get to keep it long, marty
I guess no one should ever turbocharge their engine, or put different rims, or paint the car a different color, etc., etc. There's nothing "rice" about installing a new radio into an old car. But hey, everyone is into their own thing. Some of us DRIVE our cars on a daily basis and like some of the more modern amenities the aftermarket provides us. There's no way the stock radio could have ever been converted to offer the same adjustability and features as the radio I have in there now.
