Speakers - under dash fitment

[ikom]

Hi,

The new factory build CD shows an under dash speaker fitment using bent aluminum bracketry.

Anyone used this method and are you pleased with it?

What size of speakers will the factory brackets accomodate?

I am about to decide where to install my speakers and need some feedback.

Also if possible some dimensions for these brackets; I still have a ton of spare alloy panelling and since I am in Canada, having the factory ship me two small alloy pieces will most likely be prohibitively expensive.

BTW, I am experimenting with some surplus five inch GM speaker enclosures in a similar location on the car - these can be viewed at:

http://www.ultimabuild.com/july_2005/001027.htm

http://www.ultimabuild.com/july_2005/001026.htm

http://www.ultimabuild.com/july_2005/001025.htm

Thanks - any information will be appreciated

Ike

[mclark]

Hi Ike,

I copied the factory idea but sadly they don't provide these ready made.

I bought one set of 5" 3-way for the rear and 1 set of 6.5" 2-way with tweeters for the front.

I can take some measurements for you but they did need tweeking during the pre-fit of the cockit.

The speakers/ally mounts fouled on the body in a couple of places (btw I also tried a setup like you only to find it hit the body so returned back to factory idea).

Considering the interior is all ally the sound quality is pretty good.

If you need anything else, give me a shout.

Micheal

[ikom]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the information. I would really appreciate the measurements of your brackets it will save me starting from scratch.

I am also happy to hear that you managed to install 6.5" speakers under the dash.

I intend to supplement these under dash speakers with two additional speakers in the rear over the lugguge containers/sill covers, as shown in the factory build CD as well.

Thanks

Ike

[peterpsg]

ikom said:

Hi Michael, Thanks for the information. I would really appreciate the measurements of your brackets it will save me starting from scratch. I am also happy to hear that you managed to install 6.5" speakers under the dash. I intend to supplement these under dash speakers with two additional speakers in the rear over the lugguge containers/sill covers, as shown in the factory build CD as well. Thanks Ike

Apparantly you can put subs in quite easily, if you're prepared to put up with some cooking woks welded in to your chassis...

[steve_D]

Mine are in the side panel as seen here no problem brackets to make and the side pod should give it some base.

Steve

[craig-ultima]

I put speakers in the side panels as well. Speakers should never be mounted with open air return like the under-dash configuration that is shown in the build CD.

Sound generation is all about creating and maintaning a pressure wave. If you have a speaker floating in air, all that happens is the air from the front of the cone rushes around to and from the back of the cone and you end up with no real sound energy being pushed out from the speaker. It ends up sounding really "tinny". Don't do it!

You can check out my installation of the speakers at www.craig-ultima.com and hit the "February" tab.

I mounted a Sony radio/CD under the dash, just behind the panel that holds the heater/AC switches.

Email me if you want any further info. My sound system works really well - the sound quality is very good.

[gtrclive]

Only one small issue with putting the speakers in the side panel. The panels do help with stuctural stiffness / twist. But cutting a dirty great hole in them sort of makes them of lesser strenght.
The car I am building at present has panels on both the inner and outer of the chassis to enhance the chassis stiffness. So theres no way I'm cutting a 6" hole in those just for a speaker....

[craig-ultima]

Got it.

It might be worth experimenting with small enclosed speakers (like those you get with a home theater system or good quality computer speakers). The sound quality might be better than a larger speaker sitting in free space.

Good luck!

[ikom]

craig-ultima said:

I put speakers in the side panels as well. Speakers should never be mounted with open air return like the under-dash configuration that is shown in the build CD.

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the information, unfortunately - I too, do not want to compromise the structural integrity of the side panels since I have also already heavily insulated the outer side panels, so this is not an option for me.

I am however not that concerned about sound quality since I almost never use the radio for music even on long trips, preferring news or talk radio channels to keep abreast of road conditions, local happenings etc.

I will most likely install an XM satellite system because I already have an antenna for the receiver.
I do however like your radio install location under the dash which I intend to use.

I am planning to use speaker plastic covers to attempt to mitigate the "free air" problem but I still need to fabricate suitable brackets that will clear the cockpit bodywork.

Thanks
Ikom