Hidden stereo install... MGB GT
Discussion
Ok, I've had enough of blasting around sans tunes!
I'm not sure I can afford to do a fantastic job on this, for one I can't afford a Becker Mexico, and secondly I don't think the car will ever be worth enough to justify a huge expense.
However, I don't want to end up with the interior looking like a saxo drivers wet dream!
My plan is to find the most subtle head unit I can find with an ipod connection in the back. Run some front components on either side of the central speaker box (suitably reinforced with MDF). Hopefully with black speaker grilles these should be pretty much invisible.
For rear fill, I was going to remove the useless rear seat and replace it with carpeted panels containing either 6x9's or a pair of coaxials and a small subwoofer powered by a small amp.
The rear seat as some of you will know, clips into place. That means I can make a template and build a replacement panel, carpeted the same as the floor but containing the new audio. That way, if necessary the original seat can just be clipped back into place and I will just need to buy a central speaker box to return to original (freely and cheaply available).
Or should I just put the equipment where it will sound best? After all, the interior panels are hardly rare or expensive.
The other alternative would be to mount the sub in the central speaker box, although that will require cutting the metal panel
I'm not sure I can afford to do a fantastic job on this, for one I can't afford a Becker Mexico, and secondly I don't think the car will ever be worth enough to justify a huge expense.
However, I don't want to end up with the interior looking like a saxo drivers wet dream!
My plan is to find the most subtle head unit I can find with an ipod connection in the back. Run some front components on either side of the central speaker box (suitably reinforced with MDF). Hopefully with black speaker grilles these should be pretty much invisible.
For rear fill, I was going to remove the useless rear seat and replace it with carpeted panels containing either 6x9's or a pair of coaxials and a small subwoofer powered by a small amp.
The rear seat as some of you will know, clips into place. That means I can make a template and build a replacement panel, carpeted the same as the floor but containing the new audio. That way, if necessary the original seat can just be clipped back into place and I will just need to buy a central speaker box to return to original (freely and cheaply available).
Or should I just put the equipment where it will sound best? After all, the interior panels are hardly rare or expensive.
The other alternative would be to mount the sub in the central speaker box, although that will require cutting the metal panel
shirt said:
does it already have a head unit? is radio important? i have seen a karmann ghia with no head unit, just an ipod cradle connected to an amp under the passenger seat.
It has a hole for one, looks to be DIN sized. Might as well fill it up.That might be a good idea if I can just find an MG logo'd blanking plate. I hate the thought of flashing pictures and neon blue buttons... I like driving at night in it, it's like being in a night fighter
wildoliver said:
6x9s will fit in the rear quarters.
A pair of decent door speakers and a small amp (which you can happily live without) and it should be plenty loud enough. Head unit to suit.
Well, I want it loud and clear. I listen to a lot of Indie/Rock stuff and I like it loud when I'm in the mood. Now I know I don't have to have a head unit at all that sounds ideal!A pair of decent door speakers and a small amp (which you can happily live without) and it should be plenty loud enough. Head unit to suit.
Also, that rear seat is fapping useless! I tried to squeeze in there once, I came out of there like the last bit of toothpaste in the tube!
wildoliver said:
Lol I have had 7 in a BGT before 
Serious note, if you start removing bits and making stereo builds then IMO the cars start looking very tatty, a neat "factory" look install though isn't noticable so doesn't.
I used JBL GTO 6x9 speakers and made a pair of MDF rear quarters to replace the cards, there was a bit of metal to remove behind but it was a simple job. I find Sony make nice clear yet loud door speakers (circa £20) and I'm a big fan of Kenwood stereos both on sound and quality (which is of importance in a potentially damp environment like a classic).
Nowadays I save the nice stereo for the daily drivers and the classics usually have an old tape player and one/two "vintage" speakers if anything at all!
SEVEN? Custard test!Serious note, if you start removing bits and making stereo builds then IMO the cars start looking very tatty, a neat "factory" look install though isn't noticable so doesn't.
I used JBL GTO 6x9 speakers and made a pair of MDF rear quarters to replace the cards, there was a bit of metal to remove behind but it was a simple job. I find Sony make nice clear yet loud door speakers (circa £20) and I'm a big fan of Kenwood stereos both on sound and quality (which is of importance in a potentially damp environment like a classic).
Nowadays I save the nice stereo for the daily drivers and the classics usually have an old tape player and one/two "vintage" speakers if anything at all!
Seriously?! My god, I struggled with two when things got frisky!
WRT the stereo - I don't really mind, that idea just appealed to me. I've noticed you can see the road/wheels in certain places/panel gaps behind trim panels! Noteably under the battery cover! So I take on board the comments about dampness!
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