early radio console questions

[btoran]

has anyone put a speaker (or speakers) in the stock location of an early (pre-1979) radio console? i mean the space just below the cigarette lighter/hazard light/map light.

if so, was it one or two speakers and what size?

anyone know the dimensions of this space to fit the largest possible speaker?

[aj81spider]

I have the console out on my 74. It has an oval hole that is 6.5 x 2.5 with 4 holes that look like mounting holes in a rectangle around the oval at 6.25 x 2.25 center to center on the 4 holes.

It looks like an oval speaker hole to me. Mine did not have a speaker there however.

[supplyguy]

I did. Very nice high end dual speaker, per below. Had to make a custom bracket, and end result is it sounds like crap. I suspect the guys who advised padding/cushioning were right. Will add an amp this winter and add cushioning as well.



http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... er#p180443

[btoran]

thanks guys. that's the info i was looking for.

i've got decent map pocket speakers and am just looking to add speaker up front (ie aimed at the driver/passenger). it doesn't have to be super loud as it will be mostly around town driving. will go with one in that stick location and moun t it close to the grill. maybe putting a small box around the back of the speaker (enclosing it) will help with the sound.

[supplyguy]

The trick is to find an oval "dual coil" speaker in the right size. Dual coil allows the single speaker to play both left and right channels. I think mine was a 4x6 inch speaker and it was way too big for the slot - that's why I built that hokey bracket to give it some stand off. Got mine from Crutchfield but I don't see it on their web site anymore. If you find a small oval dual coil please post here - I would gladly replace mine with a better setup. Good luck.

[btoran]

was about to ask what size you installed. there don't seem to many oval speakers that would fit the space. was thinking i might put a single, round speaker in there (maybe 4") and just connect it as if it were either a left or right rear speaker, but a dual coil sounds better. will check and let you know what i find.

[bradartigue]

I recall using dual Sony or Boston Acoustics 2.5" full range speakers in that position and they fit fine, side by side, after I fabricated a plastic frame that fit on the original pegs. Like you are describing I had full range 5.25" speakers in the map pockets. Actually had pretty good sound.

[btoran]

brad - thanks. was thinking one larger (3.5 or 4.0 inches) or two smaller ones (2.5"). i'm customizing the radio console, so still working out the spacing.

[bradartigue]

brad - thanks. was thinking one larger (3.5 or 4.0 inches) or two smaller ones (2.5"). i'm customizing the radio console, so still working out the spacing.

On another car I have with the central speaker and side holes I put two tweeters in the center (left, right) and a mid between them (shared l/r), then put two subs in the side holes or "map pockets". Like most convertibles it sounds good at low speeds.

One of our FIATs has the headrest modified with twin speakers inside of it and leather punched patterns of holes. Similar to what Mazda does (or did) except it has two speakers per headrest, left and right, and subs in the map pockets. Sounds good at all speeds, but the headrests look silly if you ask me. Next time I'll aim the speakers down and punch the holes in the bottom.