Hello all, I usually don't post in this area but I'm looking at upgrading my system in my 74. For an idea of what I have now look here: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/vettfixr/page19.htm
It's old stuff and I want to upgrade some of it. Since I did that install I changed the Bazooka sub to a set of KLH box speakers and I changed the speakers in the kick panels to 5 1/4 inch Pioneers (mostly because they fit well and sounded pretty good in that location). Although the system doesn't sound bad I'd like to simplify and upgrade. I want to install a pair of 6 1/2 inch speakers in the rear using the left and right storage boxes. I have about 3 inches of clearance in the battery box for top mount speakers so just about any 6 1/2 inch speaker will clear the battery. I tried a blown out pair of Boston 8 inch subs and they were both too large in diameter and too deep for this type of install. I'll be cutting out a new set of doors using either 1/2 inch plywood or mdf. I also want to change the old Audiovox Hi Comp amps (65 wpc) and go with a 4 channel amp that has bass boost, gain control and variable crossovers. The only condition I have for the speakers is that they have a full mesh grill because things will be put on them in the rear. Some of the designs like the Sony and Rockford Fosgate have open stylized grills that will permit damage in this environment. I also want to be able to spray the grills the same color as the interior to make them less obtrusive. I'd also like to go with about 80 watts rms on the amp. So far I'm thinking of JBL GTO626 or Infinity Reference 6002i speakers. Both cost the same ($100 pair) and have the same power handling capability (180 peak, 2-60 rms recommended) and both are 2 way speakers. As far as the amp goes I'm open to suggestions. I'd like to stay at about $150 to $200. Crutchfield lists a Profile AP1040 amp rated at 80 watts RMS for $149. I did a search and it looks like you guys aren't too keen on Profile amps. Do you have any other suggestions for something with this type of power in this price range?


[Modified by vettfixr, 9:32 PM 7/4/2004]

 

Let's see... What will you be running with the 4 channel amp? front & rear or rear & sub? Rear speakers aren't needed and only mess up good imaging and staging. I'd upgrade the front speakers and put a nice 8" in the jack compartment (see pyjamasam's install) and run a single 4 channel amp. If you can work with fiberglass making custom kicks to hold a 6.5" would be best.

This setup would retain the stock cargo box covers and leave you full use of the back for whatever. Not to mention sound great

 

I tried the 8 inch speakers and they are pushing the limits as far as space. Because of the locks on the storage box covers an 8 inch grill , if I put it right up against the rear trim, it covers part of the estucheon on the pushbutton. A 6 1/2 inch is about as big as I can go. I did a little more research and Tweeter carries JL 6 1/2 inch coaxials. They look like they would do the trick. What I'd like to end up with is a set of the coaxials in the rear compartments with attached tweeters and I'm thinking possibly a set of the JL 6 1/2 inch components for the front where I could put the 6 1/2 inch in the kicks (custom kicks required) and the component tweeter where the top 4 x 6s would go. Then use a 4 channel set up to drive it all. I think the four 6 1/2 speakers would give sufficient bass and volume to keep things interesting and I'd only be sacrificing the deepest sounds. Thoughts?

 

The sub goes under the lid, inside the compartment itself, not attached to the lid. I haven't done it personally, but I know pyjamasam and A C both have and it worked for them.

If you skip the sub, I'd go with a nice set of 6x9's they'll give a bit more punch than a 6.5" will. there's plans on the vette faq site for 6x9 mounts that go in the rear coners. The front componets sound good.

 

I'll see what I can do about the sub in the rear. With a little research and ingenuity I can probably fit an 8 inch. What about the amp? What do you guys think of Profile amps. Alternatives?

 

http://www.cardomain.com/item/HIFNX880

 

Thanks, that's the info I needed.