Mid year front speaker

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Apr 9, 2003 | 08:48 PM

Daffy2

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 538

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From: Johnsonville Wi

Mid year front speaker

I know this has been covered before, but I can't find the thread. I have to replace the front speaker in my '64. I know that I have to be careful about the depth (mount surface to bottom of the magnet, looks like 2.75 inches on the old stocker), but any advice about room above (most of the speakers I see now have a center tweeter that sticks up)?
I have a Pioneer head unit with low output, but added a 100 w. amp. and a good set of Sony's in the back
Are the speakers from Corvette suppliers worth the money? They are much higher cost than quality speakers bought in pairs at any electronics outlet.
Does anyone use the "kickpanels and speakers" setups sold at $150 or so from Corvette parts places ? Seems like the speakers have to be real weenies.
The reason that I'm cautious about the speakers sold by Corvette parts specialists is that I bought my Pioneer head unit from one with the "Terrific Rear Speaker Assemblies" as a package and the radio is fine, but the speakers were the worst pieces of crap you ever heard.

I'm pulling the speaker this weekend and will look for a unit that fits, but if anybody has a specific recommendation, I'd sure appreciate it.

Daffy

Apr 9, 2003 | 09:45 PM

joevette57

Drifting

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 1,260

Likes: 5

From: Brandon FL

Re: Mid year front speaker (Daffy2)

I used the Dual voice cone form custom autosounds. This is a different speaker from the one you've probably seen to fit in the midyear front position. The most common speakers available for this application are two small speakers that are attached to 6x9 stock to fit in the opening. This set up gives stereo sound but the bass response SUCKS>>>
The dual voice cone has two small tweeter like things in the middle, but the main cone is a true 6x9. There is an attachment for each front channel on opposite ends of the speaker. I put one in the 61, and the 66 I have now has the same set up.
I also found a spare rear deck cover for the rear of the 66 coupe and installed two 6" speakers in it. The cavity of the storage area underneath gives it a pretty good bass response as well.

[Modified by joevette57, 9:46 PM 4/9/2003]

Apr 10, 2003 | 09:48 AM

ARed64

Racer

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 366

Likes: 0

From: Waterford VA

Re: Mid year front speaker (Daffy2)

I think the premium level speakers offered by Mid America are actually Pioneer units - two small speakers mounted in a template that fits the front speaker opening. You could probably make this pretty easily yourself and save some money.

I don't know what the sound quality is like but having two speakers next to each other, no matter how good they are cannot give stereo sound.

Apr 10, 2003 | 11:32 AM

Brian Matheis

Pro

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 686

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From: Jasper IN

Re: Mid year front speaker (ARed64)

My car has the adapter plate to bolt in two "little guy" speakers. I've never checked on what they cost, but if you go this route, it would be pretty easy to make it. I just put the fader all to the rear, and then adjust it up to the point where the front speakers just come in a little. Seems to work pretty well. The rears handle most of the work, but you get a little "stereo" feel from the fronts.

I like Joe's situation with the one front speaker having two channel hook-ups. I didn't know such a thing was on the market. You could then get some bass up front to help a little. Good luck, and let us know what you do. Brian

Apr 10, 2003 | 12:54 PM

toddalin

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 8,897

Likes: 1,357

From: Santa Ana CA

Re: Mid year front speaker (Daffy2)

I use the dual voice coil 6x9 from Autosounds with two small tweeters boxes mounted on the dash at the windshield just outside of the central 6x9. Also have two 8" 3-way JBLs mounted in the rear wells. A JBL 4-channel amp is mounted under the passenger seat (raised 1-3/4" for clearance). Stereo/cassette is a lousy aftermarket unit offered in the past by Mid-America.

BTW, removing/replacing the 6x9 is a real pain and you must remove the glove box insert and have eyeballs in your finger tips.

(My solid copper-core plug wires with non-resistor plugs certainly don't help any.)

[Modified by toddalin, 11:56 AM 4/10/2003]

Apr 10, 2003 | 01:59 PM

ARed64

Racer

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 366

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From: Waterford VA

Re: Mid year front speaker (toddalin)

I have replaced my front speaker and did not find it too difficult. I could get at it pretty easy once the gloce box is out. This is held in with only about a half dozen screws. I have heard that the job is much more difficult on original AC cars because the duct from the center vent is in the way.

As jobs go with working on these cars, I would rank the speaker replacement as easy. I have done work on these cars with far less access.

Apr 10, 2003 | 03:00 PM

Virtual George

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 423

Likes: 12

From: Gainesville Georgia

Navy

Re: Mid year front speaker (Daffy2)

I used the Custom AutoSound USA-6, the dual-cone center speaker and the kick panels, all from Custom Autosound. I am NOT impressed with the sound.

Apr 10, 2003 | 11:30 PM

66ragtop owner

Racer

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 445

Likes: 47

From: Reading Pa

Re: Mid year front speaker (VG)

I have the Custom Autosound kickpanel speakers. They help keep my interior looking stock as they blend in nicely but they really suck when it comes to sound. I blew one out the first day I used them. I bought the best 4X6 speakers in the crutchfield catalog and installed them in the Custom Autosound kickpanel mounts and they still are too weak. I wouldn't do it again.

I do have the dual speaker arrangement in the dash opening and that does sound good. I have 2 6X9's in cabinets that I'm going to use behind the seats so I can crank up the volume.