Hello all ye wise audio forum members

Alas, I am not one of you. I have been looking for info to add a decent audio system to my 1968 Coupe I just bought, but haven't seen much here. Lots of info on speakers for the post '75 and other speaker placement, but that's about it. Plus, I'm worried about any weird 1968 issues here.

The car is great, looks like a true 95K mile care (without rollover!), and it very stock and not messed with. The rado is not original however, and although I found an original, I would like to have better sound. I have looked at those secret audio systems that hide, but have not heard good things about them. I would love to install the old radio for appearance and use a secret audio system, but not if it won't sound very good when I'm done, and especially considering the price of those systems.

This is my plan, feel freee to poke holes in it, or offer suggestions:

Head Unit: Will replace the center console with one of the aftermarket with a DIN opening; I want an Xm ready unit, and am thinking at least 3 pre-outs, but other than that am not sold on any other options.

Amp: Will install a small amp to power the rear speakers, but will power the front 4x6 kick panels with the HU power (will this be adequate? What size amp do I need for the rears?)

Speakers: Will install 4x6 at the kick panels, and 6x9 at the rear. Not sure what brands and size will fit in a 68 in both locations. I know the rear was never designed for them. Will probably need some custom enclosure that won't affect use of the storage for T Tops. Suggestions?

Sub: I have been looking at these small, powered subs like this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-b3vedD5...00&I=020SRV303
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-b3vedD5...KSCSW1&g=51000

I know they don't have a lot of punch, but I don't need to shake the car apart. Just have enough base to make it sound full. I figured this would cut down on amp space needed as well.

Anyone know if these will fit under the seat, or how much room there is under there?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
G

 

Mine is a 81 and hear are some pics of what I did.



You could put 2 8" open air or sealed subs in the rear and it will sound better than the Cruthfield idea.



4X6 in the kicks is a great idea. I would go with coaxial Kicker or Pioneer, MB Quartz ect. I put electric mirrors in my car so I put a tweeter were the mirror control was. Do not put speakers in the dash, the sound reflects off the winshield and end result is a screaming sound in your ear. Now if you want to go all out I would put 4X6 dual cone in kick set up as a mid bass driver and mid & twetters in dash, but you need a seperate amp to control mid & tweeters. The amp will be turned down so the dash speakers are not screaming. The head unit amp would control kick panel speakers

Head unit Buy the Din opening center gauge cluster bezel form mid america, cc etc. I put Video, Satellite radio and Ipod. Excellent for the road trips to Effingham and Hot Rod Power Tour



Anrenna for Satellite Radio



I also Dynamatted the car, that help a lot. Fiberglass does not hold sound back like a metal car.

Good Luck

 

Wow.....nice set up.

I'm not sure that the 68 has all the same speaker's or available holes as you hae there, and it is a lot harder to get back there without the glass bubble!

Thanks for the tips!
G

 

You can build a speaker housing for what ever size speakers you want back there. You can even mount amplifiers back there. If you need to pull it out fr space you can do that also. Also do a search on the forum about stereo or radio installation many things will come up. I know I have senn pics of 68 or 69 installations

 

CAREFUL........68's are an electrical nightmare to begin with

keep in mind you only have a 32AMP alt.......does'nt power much !!
If your car is a vert you aint going to hear much anyway...

unless you like KANSASS ....dust in the WIND !!

 

I would pull the '68 gauge cluster (1year only part) and put it up. Get a '69-up cluster at a swap meet and hack it up for a DIN chassis head unit.

 

Yeah.....good point on both counts. I plan on updating the amp if possible, and putting the amp and center console in storage. Trying to find a console to fudge or will suck it up and buy a new one set up for DIN.

Anyone have any experience with those small subs I mentioned above?

 

ZR1Owner-Here's a thread that might help with speaker placement

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1570295