Ideas for Dash Speakers for 74
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 16
From: Santa Maria California
Ideas for Dash Speakers for 74
I’m having a hard time finding decent speakers for the dash on my 74. I tried Pioneer 3 way speakers but when I went to mount the speedo & tach, the magnet stuck down too far and I had the same issue on the passenger side as well. I’d like to go with 3 way speakers because this is the only set I plan to install but I’m not set on it. Any help is appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The dash is a great place for tweeter/mid-range speakers; but it is a horrible place for low/bass frequencies. So, really, all you need to get for the dash are some reasonable quality, low power (30 watt or so), single cone (or two-way) speakers of the correct impedance to match your radio head.
If you still have the stock Delco radio, it requires 10 ohm speakers; but an 8 ohm speaker match is fine (no damage to radio will result). Mid/tweeters in the dash along with bass/mid speakers in the kickpanel areas will give a full, rich sound to the stock radio. 4 ohm speakers in dash and kicks, wired in series will yield 8 ohm speaker match. I highly recommend this combo, if you still use the Delco radio. If you go this route, the place to put your money would be in the kickpanel speakers.
If you still have the stock Delco radio, it requires 10 ohm speakers; but an 8 ohm speaker match is fine (no damage to radio will result). Mid/tweeters in the dash along with bass/mid speakers in the kickpanel areas will give a full, rich sound to the stock radio. 4 ohm speakers in dash and kicks, wired in series will yield 8 ohm speaker match. I highly recommend this combo, if you still use the Delco radio. If you go this route, the place to put your money would be in the kickpanel speakers.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jan 23, 2018 at 12:58 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 96
From: Bowmanville Ontario
I had the same problem finding 3-way for the dash. I ended up using Kicker 4x6 in the dash and adding 6" rounds in the kick for some base.
Then I added an 8" sub in the jack compartment (see my albums for pics and info), that really got me some base.
I ended up changing my seats to Fiero seats with speakers in the headrests. I installed Kicker 3.5's in there, best addition yet for sound. I can hear them at 60 miles an hour with the roof off.
Your biggest problem is going to be getting some substantial sound coming from the rear. Lots of people have 6x9's in the back in a box, but I wanted the car to look stock when you stand beside it.
Good luck, hope this helps.
Ken
Then I added an 8" sub in the jack compartment (see my albums for pics and info), that really got me some base.
I ended up changing my seats to Fiero seats with speakers in the headrests. I installed Kicker 3.5's in there, best addition yet for sound. I can hear them at 60 miles an hour with the roof off.
Your biggest problem is going to be getting some substantial sound coming from the rear. Lots of people have 6x9's in the back in a box, but I wanted the car to look stock when you stand beside it.
Good luck, hope this helps.
Ken
Last edited by 74Ken; Jan 23, 2018 at 08:39 AM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
I purchased the following and they fit great and are a lightweight inexpensive 3 way
Sound Storm Laboratories SLQ346. Got them on Amazon. I had to modift the existing potmetal bracket from old speaker as the cross on it interfered with mid and tweeter. Still strong. Also had to mark and drill the 4 bolt holes in speaker. They sound great and do not interfere
Sound Storm Laboratories SLQ346. Got them on Amazon. I had to modift the existing potmetal bracket from old speaker as the cross on it interfered with mid and tweeter. Still strong. Also had to mark and drill the 4 bolt holes in speaker. They sound great and do not interfere
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Yes, the speaker mounting holes in the original speakers are different than for modern speakers. I suggest that you purchase speakers with plastic frames. Then you can drill or (as I did) use a pencil-tipped soldering iron to melt holes in the frame where you need them. Dash speakers don't absorb much power and frames don't need to be metal to manage the speaker. They have worked well for me.
You DO need to reuse the original speaker retaining system so that weight of speakers will not damage dash cap from vibration, etc over time.
You DO need to reuse the original speaker retaining system so that weight of speakers will not damage dash cap from vibration, etc over time.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jan 23, 2018 at 04:51 PM.
