C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

71 Audio Questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 15, 2018 | 04:19 PM
  #1  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default 71 Audio Questions

Has anyone set up their audio system to only run a rear sub and 2 - 6x9s via a brightstar box? I hesitate to pull off the dash pad to replace the front factory speakers.

I know that the 71 vert had speakers in the kick panels. Is the same kickpanel opening there on coupe? Because that would make installing front speakers easier.
Reply
Old May 15, 2018 | 06:39 PM
  #2  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

To my knowledge, only the '68-69 cars had the 4x10 speakers in the kickpanels. The '71 cars had only the dash speakers.

The dash is a VERY GOOD location for upper frequency range speakers, as the sound reflects off the [hard] windshield and is directed to the listeners. If you don't want the dash speakers, just disconnect the wiring going to them and redirect that wiring to the rear of the car.

If you replace the dash speakers, you should replace them with 4x6 speakers of better quality.
Reply
Old May 15, 2018 | 07:28 PM
  #3  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

I agree with the better sound. Just want to make sure I don't damage the dash pad removing it and was hoping for an easier solution (kick panels).

I tried to find some YouTube videos that show removal of the dashpad and installation of the speakers. Crutchfield says that the speaker grills can be removed with a tool which allows access to the speakers. However, I don't believe that this is true.
Reply
Old May 15, 2018 | 07:39 PM
  #4  
revitup's Avatar
revitup
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 224
From: Pawleys Island, SC
Default

I chose not to risk the dash and just put them in the kick panels, and 6x9s in boxes in back. If I ever (when...) I take the dash out for some other reason, I'll install new speakers.
Reply
Old May 15, 2018 | 08:36 PM
  #5  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by revitup
I chose not to risk the dash and just put them in the kick panels, and 6x9s in boxes in back. If I ever (when...) I take the dash out for some other reason, I'll install new speakers.
That's a pretty cool set up. What type of speakers are those?
I'm not sure how far I'm willing to move away from a stock look. Even though in the beginning I was completely ready for a resto mod. However, I found a pretty decent condition car and am kind of enjoying the original set up (outside of a couple of small things &#128521.
Reply
Old May 15, 2018 | 08:57 PM
  #6  
revitup's Avatar
revitup
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 224
From: Pawleys Island, SC
Default

Memphis Audio. I got extra kick panels to cut up. Saved the originals. I considered putting speakers behind the panels but the pro audio shop convinced me it was a waste to put good speakers behind thick plastic panels that weren't really meant for that. They're not acoustically transparent as real speaker grills are.
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 07:33 AM
  #7  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

Follow-up question. What are you guys doing for amps? And where are you locating them?
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 10:24 AM
  #8  
revitup's Avatar
revitup
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 224
From: Pawleys Island, SC
Default

I had a Memphis Audio amp installed by the shop that did my install. It is a small sized amp and was installed inside of the console/radio panel somewhere, completely hidden. I don't really know the particular details of the install since I didn't do the work. I seem to recall that it's a special "weatherproof" amp for marine applications. I can get the model number and specs of the amp if you are interested.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 16, 2018 | 10:52 AM
  #9  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by revitup
I had a Memphis Audio amp installed by the shop that did my install. It is a small sized amp and was installed inside of the console/radio panel somewhere, completely hidden. I don't really know the particular details of the install since I didn't do the work. I seem to recall that it's a special "weatherproof" amp for marine applications. I can get the model number and specs of the amp if you are interested.
That would be great. I looked up a couple of compact amps. Wondering if they would work installed in the storage compartments.
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 11:29 AM
  #10  
revitup's Avatar
revitup
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 224
From: Pawleys Island, SC
Default

Originally Posted by Jaye71
That would be great. I looked up a couple of compact amps. Wondering if they would work installed in the storage compartments.
Updated:
Amp is Memphis Audio MXA4.45 - 240w 4-Channel

Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 11:37 AM
  #11  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by revitup
Updated:
Amp is Memphis Audio MXA4.45 - 240w 4-Channel


Thank you sir. I will look it up!
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 12:01 PM
  #12  
BLUE1972's Avatar
BLUE1972
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,233
Likes: 1,672
From: Long Island
Default

In my 71 - I used the same sub that Craig used in his 71 journey build, it fits into the bottom of the passenger well and the plastic tub fits over it.

I also use a Sony CD deck and no power amps for the speakers. I did replace the front speakers with Pioneer speakers and put 2 - 6x9 speakers in the rear.

I removed the rear storage compartment lids inserts and made plywood inserts. The original inserts were used as a templet. The lids open and close just like factory -except the speakers are in the lids. I again used Pioneer speakers - just be careful on the battery side, some speakers are too deep and will hit the battery.

The sound is great and is more than loud enough for the vettes small passenger compartment.

Last edited by BLUE1972; May 16, 2018 at 12:02 PM.
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 07:57 PM
  #13  
resdoggie's Avatar
resdoggie
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Default

I have this amp, JL Audio 400/4 mounted in the storage tray above the car jack. I close the lid when it's turned off. Also have a 10" sub mounted in a custom made speaker box behind the seats and 6-1/2" shallow depth speakers behind the kick panels.



Last edited by resdoggie; May 16, 2018 at 07:57 PM.
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 08:12 PM
  #14  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

[QUOTE=resdoggie;1597214025]I have this amp, JL Audio 400/4 mounted in the storage tray above the car jack. I close the lid when it's turned off. Also have a 10" sub mounted in a custom made speaker box behind the seats and 6-1/2" shallow depth speakers behind the kick panels.


[/QUOTE
Do you by chance of what it looks like installed?
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 08:29 PM
  #15  
resdoggie's Avatar
resdoggie
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Default

Get you some pics tomorrow. I have channels 3/4 bridged for to drive the Alpine sub.

Last edited by resdoggie; May 16, 2018 at 08:31 PM.
Reply
Old May 16, 2018 | 08:30 PM
  #16  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by resdoggie
Get you some pics tomorrow.
Thank you! I appreciate it.
Reply
Old May 17, 2018 | 09:34 AM
  #17  
resdoggie's Avatar
resdoggie
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Default

Here ya go.




No need to cut holes in the kick panel with shallow mount speakers.



I mounted the amp on a couple blocks of 1"x1" wood for air circulation under the amp. Lid can be fully closed.



T-tops are stored on the luggage rack.

Last edited by resdoggie; May 17, 2018 at 09:39 AM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 71 Audio Questions

Old May 17, 2018 | 10:50 AM
  #18  
Jaye71's Avatar
Jaye71
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by resdoggie
Here ya go.




No need to cut holes in the kick panel with shallow mount speakers.



I mounted the amp on a couple blocks of 1"x1" wood for air circulation under the amp. Lid can be fully closed.



T-tops are stored on the luggage rack.
Thar looks good. It was what I was thinking about doing. As long as I found one that fit properly. How did you run the wiring? Under the carpet or did you modify anything? I was also thinking about fabricating a vented cover that would allow it to stay closed.
Reply
Old May 17, 2018 | 11:25 AM
  #19  
resdoggie's Avatar
resdoggie
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Default

The power cables were run under the centre storage tray into the batter compartment. Wiring for sub is under the carpet. Front speaker wiring was run under the carpet by the rocker covers and the wiring to the head unit was through the console. I removed the passenger seat and peeled back carpet. I think the only holes I drilled were in the tray to pass through all the amp wiring. Install wasn't all that difficult really. I made the sub enclosure based on Alpine's recommendation included in the sub's install sheet. It's just made of mdf with a removable front. I did it that way so I could access the inside of the sub enclosure to secure it to the existing mounting hardware for the t-top storage straps. It would probably rip away from the mount in a head on but it does keep the enclosure in place. The amp is fastened to the wood blocks but the wood blocks are not fastened to the tray. That way I can flip the amp from the tray in order to remove the tray to access the jack.

Last edited by resdoggie; May 17, 2018 at 12:37 PM.
Reply
Old May 29, 2018 | 08:14 PM
  #20  
Stev-o's Avatar
Stev-o
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 417
From: Central Texas
Default

What head unit are you guys using? Need to update mine... Thx
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:44 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE