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I'm ready to put some kick panel speakers in my '74. From what I have read, if you don't want to cut a hole in your kick panel you should choose 4x6 speakers. If you cut a hole you can put a variety of round speaker options in the kick panel. My question however, is if you choose not to cut a hole in your kick panel to keep the stock look, does the sound coming through the little holes sound as good as if you did a traditional hole mount for your speakers? Does anyone have any experience with this comparison?
I can't say I compared the two configurations but the pro shop that installed my audio said it was a waste of money to install good speakers behind those kick panels. They aren't acoustically transparent at all relative to a bonfide speaker grill. Of course given the acoustic shortcomings of a C3 interior to begin with, it might not matter to you. I bit the bullet and bought a replacement set of panels to modify. Not sorry I did.
That kick panel area is only good for midrange and low frequency reproduction. High frequencies will be absorbed by carpet, legs, etc.
I have 4x6" behind the kickpanels and they do a DECENT job of providing adequate mid's and lows to go along with the high frequencies from the dash speakers. Good enough for listening to ZZ-Top when cruising down the highway.
That kick panel area is only good for midrange and low frequency reproduction. High frequencies will be absorbed by carpet, legs, etc.
I have 4x6" behind the kickpanels and they do a DECENT job of providing adequate mid's and lows to go along with the high frequencies from the dash speakers. Good enough for listening to ZZ-Top when cruising down the highway.
So I take it the sound quality is no different between your setup and a traditionally mounted speaker where you cut a hole and mount on the panel?
the kick panel speakers in general are going to suck no matter what you do. but modern 6.5s vs 4x6s sound a whole lot better. plus they can take a lot more power, which will help make up for some of the shortfalls of mounting it down there.
if i was to do it all again id probably see if i could manage to get a set of 6.5s in the doors.
Last edited by another-user; Jun 18, 2018 at 12:15 AM.
Paul, after owning several classic cars over the years I have determined that this series Corvette just sucks for great sound so I will just have to deal with what I can get out of it for now. It's pretty sad when your LG headphones sound better than $400 worth of sound equipment so far. I kinda figured panel speakers behind the kick panel wouldn't sound as good as on top in a 6.5 but wanted to make sure. Dang I was hoping to not cut a hole.
That kick panel area is only good for midrange and low frequency reproduction. High frequencies will be absorbed by carpet, legs, etc.
I have 4x6" behind the kickpanels and they do a DECENT job of providing adequate mid's and lows to go along with the high frequencies from the dash speakers. Good enough for listening to ZZ-Top when cruising down the highway.
I want to try either the 4x6 or 5x7 Polk Audio speakers behind my kick panels. Which is the better choice regarding size?
I Put 6" round Rockford Fosgates in my '69.
The original kick panels were already cracked in several areas so I didn't hesitate to cut holes in them for speaker sound. And the new grilles look good on top of the kick panels.
These speakers also came with satellite "eye ball" tweeters that are placed in the windshield corners. These really add to the front overall sound quality. It brings the level higher and closer to your face/ear level, which helps with the tops off.
Rounded it out with a compact sub (also from R-F) in the rear compartment, and a little Boss amp for the fronts only, which I mounted to the backside of the passenger lower dash panel with some Velcro strips.
Overall, pretty happy with the sound quality.
I'd suggest that you remove your kick panels and measure metal support spacing and depth; then compare those measurements against the actual speakers you are considering. Also consider putting a bit of fiberglass or foam behind the speaker to keep from creating unwanted vibrations and/or resonance. You need some airspace behind the speaker, but that's a trade-off with rattles.
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