dash speakers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
dash speakers
Ok, I searched the forum and couldn't find much, so I'll ask. How do I replace the dash speakers? I don't think there are speakers in there, but I want to put some. I can't see how to get the covers off. Do you have to go in from underneath? Also, any ideas on how to get these d@mn Bose boxes out of the doors? I haven't tried the back ones yet either, are they difficult too? OK, I'll be outside working on this mess and hopefully someone will reply soon. 
Thanks.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 513
Likes: 30
From: Tonawanda, NY USA
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
I haven't done it yet, but you need to remove the dash pad itself... There should be 3 or 4 screws in the vent near the windshield, and then it rides in a track. Pull the pad towards you.
Let me know if this works!
Cheers!
:cheers:
Let me know if this works!
Cheers!
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
My 87 had two screws in the defrost outlet next to the windshield and about 6 under the outer lip of the dash pad. Some older modles you had to remove the cover around the digital dash to reach the screws. When you get it off, you'll see the two speakers. :D
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: dash speakers (Vette_Crazy)
Thanks. After reading Vette_Crazy's reply, I got it out, but you are exactly right HG. Mine has no speakers, even though I have the Bose system??? I'm putting 4.5's in, but I'm still trying to decide on the best way to do it (make custom panels, use the stock ones, etc). I want it to look completely stock, I like my stereo stealthy. I'm concerned the dash pad will be difficult or impossible to replace with speakers mounted in it. Any examples of people who have done it already would be appreciated.
I'm putting 5.25's in the doors, though I still am not sure how I'll get those Bose boxes out of my way.
The rears are easy. Remove the Bose boxes and there's a nice neat 6x9 mount with an enclosure built right in to the car.
So far the plans are Polk Audio speakers (coaxial) all the way around and an Alpine head unit. Will probably add an amp to the 6x9's with the head powering the other 4 in front. Or a sub in one of the storage bins but I don't really want to do this if not necessary.
I'm putting 5.25's in the doors, though I still am not sure how I'll get those Bose boxes out of my way.
The rears are easy. Remove the Bose boxes and there's a nice neat 6x9 mount with an enclosure built right in to the car.
So far the plans are Polk Audio speakers (coaxial) all the way around and an Alpine head unit. Will probably add an amp to the 6x9's with the head powering the other 4 in front. Or a sub in one of the storage bins but I don't really want to do this if not necessary.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,623
Likes: 61
From: Red State America
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
The Bose systems did not come with dash speakers. A set of 4x6's will bolt right in and the dash can be re-installed with a little work. The sound from the dash speakers is much better than what you can get from the door speakers.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: dash speakers (89Roadster)
A set of 4x6's will bolt right in
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
You really have to pay attention to the depth of the speakers, if they are too deep, you will never get them to fit. I have Infinity Kappa's and I think the depth was around 2 1/2 inches, and I had to cut part of the vents tubes to get the pad to sit flat. Plus I had a very rough time getting the pad back in with speakers that deep.
I have the Kappa 5 1/4's in the door and I just modified the stock box to get them to fit. I used the stock speaker covers all the way around
I have the Kappa 5 1/4's in the door and I just modified the stock box to get them to fit. I used the stock speaker covers all the way around
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,623
Likes: 61
From: Red State America
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
The plates in there now are solid and the 4x6 hole would need to be cut out
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: dash speakers (89Roadster)
Get a set of grills from a non-Bose stereo that did have speakers in the dash to avoid having to cut. You can use just about any kind of cloth for your covers, it just takes a little time to stretch it right.
Just an observation... the Bose system had 2 less speakers than the lower grade system?
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,623
Likes: 61
From: Red State America
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
I bought my covers used and they were blue when I got them, so I re-covered them with black. I would think you could get new ones in any color. I'm not sure, but I'd say the non-Bose systems probably had the dash speakers instead of the door speakers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,676
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: dash speakers (89Roadster)
There are no speakers in the grilles but you can put some there if you like, you'll have to remove the dash pad itself.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: dash speakers (89Roadster)
I bought my covers used and they were blue when I got them
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
When I did mine, I took out the bose junk and put in good stuff. I actually sawed and cut up the bose door boxes while they were in the door. I saw no other way to do it. I recommend you build or have built little waterproof enclosures appropiate to the size of the speaker and affix those in the door. I too like the stealth install and kept the stock covers on. My dash top was a lot of little screws to remove. I put MB Quart highs and mids up there and the soundstage sounds really good. The little x-overs are up there too. Keep us posted! Have fun.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Re: dash speakers (TJR)
You shouldn't have to pull the steering wheel. I have had mine in and out at least 4 times futzing around and never had to pull the wheel. It is tight and can be finessed in, you just have to be careful. I will bend it slightly in the middle to get the whole thing started. I found the speakers are just deep enough to cause problems getting it started, once you get it moving forward, they get hung up again, so you have to push the front up, while pushing it forward. Once you get it past the point where the speakers will move forward, push the front down so the tabs meet the holes in the firewall. Make sure the tabs on the front of the pad, slide into the slots, otherwise the pad will stick up and not fit tight against the windshield, and you will not get the screws back in.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: dash speakers (89 Paul in cal)
Wow, I have sound! Got the 6x9's in the back and the head unit wired but not mounted. So far so good, a lot of work ahead still though. The head unit doesn't fit neatly in the dash either, there is a huge wire harness in the way. The factory unit is about an inch more shallow than the standard DIN. I'm avoiding those door speakers like the plague. :lol: They will be last.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: dash speakers (89Roadster)
I have done it. I took the stock covers, ripped off the material, cut out holes for speakers ( in my case a 4" midrange and 3/4" tweeter ) and recovered them with radio shack black speaker cloth. Looks totally stock.
You still need door speakers for the majority of front sound, and pad the dash speakers down for light front fill sound only, or it will sound like everything is from the dash ( IE: No stereo imaging ).
I wont even try to recommend what speakers to use...it took me about 40 times of removing my dash pad to get the crossovers the way I like.
BTW: Bose systems only have 4 speakers stock. I am not using any of the boat anchor bose stuff any more...now I have real sounding sound. :cool:
