C4 corvette speaker housings
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
C4 corvette speaker housings
Hello everyone, I just wanted to ask and see if anyone would be interested in seeing a set of alternative speaker enclosures made for the
'91 to '96 Corvette's ? I am in the process of molding some for my car, after I finish them, I'll post pictures, or send them to whom ever wants some. these are pretty much the same dimensions as the factory bose enclosures, only deeper in the back (for magnet clearance) and the front is flat and wider allowing the use of pretty much what ever speakers you could throw at them. the rears are the exact flange pattern allowing you to use the factory grilles and they mount perfect. I can place a 6"X9" with room to spare. I'll update you all as I get closer to finishing these. I'm using my '94 coupe for the test mule
Have a good one!
Ben
'91 to '96 Corvette's ? I am in the process of molding some for my car, after I finish them, I'll post pictures, or send them to whom ever wants some. these are pretty much the same dimensions as the factory bose enclosures, only deeper in the back (for magnet clearance) and the front is flat and wider allowing the use of pretty much what ever speakers you could throw at them. the rears are the exact flange pattern allowing you to use the factory grilles and they mount perfect. I can place a 6"X9" with room to spare. I'll update you all as I get closer to finishing these. I'm using my '94 coupe for the test mule
Have a good one!
Ben
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,362
Likes: 2,281
From: Central Maryland
I'd be interested in seeing you keep this thread updated as this project progresses.
I've long toyed with the idea of ditching the entire speaker panel in the rear of my '94 ragtop car (in the interest of gaining a bit of precious cargo space), and replacing the electronics and the front speakers with something modern and better than the Bose junk that's in there now. The rear speakers are nearly inaudible in a C4 ragtop car when you're carrying cargo, and I'd be happier with a high-fidelity set of front speakers and head unit to drive them, than I am with the factory 4-speaker Bose crap. Has anybody else done this yet?
Live well,
SJW
I've long toyed with the idea of ditching the entire speaker panel in the rear of my '94 ragtop car (in the interest of gaining a bit of precious cargo space), and replacing the electronics and the front speakers with something modern and better than the Bose junk that's in there now. The rear speakers are nearly inaudible in a C4 ragtop car when you're carrying cargo, and I'd be happier with a high-fidelity set of front speakers and head unit to drive them, than I am with the factory 4-speaker Bose crap. Has anybody else done this yet?
Live well,
SJW
Last edited by SJW; Nov 8, 2011 at 10:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
speaker enclosures
Hey Guy's I'll take some pictures of what I am working with later tonight. I don't know if there is a difference between the coupes and convertible housings? (at least the rear ones any way's) my rear molds turned out pretty good, the fronts need a little refining on the final shape, I didn't want them to stick out too far and hold the carpeting on the sill panel, so I have been sanding and shaping for a few days now.
I have to do some more fitting on the kick panels to ensure they fit properly (clearance to the frame rails that are right behind them)
the front housings are the same dimensions for mounting in the original place the bose' units are fitted to, but the mounting area on the front side you could put a set of 6 1/2" separates in there, or a 5" etc.... I doubt you could place a grille on there without kicking the carpet out too far, otherwise, you would have to mount the grille on the outside of the carpet, guess that would have to be a personal decision. I am going to check the internal dimensions and see how much room an average size magnet is and verify the clearance and I'll post my findings here.
Have a good one!
Ben
I have to do some more fitting on the kick panels to ensure they fit properly (clearance to the frame rails that are right behind them)
the front housings are the same dimensions for mounting in the original place the bose' units are fitted to, but the mounting area on the front side you could put a set of 6 1/2" separates in there, or a 5" etc.... I doubt you could place a grille on there without kicking the carpet out too far, otherwise, you would have to mount the grille on the outside of the carpet, guess that would have to be a personal decision. I am going to check the internal dimensions and see how much room an average size magnet is and verify the clearance and I'll post my findings here.
Have a good one!
Ben
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 36
From: Jenks OK
On my '85 I want something better looking in the rear and all modern speakers seem to have bigger magnets than would fit in the stock location without some work. My current solution works ok but the speaker grills are showing their age and I figure I might as well go for something better looking anyways.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
speaker housings
Okay folks, sorry I haven't been on in a few days, my day job seems to monopolize most of my time. I have been fitting and shaping these to my car, seems I made the back of the front housings too deep and the wouldn't sit flush against the frame rail, so I had to make a mold of the frame rail and fit the shape of the housings to that, so it will take a little longer than I anticipated. I am looking into a copule of different casting resins that will be durable,yet slightly flexible (urethane resins)
the resin I am currently using is some hard stuff and I feel it may contribute to vibrations and unwanted noises. once I have found a good source, I can proceed with the finished product.
As for the rear speaker housings, these are basically the factory shaped piece the bose round speaker came with, except there is no ported tube or round hole, just a flat surface to mount a 6"x9" or 6-1/2", 5 1/2" separates. the rear's use the factory grills on them
(I wasn't making grills, just the housings to mount the speakers in) I'll try to post a few sneak preview pics of these tonight or at the latest, by the weekend. I work in a power plant, and working some crazy overtime lately, been working on these at work on my breaks, people think I'm nuts.....any way's, have a good one!.
Ben Smith
the resin I am currently using is some hard stuff and I feel it may contribute to vibrations and unwanted noises. once I have found a good source, I can proceed with the finished product.
As for the rear speaker housings, these are basically the factory shaped piece the bose round speaker came with, except there is no ported tube or round hole, just a flat surface to mount a 6"x9" or 6-1/2", 5 1/2" separates. the rear's use the factory grills on them
(I wasn't making grills, just the housings to mount the speakers in) I'll try to post a few sneak preview pics of these tonight or at the latest, by the weekend. I work in a power plant, and working some crazy overtime lately, been working on these at work on my breaks, people think I'm nuts.....any way's, have a good one!.
Ben Smith
Last edited by Snipescastle2; Nov 16, 2011 at 08:18 AM. Reason: add
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
spy shots of the speaker housings!
Okay Folks, sorry this has taken me forever. I'm still in the process of refining the final shape of these housings, so bare with me. I have uploaded the pictures to this gallery: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...y.php?cat=1011
they are pending approval, once that is done, you can see my progress thus far(probably Monday because of the holiday,sorry). I hope to have the final mods done in a week, maybe less. I still have to make the final molds based off the finished shape, but that will be the easy part. Making sure these fit snuggly in the factory location has been a trial and error process. I am pretty sure most any component speaker setup will fit, looks like there will be 2 5/8" to 2 3/4" clearance for the magnet inside these housings (Front) the rear is basically the same mounting base the bose speakers came with, only solid, so you can go 6"x9" or component sizes from 5 1/2" to 6 1/2" possibly larger, I never looked to see if the 8" subs would fit, but I'll look into that and let you all know.
Have a good one!
Ben
Last edited by Snipescastle2; Nov 26, 2011 at 08:06 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg Missouri
Speaker housings
Just wanted to give you all an update on my progress.
Still Working on the front housing set, the outer portion
Of the two Is almost done. I'm going to make these attach
by sockets head cap screws with helicoil inserts for strengh.
And I will be including Some sealing strips to prevent any possible v
ibrations between the Two halves. I have made the mounting tabs thicker so there
Is less chance of breakage while attaching to the car. I am going
To put the models in my car and take a few pics to show how
They look installed later today, then post them here.
Have a great day!
Ben Smith
Still Working on the front housing set, the outer portion
Of the two Is almost done. I'm going to make these attach
by sockets head cap screws with helicoil inserts for strengh.
And I will be including Some sealing strips to prevent any possible v
ibrations between the Two halves. I have made the mounting tabs thicker so there
Is less chance of breakage while attaching to the car. I am going
To put the models in my car and take a few pics to show how
They look installed later today, then post them here.
Have a great day!
Ben Smith
Last edited by Snipescastle2; Jan 29, 2012 at 10:16 AM. Reason: Edit
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
updates
Hello all! I've been busy lately, but working on my project (time permitting that is) I found that the drivers side has to be modified a little, it seems the front edge of the new outer half hits the carpeted kick panel, it's an easy fix, I just have to make a smooth curve on the edge -vs. the sharp 90 degree edge I have now, then the carpeted kick panel will sit flush as does the factory setup. I'm just about ready to make the last portion of molds then I can start making these. I'm going to post pictures in my photo gallery so you can see what I've done so far.....
Have a good one!
Ben Smith
p.s. images pending approval
Have a good one!
Ben Smith
p.s. images pending approval
Last edited by Snipescastle2; Feb 1, 2012 at 03:27 PM. Reason: add
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
updates
Hello everyone, just wanted to update my progress. I am still waiting on additional materials to finish my molds for the front speaker housings, shouldn't be too much longer. I have tried a few different types of materials, but in the end, the better stuff I have already used is the way to go, no short cuts....at least these will be clean, very little or no flash excess to trim. Just cut your size speaker holes and assemble then install!
I am making the fronts two piece, as I have said already, these will have 10-32 socket head capscrews to fasten each half together, I will post the pictures of how they are oriented to clear any confusion.
I'll post back here when I'm done!
Have a good one!
Ben
I am making the fronts two piece, as I have said already, these will have 10-32 socket head capscrews to fasten each half together, I will post the pictures of how they are oriented to clear any confusion.
I'll post back here when I'm done!
Have a good one!
Ben
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg Missouri
pictures
I plan to take some more pictures when I have actually finished the molds (I am still waiting for materials to arrive, not so much shipping delays, but they are expensive and I have some priorities that require more immediate attention) I'll keep everyone up todate once I do have more progress completed. thanks for your patience.
Have a good one!
Ben Smith
Have a good one!
Ben Smith
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Will the FRONTS work in a 1985 model?
I am in the process of changing my system that I have now, I am making two 8" sub enclosures for my compartments, and I have 4 of Focal 6.5" two ways in the back and doors, and two Focal Tweeters on the front pillars.
If the sound is better in the fronts that would be great, I'm assuming that the angle is such that it is pointing up at the opposite door/window area and not my calves like the door mounted stock systems.
EDIT: Found the pics, they look great, count me in for a set, I can make them work in the front if I have to.
I am in the process of changing my system that I have now, I am making two 8" sub enclosures for my compartments, and I have 4 of Focal 6.5" two ways in the back and doors, and two Focal Tweeters on the front pillars.
If the sound is better in the fronts that would be great, I'm assuming that the angle is such that it is pointing up at the opposite door/window area and not my calves like the door mounted stock systems.
EDIT: Found the pics, they look great, count me in for a set, I can make them work in the front if I have to.
Last edited by LD85; Mar 5, 2012 at 09:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Warrensburg Missouri
Honestly, I haven't had the opportunity to look at the area under the door (Kick Panel Area) you would have to use a '91 to '96 kick panel to cover these, assuming the frame rails have the same shape as the '91-'96 models, I can email you a picture of a mold I made of my right side frame where these mount, just to give you an idea of the shape. the angles of these housings I am making are in fact pointing up at the opposite door but more towards the opposite windows, than across from the door. I'd say probably 55 to 65 degree angle, hope that gives you an idea, I have pictures of these mounted up front in my gallery:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...at/1011/page/8
Let me know.
Ben
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...at/1011/page/8
Let me know.
Ben
Last edited by Snipescastle2; Mar 5, 2012 at 10:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg Missouri
speaker housings
Hello everyone,
I'm getting closer and closer to finishing these speaker housings. I have to make three more parts for the molds (basically the backside of each model) then I'll be ready to cast these. I want to make sure everything is right before I get everyone in line for these, rather than taking a deposit right now. the back of the front enclosures was easy, the rear half of said enclosure is the tricky part, I have to make a
"Sprue" or stem to pour the resin into and make it so it's easy to trim, yet allow material to flow all the way through the mold. I believe I have this licked, just need about ten hours to layup these mold parts without interuption- Wife-kids,etc....work.....
I work at a power plant and working six-10 hour days, doesn't leave me a lot of time to do much of anything...I'll get this done, just a matter of time, just like persistence.
I'll keep you posted.
Ben
I'm getting closer and closer to finishing these speaker housings. I have to make three more parts for the molds (basically the backside of each model) then I'll be ready to cast these. I want to make sure everything is right before I get everyone in line for these, rather than taking a deposit right now. the back of the front enclosures was easy, the rear half of said enclosure is the tricky part, I have to make a
"Sprue" or stem to pour the resin into and make it so it's easy to trim, yet allow material to flow all the way through the mold. I believe I have this licked, just need about ten hours to layup these mold parts without interuption- Wife-kids,etc....work.....
I work at a power plant and working six-10 hour days, doesn't leave me a lot of time to do much of anything...I'll get this done, just a matter of time, just like persistence.
I'll keep you posted.
Ben
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg Missouri
speaker housings
Hello all! I am all set to start casting these speaker housings, if anyone wants a set, please send me a PM or you can email me at
Benjamin.l.smith@hotmail.com
I'll discuss the details there. Since I am not a supporting vendor ( at least not yet anyways) I'm keeping this on the Low, just to avoid trouble. If interest becomes great, I can see making these often, right now it's just a hobby.
So, if you have been looking to upgrade your stereo speakers from the old bose system, to an after market set,the time has come! I'll update my pictures soon.
Have a good one!
Ben Smith
p.s. just so everyone is on the same page, these are for the '91 to '96 coupes, I imagine the fronts are the same, but I have not looked at the convertible rear speakers yet, so that will be my next project.... the rear housings I have made are the exact dimensions of the stock bose base, only solid to mount just about any speaker you could imagine, 6"x9", 5 14", 6 1/2"........I am pretty sure an 8 inch sub should fit (I didn't have one on hand to try, Sorry)
Benjamin.l.smith@hotmail.com
I'll discuss the details there. Since I am not a supporting vendor ( at least not yet anyways) I'm keeping this on the Low, just to avoid trouble. If interest becomes great, I can see making these often, right now it's just a hobby.
So, if you have been looking to upgrade your stereo speakers from the old bose system, to an after market set,the time has come! I'll update my pictures soon.
Have a good one!
Ben Smith
p.s. just so everyone is on the same page, these are for the '91 to '96 coupes, I imagine the fronts are the same, but I have not looked at the convertible rear speakers yet, so that will be my next project.... the rear housings I have made are the exact dimensions of the stock bose base, only solid to mount just about any speaker you could imagine, 6"x9", 5 14", 6 1/2"........I am pretty sure an 8 inch sub should fit (I didn't have one on hand to try, Sorry)
Last edited by Snipescastle2; Mar 19, 2012 at 01:41 PM.