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Hidden radio & speaker installation
- Thread starter Mark T
- Start date
Jeff Scoville
Donation Time
Do a search through google or whatever.
There are many brands that sell "stealth" stereo equpment.
Couple different types. There are some with a wireless remote, and some with a hardwired small controller you could run into the center counsole. Most have the main component along with CD changer mount in the trunk.
If you remove your kick panels you will see there is quite a but of room there, if you buy some decent 6x9 3way speakers with an "aim-able" tweeter they won't sound bad. Speaker location by your feet isn't the best.
In my S-IV I wasn't worried about stealth. First I made an enclosure for the head unit below the dash. I then installed a pair of 6" 2way's in the doors. Then I made an enclosure that takes up the whole rear area which holds a pair of 6x9 3way's and 2 10" subs. In the trunk are the 2 amps totaling 3200 watts.
Let's just say I can hear the radio with the top down at any speed!
There are many brands that sell "stealth" stereo equpment.
Couple different types. There are some with a wireless remote, and some with a hardwired small controller you could run into the center counsole. Most have the main component along with CD changer mount in the trunk.
If you remove your kick panels you will see there is quite a but of room there, if you buy some decent 6x9 3way speakers with an "aim-able" tweeter they won't sound bad. Speaker location by your feet isn't the best.
In my S-IV I wasn't worried about stealth. First I made an enclosure for the head unit below the dash. I then installed a pair of 6" 2way's in the doors. Then I made an enclosure that takes up the whole rear area which holds a pair of 6x9 3way's and 2 10" subs. In the trunk are the 2 amps totaling 3200 watts.
Let's just say I can hear the radio with the top down at any speed!
Mark T
Donation Time
Wow! I bet it sounds awesome. Hope we can meet some day so that I can hear it! Maybe at Invasion? Unfortunately the timing conflicts with moving my son to college but I'm still hoping to make it.
Thanks for the suggestions! I want to put a decent sounding system in but was hoping to do it without damaging any of the original parts on the car, like the door panels. I like the idea of the wired remote in the console and the speakers in the kick panels. I'll have to look around to see what I can find. Thanks again!
Thanks for the suggestions! I want to put a decent sounding system in but was hoping to do it without damaging any of the original parts on the car, like the door panels. I like the idea of the wired remote in the console and the speakers in the kick panels. I'll have to look around to see what I can find. Thanks again!
Mark, there is an old saying, "You can't make an omlet without breaking a few eggs", or something like that. If you want top quality sound, I think you are going to have to cut holes in something. If you are willing to compromise, consider speaker enclosure behind and under the seats. I'm sure that would work, don't know about the sound quality. How about ear phones or the little speakers they use on motorcycles? Might mount them under the dash.
I've decide radio ain't worth it. Commercial radio sucks if you are over 50. the "sounds" are more like "racket". I'd rather use the space for AC. What with Global Warming and all, it gets dammed hot in Indiana in the summer. Especially in an Alpine.
Bill
I've decide radio ain't worth it. Commercial radio sucks if you are over 50. the "sounds" are more like "racket". I'd rather use the space for AC. What with Global Warming and all, it gets dammed hot in Indiana in the summer. Especially in an Alpine.
Bill
Rsgwynn1
Silver Level Sponsor
Good grief! Has anybody ever put a/c in an Alpine?
We rented a car recently that had satellite radio. Wow. Never switched from the 40s hits channel.
Mark, why not just save the trouble, buy a nice boom box, and lock it in the trunk?
I took a radio bracket out of my Alpine and put it on eBay. $100. Just a piece of stamped metal.
Sam
We rented a car recently that had satellite radio. Wow. Never switched from the 40s hits channel.
Mark, why not just save the trouble, buy a nice boom box, and lock it in the trunk?
I took a radio bracket out of my Alpine and put it on eBay. $100. Just a piece of stamped metal.
Sam
Yes, Ed Esslinger has put underdash AC in several Alpines and at6 least one Tiger and I think gets credit for being the first. Paul Amjeld also has installed AC in an Alpine. To do them one better, I installed an aftermarket heater/defroster/air conditioner behind the dash.
Fun fun fun
Bill
Fun fun fun
Bill
napa 1
Donation Time
Mark, I found a company on the internet that makes retro looking stereos for vintage cars that look like old dial and knob style radios, but are fully electronic 4 channel, 250 w stereos with input jacks for cd changer or ipod etc. The logo area can be customized..I printed Rootes on mine. Here's a picture of the one I installed in my Alpine. I ran a lead under the carpet that attaches to my ipod inside the arm rest.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2833509850099835553VOqsDo
John
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2833509850099835553VOqsDo
John
Mark T
Donation Time
Thanks for all of the ideas!
Bill, I'm glad that you mentioned AC. I was planning to try and put AC in down the road but I guess it would be better to do it before I put in a radio just to make sure that there's room for the AC. Guess I'd better start a thread on installing AC in a Darksider. As for commercial radio, I'm sooo far away from turning 50 (9 days!) that I still listen to FM.
Sam, I'm actually going to use a boombox until I install a radio. Problem is, I know that the first time that I forget to throw it in the trunk (and I know I will!), it'll be gone.
John, I really like the looks of your radio. What is the name of the company where you bought it?
Bill, I'm glad that you mentioned AC. I was planning to try and put AC in down the road but I guess it would be better to do it before I put in a radio just to make sure that there's room for the AC. Guess I'd better start a thread on installing AC in a Darksider. As for commercial radio, I'm sooo far away from turning 50 (9 days!) that I still listen to FM.
Sam, I'm actually going to use a boombox until I install a radio. Problem is, I know that the first time that I forget to throw it in the trunk (and I know I will!), it'll be gone.
John, I really like the looks of your radio. What is the name of the company where you bought it?
napa 1
Donation Time
Here's the link to their ebay store. Very nice to work with and will customize to your specifications.
http://stores.ebay.com/Electronic-Solutions-Ltd
John.