Opinion on rear speaker mounting

[gdub0717]

What is the consensus on cutting holes for the rear speakers? The look I would like is much like Gerhard’s shown in the picture.
I also have a picture of my current old deck mounted speakers that look terrible.
I have already been in contact with him regarding a source for the seatbelts.
Looks like he has a few sets without the covers. Hopefully he has a set in black.
Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[alanmcg]

minimize the look

here is what i did - punched the leather with 1/8in hole punch.

 

[Nicad]

There is a Guy who goes by the handle Blue Devils that does nice work when it comes to seat belts.He mostly frequents the 2002 forum (2002 FAQ) I bought some like those shown for my 2002 but will probably put them in my Coupe. I have some 6X9 speakers in my rear deck that have very plain Black Grills. They don't look out of place. I would lose the speakers above the shelf like on the Malaga car. Whoever put my speakers in did quite a botchery of the metal work below the cover.

 

[Bwana]

here is what i did - punched the leather with 1/8in hole punch.

Much much better! Probably what I'm going to do.

I currently have the speakers under the rear seats facing what would be your heels if you were sitting back there. They actually sound pretty good. I've also found small speakers in the rear arm rests of all places but they don't appear to be hooked up. Possibly for higher frequencies muffled by the low position of the bigger speakers?

In all, a nice, unobtrusive set up. Can't see any speakers at all

 

[alanmcg]

overkill

ive got 10 speakers (none visible, no grills anywhere), 900 watts, 'soundproofed' the entire car (dynamat, dynapad, etc), spent a fortune and tons of time, and it sounds ok - not even CLOSE to what it should to justify the time and expense - these cars are just too loud when cruising to allow for anything close to hi-fidel sound.

the old guys are right, the best music set up in these cars is the straight 6 out front.

 

[Stan]

ive got 10 speakers (none visible, no grills anywhere), 900 watts, 'soundproofed' the entire car (dynamat, dynapad, etc), spent a fortune and tons of time, and it sounds ok - not even CLOSE to what it should to justify the time and expense - these cars are just too loud when cruising to allow for anything close to hi-fidel sound.

the old guys are right, the best music set up in these cars is the straight 6 out front.

I had good luck with my iPod and ear buds. Not too sure it is legal but I got some good sound even with the windows down and sunroof open.

 

[rsporsche]

i have a panel similar to what Coupeking does ... speaker cloth over a frame - with speakers underneath. not sure who did it because it was that way when i got the car. thankful that they didn't hack up the metal panel to put the speakers in. i will agree with others, it doesn't sound great - i have no idea what brand of speaker or wire ... but that will be replaced sooner or later. i went the nakamichi / a/d/s amp + speaker / crossover route before - in my 2002 and then in my e30 m3. no desire to do that again, it wasn't worth it. i put infinity reference series speakers in my son's jetta and they sounded great - a better use of money.

i do plan to do ipod / bluetooth integration and perhaps maybe a gps mount behind the speaker panel ... and definitely xm / sirius radio.

 

[Stevehose]

I am keeping my dealer installed speakers - period look, and they sound period too - mediocre, but enhance the time capsule experience I like. I rarely have the radio on as I prefer the exhaust and intake sounds. But when I do, it's 1972 all over again.

 

[Bwana]

I am keeping my dealer installed speakers - period look, and they sound period too - mediocre, but enhance the time capsule experience I like. I rarely have the radio on as I prefer the exhaust and intake sounds. But when I do, it's 1972 all over again.

"Dearler installed" Really? Pretty cool. I'd like to duplicate that, can you provide some better pictures, both on the deck and in the trunk? Any idea of the speaker size? Obviously the fidelity would have improved over the last 40 years

 

[Arde]

My original radio setup is so old when I turn on the radio I hear about the imminent fall of Saigon...

I have no wisdom to offer, but just want to share a mystery. The radio works even without a speaker (albeit not very loud). Any theories?

 

[CSteve]

I prefer to listen to the throaty exhaust sound and the music in my head. Stock, original is my choice.

 

[rsporsche]

Steve,

you can replace the speakers with new and leave the visible parts. get modern, but stay period look.

I am keeping my dealer installed speakers - period look, and they sound period too - mediocre, but enhance the time capsule experience I like. I rarely have the radio on as I prefer the exhaust and intake sounds. But when I do, it's 1972 all over again.

 

[Stevehose]

My car was ordered (and somehow made it out of the '80s without being butchered) with a Becker system-speakers front and rear, fader knob under dash, Europa Stereo, and glovebox cassette player. Speakers are available here, with the exception of the parcel shelf covers:

http://www.beckerautosound.com/Speaker/BMW-Classic Euro speakers.html

I have the 4x6 oval "kick panel" ones in front and the 3 1/2 x 8 1/4 ones for the parcel shelf (Scott is there a modern replacement for this size other than above? I haven't found one).

The covers are available here:

http://www.koenigs-klassik-radios.d...-loudspeaker-cover-for-mercedes-benz/a-31130/

The radio is a Becker Europa Stereo:

The glovebox cassette player is a Becker model 208:

These can be had from time to time from vintage suppliers including an ipod input if desired, although the cassette player is pretty hard to find.

Trunk:

Parcel shelf:

Kick panel:

Pretty swingin' for 1972! I keep it on the oldies station but like oneils, prefer the combustion related sounds.

"Dearler installed" Really? Pretty cool. I'd like to duplicate that, can you provide some better pictures, both on the deck and in the trunk? Any idea of the speaker size? Obviously the fidelity would have improved over the last 40 years

 

[Luis A.]

As much as I'm for keeping the my cars stock, an experience I totally revel in, there is something special about a completely stock-looking vintage ride belting out your favorite Ipod playlist with completely stealth watts and subwoofer oomph to take you to that higher level while cruising your favorite roads.

 

[gdub0717]

Hmmmmm... what to do?

Thanks for all the input and ideas.
I think keeping the original look with the original AM/FM stereo is what needs to happen. (anyone have one they are willing to part with?) But, tastefully install a modern stereo with USB/bluetooth/pandora/handsfree connection in the glove box.
Install embedded 6X9's on the back deck.
This seems like a low key alternative that allows all the benefits of a modern technology.

 

[HB Chris]

I agree. I put an Alpine head unit in glove box with infrared remote, Alpine amp 4x40W bridged to 2x80W and Infinity 6x9 speakers in rear deck. I ditched the hidden speaker cloth rear deck cover as it sat too high, went back to making a new parcel shelf with black vinyl and speakers on top with no logos, very neat.

 

[Nicad]

Chris, does the glove box have to be open for the remote to work?

 

[glenn in encinitas]

I just finished adding a Becker Europa II, with line iPod connector at the rear, line level addaptor to an amp under the rear seat. Cloth speaker shelf by Erik Sliskovich still looking great and I have a hidden antenna underneath it, so no external antenna at all. I agree that having the iPod connection with suitable power is great!

Also noticed the new banner photos on the website in honor of Murray. Nice touch guys.

 

[Nicad]

That is the route I am most likeley to follow. Have the Europa ll in place . How does it sound?

 

[HB Chris]

Bob, No, the infrared receiver is tiny and I have it mounted on console side panel, transmitter faces head unit in glove box attached to latching screw. These cost about $30 I think.

Chris