Kick panel help...
 

Didn't get any response in the audio section, so I'm expanding my search. I'm wanting to install some 6 1/2" speakers in the kick panels. They look like they will mount flush and not interfere with the e-brake on the d/s. However, the big question is; What's behind the panel? I'm worried about structural braces that run adjacent to the panel or other unexpected stuff.
Has anyone ever done this or seen what's in there? Anybody have access to a junk cab tohat would be willing to explore for the sake of adding to the public knowledge base? I'm not concerned about the water issue if in fact water can get into that area cause I'll be using sealed baffles. And please don't suggest I cut holes in the doors, that's not an option.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

It’s solid under the kickpanel. Here’s a pic of my truck when I was adding the FatMat. You can see I place it on all the solid panel, that was under the kick panel.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

That's the area I'm curious about. I believe there's a big open cavity behind that flat steel panel. I too am in the process of adding the mat to the firewall and floor as I am installing a vintage air system.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Yes there is an open area behind that panel, sorry I meant to clarify that, but didn’t. That area is where the wire to the door switch routes. It’s a narrow area between the inner panel and the outer panel.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

I thought about putting speakers there also, but I opted for tweeters in the pillars. And then I replaced all the original speakers with new ones, the 2 fronts in the dash and rear speakers.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

I used these in my dually: http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/me...y_Code=7387INT

They fit within the OE kick panels, didn't require cutting the inner steel structure, clear the e-brake pedal, & allow for a decent 6.5" as long as the mounting depth isn't excessive. *They come close to the e-brake pedal but do clear (you could even tweak the pedal slightly for additional clearance).

I added sound vibration dampener like I did on the cab panels which made them a little more robust. I would definitely use them again if I build another.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Ditto what SCOTI said, worked well on the Suburban though the one side did require a little fine tuning if memory is correct, but was more me than the product. Agree about sound deadening.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

I was wanting the pillar mount tweeters but they wouldn't fit on mine so I went with this

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Most of the units w/the tweeter pod I researched would not clear the e-brake pedal & definitely required tweaking.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Rust! :lol: sorry, couldn't resist. I'll follow along, because I will have to do some rust repair, and I'm also curious about mounting speakers there.

I'm not fond of the kick panel pods that stick out. I know you said not to cut the doors, but I envision a speaker mounted where the door map pockets are. Make it look like the factory put it there.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Lol! Fortunately, it's a Southern Arizona truck. 30+ years and ZERO rust. If only it wasn't 114 right now :devil:! Ya, not a fan of the aftermarket pods.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Better than cutting a hole on the kick panel base metal & screwing the speaker in there as far as placement/imaging + easier to do.

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Installed pics for others reference.....

Re: Kick panel help...
 

I found this article, which has a picture of the kick panel cut out for a speaker.
https://streettechmag.com/2015/05/19...n/#prettyPhoto

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Perfect. That article had everything I was looking for. Thanks for sharing that!

Re: Kick panel help...
 

Yes, that was a nice article, Thanks for sharing
The ones SCOTI posted, I believe I looked at those. But it said it will not fit the YE9 package

Re: Kick panel help...
 

I'm pretty sure they offer 2 different ones.