Speakers In The Dash?

[Moreyel]

I want decent sound, especially with the top off. I see the pictures you'all posted showing the aftermarket plastic kick panels with speakers built into them. I don't know about yours, but my 72 Blazer has built in kick panels. So, do I have to drill holes in them to accept those?

I'm really thinking of putting a couple of 3-4" speakers in the top of the dash. The sound will travel up to the windshield towards me. Like so many newer vehicles have.

Anyone have opinions on this? I looked at replacing the factory speakers with a set of doubles that fit under the center of the dash, but I think the sound will be much better up top.

I'm thinking of buying one of the retro type radios that fit (my dash is still intact!) right in, so I can use my iPod and Bluetooth.

Your ideas and experience is appreciated.

[DeadheadNM]

Just don't cut any sheetmetal

I have a repro/retro radio in my K5 with an MP3 jack and a pair of kick speakers under the rear seat that I'm swapping for an OEM AM/FM later this spring. If you're not in a rush I can get you pics once pulled and bring w me to ABQ if interested.

[slowcpe]

Not sure what the acoustics are in these trucks just yet as I haven't really heard a stereo in one. I have done a few boat systems where I installed components where the driver is down low and the tweeter firing towards the windshield. Matched up with a nice amp and I've never had anyone complain about not hearing music while going down the water. Most are BB with thru-hull exhaust.

Same concept should apply to a pair of 4" speakers in the stock location. Hopefully I can tell you in the next week or so as stereo is next on my list.

[Mike C]

I cut my dash in '89 when I put a CD player in it, and have NEVER regretted it. Next is my '69 Short Step to go under the knife.

In the Jimmy I put 4" components in the door panel with the driver just below the door handle centered approximately between it and the window crank. I mounted the separte tweeter higher in the panel near the front. About 2" from top and side of panel. Then in the rear side panels just behind the front seats I mounted 6 1/2" co-axial speakers. Behind the rear seat is a sealed 10" sub in a 1 cubic foot box. All of this driven off a 5 channel amp. This is the best system I've put in the truck and it sounds killer.

In the truck I'm going to try and get 5 1/4" speakers in the door panesl (not the bottom of the doors) and do a pair of 4's in the dash along with a low-pro sub under the seat.

[Moreyel]

Yeah Deadhead. I'm interested. Do you just not like the radio you have in there now? You're taking out a Retro Radio? I've read mixed opinions on them. Everything from crap to OK. How come You're taking it out? Speakers too?

When are you coming to Alb.? I work and live 15 miles East off I-40.

When I first saw your handle, I thought it stood for New Mexico until I saw you are from Kalispell. A town I was in and out of a lot when I was trucking.

Lemme know,

Regards, Morey

[DeadheadNM]

Hi Morey - The radio is a retro style am/fm w coaxial and I believe a USB jack (pic below) that fits in the existing dash opening. This radio was installed by a PO and since I'm a stickler for the look of originality I'm installing a correct GM am/fm radio that I just had rebuilt. It sounds better than a stock radio for sure. I've got no great need to sell it so take your time and get the radio that works best for you even if it isn't this one. Rear speakers for sure and probably the in-dash as it may not be compatible with and could possibly damage the stock fm radio (need to confirm).

I grew up in ABQ and moved to Kalispell just last October. I've been to Pete's Cantina near you and used to drive to the Ponderosa bar on S-14 when it was open. I get to NM regularly. Check out the vintage NM plates on my Blazer - the "2" denotes Bernalillo Co.

[Moreyel]

Deadhead, You said that radio is retro style? If so, then the part you said about damage is referring to a completely stock one, which I dont have, correct? If that one puts out good sound, then I'm interested. You say it does have a USB connection?

Nice pictures of your Blazer. The two vehicles on either side look interesting also.

when are you planning on coming down?

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Moreyel

Deadhead, You said that radio is retro style? If so, then the part you said about damage is referring to a completely stock one, which I dont have, correct? If that one puts out good sound, then I'm interested. You say it does have a USB connection?

Nice pictures of your Blazer. The two vehicles on either side look interesting also.

when are you planning on coming down?

With the OEM am/fm radios you have to be careful what speakers you attach - if the ohms are too far off the radio can be damaged. I'm no expert but seem to recall this is the case. Thus, I may be replacing my current in-dash speaker so as not to ruin my rebuilt OEM am/fm radio (which has an added mp3 jack) once installed.

I'll check the second connection for the radio shown above - believe it was a usb type (or looked similar), I've never used it only the coax plug.

Probably be back for carnitas burritos at El Modelo in March.

[Moreyel]

Good choice on El Modelo (Modelo is also fine beer). Pete's Cantina went downhill and finally out of business after the kids took over. Same thing happened to the Bela Vista. My wife has a nice grocery store in it's place.

Yeah, let me know what you can on the radio. I'm not in a hurry. It was a factory unit upgraded?

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Moreyel

Good choice on El Modelo (Modelo is also fine beer). Pete's Cantina went downhill and finally out of business after the kids took over. Same thing happened to the Bela Vista. My wife has a nice grocery store in it's place.

Yeah, let me know what you can on the radio. I'm not in a hurry. It was a factory unit upgraded?

Bella Vista! I remember eating there. Not an upgraded factory unit in my pic above. That's an aftermarket radio. I'll check that other connection when I run to the storage unit later today.

[pound41]

I have owned my blazer since 1981 when I was in high school. 2 really good speakers behind the Front seats and a alpine 200 watt equalizer also JVC stereo no top on was extremely loud with top on would rattle the windows.

[Moreyel]

Pound, what unit is in your dash?

[pound41]

JVC KS-RX333J/U
Its a unit I just recently got off a guy on ebay. It has a aux on the front so my kids play their ipods on it. Not sure what year it was made. I had my best luck with the upper end JVC's. I had some pioneers etc.
I have never tried any of the newer ones. I was going to buy a retro but then I saw this one

[Moreyel]

Did you have to cut the dash? I'm probably gonna end up doing that since the retros are so expensive for what you get.

[pound41]

No its made for 2 shaft opening. I was looking online for a used JVC from the early 1990's to replace the one that I had. I saw this one and it said AUX so I talked to the guy and I bought it. Works Great We have a cord that we plug in and hit the AUX button
I am not sure if there is a way to hook up some kind of a cord to the red and white plug ins on the back of radios. I think they call them RCA's not sure but they are supposed to be a way to input. But those 2 shaft radios are plentiful and not real expensive