Retrosound vs Custom autosound kick panels

[Rick Bollinger]

I have the Retrosound kick panels and I know you cannot get to the dimmer switch. But looking at the auto sound ones they look like the speakers fit higher in the mount. Can anyone tell me if you can reach the dimmer using these panels. Thanks Rick

[Palf70Step]

I ended up moving my dimmer switch up and to the right about 1 inch-ish and cut the left half of the emergency brake pedal off to clear things for the kick speaker. I don't remember the brand, but I think it was the retrosound version. Most are close to the same that I saw unless you custom build them. I'll get a current picture soon as I get to the shop later today. the included picture is before I moved the switch and installed carpeting.

Note:
Here is the shot after I moved switch and cut (tried to rotate it so the hole part would fit, but my cut was off a hair so I ended up with this. It works good with my size 14's to operate without issues. If you have smaller feet it may work oK, but not with my Sasquatch shoes. I trimmed the brake and black RTVd the rubber pedal to it and it has stayed in place. I couldn't get it to operate with out banging up the speaker grill trim. Again big feet.

[Casper42]

that's crazy! glad I didn't buy these. Generically speaking, I've only read that the passenger side needed some altering for factory aircon trucks. no manufactures mention anything about your dilemma.

[Rick Bollinger]

I just saw where Custom autosound says that there's does not fit an A/C truck. I am wondering if that is just because of the vacuum operated door on the passenger side. As far as I know that is the only difference. I may just cut out the speaker part of the kick panel and use a mounting tape to mount higher up. Thanks for the feedback and pictures. keep them coming I would still like to hear about the Custom autosound ones.

[Joyridin]

I do not know how you are going to get around moving the light switch. I looked at quite a few different brands and they are all about the same. Maybe you can find one that uses a smaller speaker, which would allow you extra room.

Vanatta Fabrication offers the speaker housing by itself. Maybe you can buy some Lexan and make the panels yourself with those speaker housings?

[Rick Bollinger]

Thanks for the tip about Vanetta. I am now considering just as you suggested just using the speaker pods by themselves. I will have to do some checking to see if they can be fitted and still use the dimmer. I may even cut them out of the retrosound panels I already have.

[Joyridin]

Originally Posted by Rick Bollinger

Thanks for the tip about Vanetta. I am now considering just as you suggested just using the speaker pods by themselves. I will have to do some checking to see if they can be fitted and still use the dimmer. I may even cut them out of the retrosound panels I already have.

In their description, he makes a comment about not being able to use the floor vents. He sells block off plates to remove them. Maybe that is related to the metal kickpanels he sells, but that might be an issue.

[Rick Bollinger]

Yea that would be an issue. I just spent a lot of time and money fixing cut-up and rusted panels including door and dash cut outs. Everything is now painted so I need to figure something out. Putting in a couple sheet metal screws and some mounting tape would be doable for kick panel speakers. I may need to down size speakers to gain room and compensate behind seat. My tank is gone so I do have room there.

[dmjlambert]

I put 4 each 6.5 inch speakers under the seat facing forward, sounds very good and doesn't require any speaker holes cut or plastic panels, or screws.

[Rick Bollinger]

dmjlambert That is a thought enclosures wouldn't be hard to make there

[dmjlambert]

It's pretty easy even for somebody with terrible woodworking skills. Cardboard and elmers glue to make the mock up, then thin (probably 1/4 inch plywood), gorilla glue, and sandpaper and paint to make the real ones. And patience while the glue dries. Here is a thread I highjacked to show them off. Sorry I just highjacked your thread about kick panel speakers just to talk about the best place to put speakers. https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=833117

[LS short box]

Just a thought in regards speaker placement. When I built out the interior of my 68 C10 I wasn't going to cut holes in the doors or kick panels.
So I made a bracket to hold two really good 4.5"? speakers in place of single speaker up in the dash. Then I put two 6x9's in the corners behind seat. I had moved the gas tank to under the bed.
Sounded great IMO.