factory/dearler installed 8-track players

[into69z]

I have been looking for an 8-track player for my 69 pick-up and finally found one. I have seen this underdash mount player in some of the literature for 1969 trucks. Now that I have one of these, I need infor on how and where they actually mounted, what the wire schematic was like, what color wire goes where, did it play thru the speaker in the dash or did the option come with additional speakers and where did they mount? I know it's alot of questions but I also know some of you have these units or have the info that I need any information on these 8-track players would help alot-Thanks Steve

[71blksuper4x4]

The speakers were cut into the kick panels. Trevor

[ChevLoRay]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

The speakers were cut into the kick panels. Trevor

That seems harsh. I'm thinking about what the kick panel actually is and if that is what was done, I'm amazed. The backside of the kickpanel is the bottom of the air plenum for the ventilation and that makes me suspicious of any dealership that would do that. However, when you think back to that time in history, the idea that an installer would even stop to consider where to put them is beyond me.

I worked at an ESSO station before I went into the USAF and we sold/installed Lear Jet 4 and 8-track stereos. I've seen more lower door panels cut that anything else. I don't recall anyone saying to NOT cut the doors. The doors of my '69 are "modified" to hold a speaker. The kick panel speakers we see nowadays are "pods" with speakers that attach to the kick panel.

[ChevLoRay]

Originally Posted by into69z

I have been looking for an 8-track player for my 69 pick-up and finally found one.

I have an AM/FM stereo GM radio that I think is a '68-era unit. It has a cord that is supposed to plug into a multiplexer that enabled the stereo effect as well as included a reverb. I thought about trying to use it in my '69 but that ain't gonna happen.

Is your 8-track a GM unit? Does it have a socket on the back for an 8-pin plug? Just curious, because I don't know what would have been adaptable to the AM/FM.

Gotta pic?

[71blksuper4x4]

Nope, they were put in the kick panels. The dealer actually cut a fairly harsh hole and put the speakers in between the door weatherstrip and the kick panel vent. That was the only place that I have ever heard or seen the original 8 track speakers at. Trevor

[into69z]

actually-I just bought this unit on ebay and have not recieved it yet. It is out of a 1969 Impala and has the harness that was just unplugged(not cut). I too have the am/fm stock radio in my 69,(added on of course) but i am guessing this 8-track works seperately and independant of the radio. I guess the best solution is to find some kick panel pods or some of those surface mount speakers-I was just curious as to where the factory/dealer guys stuck them. I don't want to cut the kick panels or doors so thats about the only way I can think of the install.

anyone know where to find the wiring set-up?

[chewychevy67]

a factory style 10 ohm 4x6 with the old style oval speakers fit perfect in between the door rubber and the fresh air cowl door. i cut these in for my 8 track speakers on my 67. I bought new speakers from SM electro-teck inc with the small magnets and used 67 chevelle kick panel speaker covers and they look very clean. my cab is in the body shop but will get pictures up as soon as i can.

[71blksuper4x4]

Good call as that's about exactly what they were for the speakers. Trevor

[into69z]

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

a factory style 10 ohm 4x6 with the old style oval speakers fit perfect in between the door rubber and the fresh air cowl door. i cut these in for my 8 track speakers on my 67. I bought new speakers from SM electro-teck inc with the small magnets and used 67 chevelle kick panel speaker covers and they look very clean. my cab is in the body shop but will get pictures up as soon as i can.

I remember back in my "van" days that water would ruin speakers so when I put in my second set of speakers in the doors of my 74 chevy van, they had a plastic cover that attached to the back of the speaker to keep it dry. The kick panel area is kinda open to the outside-do you think water can get there and do they still make the plastic covers if you needed them?.....just curiuos

[chewychevy67]

Here are some pictures of my speakers for my 8 track. This is what i figured would be correct. they are 1967 chevelle door speakers and grills. i will paint the grills the same as the interior and you will hardly notice them. nice and clean. i would like to mold to the speaker shape somehow some thin plastic to put behind the speakers so they don't get wrecked from moisture. maby a vacuum packing tool could be of use for this but havent thought that far ahead. anyone tried anythng like that before? would this affect the sound of the speaker?