Prototype center speaker holder

[Kyle@FTP]

Here is a little video of the sound quality we are getting out of the speaker plate.

https://youtu.be/Lmj7gzJHWFY

[88Ironduke]

Any updates?

Paul

[Kyle@FTP]

Paul,

The new inserts were here yesterday. I need to install them in your plate today and it will go out tonight. I will make sure to email you tracking. Thanks for your patience.

Kyle

[jamesjones]

Originally Posted by Kyle@FTP

Here is a little video of the sound quality we are getting out of the speaker plate.

https://youtu.be/Lmj7gzJHWFY

Cool!

[88Ironduke]

Thanks for the update Kyle. Looking forward to getting dash speakers in my truck.

Paul

[Steve Cole]

[QUOTE=88Ironduke;7463601]Thanks for the update Kyle. Looking forward to getting dash speakers in my truck.

Paul[/QUOT

Any update Paul? Install pics? Reviews?

Thanks.

[88Ironduke]

I have been in contact with Kyle about the delay in shipping. He has had some assembly issues and wants to get it right before shipping. Seems to be honest dude, Kyle has contacted me about the delay and not the other way around and explained the issues briefly. I'm being patient. I know allot of guys make these products in their spare time and I do appreciate their willingness to support the old truck community.
However it has been a minute, I sure do want to get my dash reassembled. Patience is a virtue I discovered in the military. Hurry up and wait...

Paul

[88Ironduke]

I received the speaker mount assembly today from Kyle at Freds Truck Parts. Once the weekend gets here I'll install it and pass on my thoughts. Initial thoughts are I like it. More to follow.

Paul

[Steve Cole]

Thanks Paul.

[88Ironduke]

I wanted to post up a couple of pictures I took this weekend installing my speaker holder assembly I got from Fred's Truck Parts. Here is what is in the box. Before I go into detail here is my disclaimer. I am not an audio guru, I understand the mechanics of audio systems, wiring and such but what sounds good to me may not be what is supposed to be correct.



The 3M windows weld is good stuff, the tube is not expired and has lots of shelf life left. I emailed Kyle, he recommended to ensure everything on the bottom of the dash be clean and grease free and scuff both the dash and plastic holder with some sand paper. I used a little 150 grit on both to give a cross hatch pattern and that was done. I used Acetone to wipe down the dash board where the adhesive would go and glass cleaner on the plastic bracket. I mounted the Kenwood 4" speakers and did attempted to do a test fit. Sounds good in theory but the magnets get hung up on everything metal. So they came off and I test fit bracket, eyeballed up center on dash grill and called it good. I applied the goo to bracket noting that my dash board is slightly concave and not true flat on the bottom so a little extra to account for the gaps is required.



Next page...

[88Ironduke]

I used the mounting points that were visible thru the dash grill as a guide to center the bracket in the opening. A couple of zip ties and it was good to go.



24 Hours later I installed the speakers as advertised, I have yet hook my head unit so I can't say that they sound great, but I am certain they will be leaps and bounds ahead of what I had.... Nothing..



Lessons learned I can pass on. Fishing the little screws can be a bit of a challenge, I had some weather stripping strips and I out a little dab on each screw to help hold it on my fingers during fitment. They are fine thread so they screw in very easily. The strip caulk stuff will also help with ensuring the screws don't back out. Wear a long sleeve shirt, you will be working thru your radio opening in the dash, the metal is sharp and will fillet your wrist. Then you're sad. My trucks dash has been cut for a single DIN radio, the upshot is the plastic bracket fits thru that area easily. It meant I didn't have to remove those pesky defrost hoses from the dash to clear an area. I have not played under the dash of an AC truck but I'm confident there are issues of space requirements already. If you have your glove box liner out I am 100% sure that it will help you dramatically.

Overall I like the kit, there are no holes in my dash so its a win. The speakers are shallow and will not interfere with the what ever your radio may be. What you order is what you get. Kyle threw in a free tee shirt since it took so long to ship. Very cool.

Fire away if you have any questions.
Paul

[Kyle@FTP]

Thank you for the great write up. I always like seeing stuff like this. weather good or bad I can learn from it and make a better product.

Seems one thing the product is missing is a solid set of installation instructions. In the coming weeks we will be shooting a "how to" video on this product. that should help clear up a lot of questions. Again, Thank you for the write up.

Kyle

[88Ironduke]

Quick update, I couldn't leave things alone so I slaved my head unit in place and the little 4" speakers by them selves have excellent sound. Another positive for Kyle!

[Kyle@FTP]

Thank you.

I am no stereo guy and there was no sound engineering involved but I am impressed with the sound quality that comes out as well.

I have thought about shrinking the diameter of the speaker hole so it does not have the small gap. Do you think that will increase the sound quality?

[88Ironduke]

You are correct. I did notice the small gap, most speakers come with a small foam coil to stick to the face of the housing. Since the speakers are high frequency units I do not see an issue but I did seal that area up with some more strip caulk around the back edges. It would appeal to an audiophile for sure. Its small potatoes in my book. Form and function always first.

Paul

[Kyle@FTP]

Paul,

again, thank you for all the input. All the feedback from everyone has been a huge help in the development of this product. I'm hoping in the coming months I will have it refined enough to produce a large number and leave them on the shelf for quick delivery. I feel its almost there.

Kyle

[Steve Cole]

Originally Posted by Kyle@FTP

Thank you.

I am no stereo guy and there was no sound engineering involved but I am impressed with the sound quality that comes out as well.

I have thought about shrinking the diameter of the speaker hole so it does not have the small gap. Do you think that will increase the sound quality?

If you do decide to shrink the holes a little, put me down for one! Thanks.

[Franks 72]

Interesting project for sure ! Anyone ever add speaker cloth ? I can only imagine the grandchildren dropping a coin on the dash and it finding its way down on to the speaker. Is there to much sound quality lost by adding the cloth ?

[Steve Cole]

Speaker cloth is a great idea!!

Now, If we could get Kyle to make the speaker holes a little smaller, we'd be in business.

[Franks 72]

I suppose that this would make installation a little more challanging since you would not be able to use ty wraps to pull the assembly in place. I have a solution , bond 4 studs to the underside of the dash using panel adhesive. I have used a product made by Click Bond and they are fantastic. They come with a plastic application aid which sticks to the mounting surface with double sided tape and applies pressure to the bond joint.Once the adhesive is cured you remove the aid and are left with a stud which will support an elephant (providing you did the prep work properly. I am sure some of you folks are clever enough to create something similar and figure a way to hold in place while the bond cures. Finished item looks like this .Hope this helps !

[Kyle@FTP]

The speakers are extremely easy to remove. If someone drops something down there you can pops 4 screws real quick and it will fall out.

Steve, Im getting there. Just trying to keep up with current demand right now. haha

[2tontruck]

Question for you? Do you have these in stock ready to ship?

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by Kyle@FTP

Here is a little video of the sound quality we are getting out of the speaker plate.

https://youtu.be/Lmj7gzJHWFY

hey Kyle its Mike Randys friend in Escondido .. are those the Retrosound Kick Panels ?

[blazercrazy70]

I have been trying to reach Kyle I sent paypal payment two weeks ago and have not heard a thing anybody else heard from him.

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by blazercrazy70

I have been trying to reach Kyle I sent paypal payment two weeks ago and have not heard a thing anybody else heard from him.

Trust me I know Kyle personally. He's a good guy it may be taking a bit to get your order . But you will get it . He's been really busy with the shop lately . But rest assured you will get your product. . ... Happy Truckin