Headliner with built in speakers

[repeeler]

Has anyone tried the headliner with the 4 built in speakers and the ability to install a head unit in it? I see these in various catalogs. They look like something that would work for me. Just wondering what the opinions are of those that have it or have tried it.

[AceX]

It's a terrible idea in every sense of the word. IIRC the're made form ABS plastic, which will rattle like you can't believe and also makes the truck sound like your in a room with a vaulted ceiling...

[repeeler]

Originally Posted by AceX

It's a terrible idea in every sense of the word. IIRC the're made form ABS plastic, which will rattle like you can't believe and also makes the truck sound like your in a room with a vaulted ceiling...

Trying to find a way to put a decent stereo in the truck without hacking it up. It is bone stock now right down to the AM radio so I really don't want to start cutting holes to mount stuff. Any ideas?

[AceX]

Kick panels would be the best solution regardless. You can build, or have a set built for not that much effort or $$$. For a new radio, check out the article at the top of the forum called "Big tunes on a small budget"

[Bad70sbchevy]

You can't go wrong with 6x9s under the seat. As for a head unit, you can mount it to a bracket if you dont want to cut a hole in the dash.

[gsxrdoug]

Just cut a hole in your dash! Its yours! Just Kidding... Please no bashing.

[msgross]

You can find these mounts at Radio shack I think... then just add 6x9 box speakers or kick panel speakers...

[Cole Trickle]

If your looking to keep the dash un cut and add a better system I would build some kick panels and run a stand alone amp off your ipod. Pac makes a couple different set ups where there is a volume know and a usb connector for the bottom of the ipod.

[AceX]

I can contact my buddy DK at Arc Audio and ask him about the iPod hook-up. That seems to be his favorite trick as of late. If you look on this months cover of Truckin' my buddy DK sponsored the truck. 6 12's, 3 amps, and the source? An iPod. I also know the guy that built the entire system, so if you want, I can start asking quesitons about the set-up.

The iPod only source is becoming more and mroe popular...

[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by AceX

I can contact my buddy DK at Arc Audio and ask him about the iPod hook-up. That seems to be his favorite trick as of late. If you look on this months cover of Truckin' my buddy DK sponsored the truck. 6 12's, 3 amps, and the source? An iPod. I also know the guy that built the entire system, so if you want, I can start asking quesitons about the set-up.

The iPod only source is becoming more and mroe popular...

I have the set up in my rhino.....

I put an old (exspensive) Sony hu in it and the dust killed the cd player within the first day.

Ditched that and now run the ipod controller directly to a 400w 4 channel amp powering 4 polk momo 6.5 components in pods and bridged the last 2 channels to a kicker 10 thats under the seat.

Loud and gets the party started while were camping...lol

[Lance-ftw]

Originally Posted by repeeler

Trying to find a way to put a decent stereo in the truck without hacking it up. It is bone stock now right down to the AM radio so I really don't want to start cutting holes to mount stuff. Any ideas?

http://www.lbcarco.com/retro-car-radio.htm

That's just one of many "knob" stereo options out there. You can keep the form factor and get a modern radio. You can't get a CD player on those I don't think but you can mount a disk player in your glove box.

For speakers it totally depends on what you're after. If you just want sound of decent quality to listen to music then smaller speakers under the seat or if you've happened to move your gas tank or plan to move your gas tank behind the seat.

Kick panels are nice but I have the issue that I always... kick them. With some intelligent tweaking you can mount speakers under the vents in the dash as well but it gives a weird sound bouncing off your windshield.

If you're going for big sound or want subs, you're going to be hard pressed to install a full system without making some cuts and modifications. Don't mount to headliners, I've heard some of them in other vehicles and it sounds like crap and is almost impossible to keep from rattling (also it looks ugly imo).

[Curt's_72]

Been hoping to see some love for the Highliner. I've purchased one for my K20 project. It came with foam insulation and everything necessary to mount. I'll be installing Dynamat also. I've already bought replacement speakers for it. Alpine SPS-400's, as I figured the ones that came with it wouldn't be that good.
I don't find it to be unattractive at all. I'll post my results when the truck is done, but I personally have no regrets about using it.

[phantom69]

hopefully your headliner works out...i've been kicking around the idea of buying one so i'd love to see your install!

[Lance-ftw]

Follow up since i actually got to meet Ray

You need help with the stereo stuff lemme know, I actually know how to do that :P

As for speakers, safe bet without modifying is under the seat, kickpanels for existing spots which I'm not a fan of cause I keep kicking them... or if you wanna get super creative you there are places under the actual dash vents by the windshield that you can squeeze some high fidelity small speakers into (big isn't always better, see BOSE) and get good sound.

[ERASER5]

Here is a link to Bruce's "It's just a pickup" thread. Scroll down a bit.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=318544&page=5

I am considering the same headliner. If this is what you want for your truck, who cares what anyone else thinks about it?

[AceX]

My suggestions are simply to yeild the greatest results. I have some information on using an iPod as the source. If you're interested, I could post it or email you the information.

[Curt's_72]

AceX, All feedback is good, one simply uses the information as needed.

I have no intentions to 'hijack' this thread, as it's about the headliner, but the iPod information is something I'd like to learn more about. I will be using a Custom Autosound unit with a hookup for one, in conjuction with the Highliner and kickpanel speakers.

[east1la]

Originally Posted by msgross

You can find these mounts at Radio shack I think... then just add 6x9 box speakers or kick panel speakers...

what brand are the underdash aftermarkert radio kit? where can I find them online????

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Originally Posted by Curt's_72

Been hoping to see some love for the Highliner. I've purchased one for my K20 project. It came with foam insulation and everything necessary to mount. I'll be installing Dynamat also. I've already bought replacement speakers for it. Alpine SPS-400's, as I figured the ones that came with it wouldn't be that good.
I don't find it to be unattractive at all. I'll post my results when the truck is done, but I personally have no regrets about using it.

Any follow up on that? I was planning to purchase one for my 77 C10.....just wanted to know how it turned out...

[Curt's_72]

Originally Posted by THE "10" SILVERADO

Any follow up on that? I was planning to purchase one for my 77 C10.....just wanted to know how it turned out...

Nope. My truck is still very much in process. I've painted the Highliner with SEM paint to match the parchment interior. But no progress on getting it installed. Hopefully spring of 2011.

[paul63c10]

Originally Posted by AceX

My suggestions are simply to yeild the greatest results. I have some information on using an iPod as the source. If you're interested, I could post it or email you the information.

Hey Ace - j/w if you could send me some of that info. would be greatly appreciated!

[Curt's_72]

Finally got the Highliner mounted.
It was black, and I used SEM Super White paint on it. It turned out well. The color is very close to the factory shade of parchment.
It was a two person task. It's not heavy, just awkward.


I ran the wires first. Rather than run the exposed down the b pillar, I drilled a hole in the upper corner of the ceiling on the passenger side to run the 4 speaker wires.
It came with foam padding which I taped to the top of it before installing.
Rather than use the speakers that came with it, I bought these Alpine 4". I figured they they would have better quality sound.


They were an exact fit.

There were no provisions for the inner visor brackets. We installed a new header panel and the body shop filled in the holes for them when they filled in the ceiling mount mirror bracket.



I'm pleased with the fitment and the quality. Now we'll see how it works out going down the road.

[Andy4639]

What is all the center stuff in the front for. It's just a big opening for? Is there suppose to be some kind of cover that goes over it?

[RipMeyer]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

What is all the center stuff in the front for. It's just a big opening for? Is there suppose to be some kind of cover that goes over it?

The radio goes there. Is that the spot you mean?

[496bb]

Hey I'm curious how you run the wires so they are all hidden? Considering this option myself- and also considered cab lights, but my truck has no headliner and I'm wondering how those would be retro-fitted.