Date:         Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:17:21 -0800
Reply-To:     Ryan Press <ryan@PRESSLAB.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ryan Press <ryan@PRESSLAB.US>
Subject:      Re: kappa tweeters in the dash? - speaker grille modification
In-Reply-To:  <BC60F28A.B63E%tornadored@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

James V said:
> On 2/24/04 8:12, "Joe Federici" <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET> wrote:
>
>> I know there are a few people who have said they've put tweeters in
>> the Dash. Does anyone of pictures of this.
>>
>> I'm getting ready to replace the door speakers and not sure if I want
>> to go component up front or not. Looking at infinity speakers, 5-1/4
>> in the door, tweeters in the dash.
>
> I'm planning to put some components up front as well - probably 5.25"  Are
> you going to use the stock speaker location for the 5.25" - because, at
> least on my '90, there is only about ~.5" clearance to the dash and I
> don't
> think (?) the Infinity grills will clear.
>

<snip>

>
> James
> 90 Carat


I got an idea from someone else (maybe on the list) and I sort of expanded
on it.  I bought some Infinity Reference 4" speakers to fit into the doors
and of course the stock grilles hit the dash and the window crank.

What I did was to remove the metal grille part from the plastic support
ring; it just popped out.  I then drilled two holes diagonally in the
grille using the plastic support as a template.  These two holes are in
the same location as two of the mounting tabs on the speaker.

I fastened the speaker to the door panel using two of the screws, the
other two screws I used to fasten the speaker grille.  The speaker grille
STILL hit the dash, so I gently pushed the metal grille inward with my
thumb; just where it would interfere.  I did the same near the window
crank.  I was able to get a lot of clearance.  Also if you drill the holes
in the speaker grille in the right spot, you will not have a screw head
where the window crank could hit it.

You can't tell the speaker grille is bent; it is matte black and the bent
part is smooth; the window cranks clear with no problem.  It also looks
nice and clean.  I did the same trick in the back as the plastic ring
would hit the Westfalia trim piece.  I didn't bend the rear ones of
course, just eliminated the plastic ring.

This same concept would probably work for most any speaker where the
grille is removable and has a raised edge around the outside.


I am also about to install a 10" woofer under the rear seat using a custom
box.  It will fit above the Propex HS2800 heater.

I'm not sure if I can set the low pass frequency high enough to compensate
for the lack of midrange of the 4" speakers.  Anyone have experience with
this?  I don't want to be able to tell the midrange is emanating from the
back seat.  I was thinking at worst I could add another 6" or so speaker
to the front doors near the bottom.

Ryan