Suggestions for System in Classic Car

Discussion in 'General Car Audio Discussions' started by Mieser, Jun 21, 2010.

  1. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    Hello everyone. I'm a newbie and haven't dabbled in the car stereo world for many years and I'm needing some help. I own a 1956 Chevy sedan that was restored by my father. When he built the car he didn't care about the quality of the sound system. Since I am now the owner of the car I would like to upgrade the system as much as I can with about a $750-$1,000 budget. I will be keeping the head unit that is currently in the car as it is one of the "shaft" style units and I will not cut into the dash for any reason. This is the head unit in the car: http://www.danchuk.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=10834. The car currently only has 2 cheap 6x9 speakers in the rear window tray. They will be going in the trash and be replaced by better 6x9's. Should I go with 2 ways or 3 ways? No front speakers were installed in the car. In fact, the only place that I could possibly put some front speakers would be underneath the front seat and I only have about 3 1/2 inches of clearance there. Here are the questions I have: What type of 6x9's for the rear? Can I buy small enough speakers to fit under the front seat that I would even be able to hear with that location and what suggestions do you all have for those? Also, if needed I could put a subwoofer and amp behind the rear seat as there is plenty of room in the trunk......suggestions on those components? I basically want a good sounding system but don't need one that will really blow me away. Any suggestions you all could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
     
  2. jayz85

    jayz85 Full Member

    I have a 65 mustang and I go to car shows all the time.. my sounds are wayyy out of my cars league but... for yours ive seen systems with just a simple decent 4 channel amp and a good set of component 6x9s out back and a 10 or 12in sub that made plenty of sound to let everyone here what you were listening a good distance ahead.and you shouldnt have to spend much.
     
  3. jayz85

    jayz85 Full Member

    oh and no fronts cause if they arent mounted properly or in a good location you just wont be please.
     
  4. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    Thanks jayz85. I need some suggestions on a 4 channel amp, a sub or two and some good 6x9's. I was thinking the same thing about the front speakers so I don't think I'll be putting any fronts in unless somebody has any other suggestions.
     
  5. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    Yeah no point in fronts really. I also have a 1965 Mustang, but I've pulled most of my stuff out. I might suggest replacing 6x9s with a pair of 6.5 components. They make an adapter, but it won't look totally stock, if thats a concern.

    I'm guessing you're just looking for something to play nice and loud over road noise, right? Nothing that rattles windows or anything?
     
  6. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    That's exactly right DatDude08. The car has Flowmasters on it so it's pretty loud going down the highway. I really just want enough power in the system to be able to hear it over the mufflers, doesn't have to rattle windows. I mostly listen to rock and country so I want the system to sound good with that type of music. The 6 x 9's that are currently in the car aren't even visible because they are mounted underneath the rear window package tray on which our interior guy drilled small holes in to let the sound come through. These holes kind of restrict the sound a bit so whatever speakers I choose need to be able to have enough power to cut through the holes. I've attached a picture of what I'm talking about along with a pic of the car itself.
     

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  7. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    Did you lay sound deadener? If not that would be a good thing to do at this time.

    Seeing how that is you might as well stick with the 6x9s, amp and single sub. I'll look around for you.
     
  8. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    Yes, the car does have sound deadener. I'm just afraid that the speakers in the rear window package tray are going to be severely restricted by the holes the interior guy installed in the tray. However, at this point, it's all I have to work with.

    I'd appreciate any suggestions you could give me on what I should consider purchasing as my knowledge on wattage, ohms, etc. is very limited. I'm needing advice on what amp to look at as well as a sub and speakers.

    Thanks!
     
  9. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    I understand. Here's some options on speakers that I found and that are reputable and have good specs.

    JBL Grand Touring 3-Way

    Polk Audio DB691
    Rockford Fosgate T1693
    DLS 269

    Sub:
    Image Dynamics IDQ12v2

    Amp:
    Kicker ZX550.3

    Ok, I realize I gave you quite a few speaker choices, but they are all going to be good performers. I would recommend the JBLs because they are 2OHM instead of the normal 4OHM which means they can draw more power from the amp. For the sub, ID is known for making good, loud, sound quality subs. Since you listen to rock and country a sealed box would do you best. Also if you could box the 6x9s it would help some. The amp will power everything, just straight wire the speakers to the 2 channels and then wire the sub in parallel to the other channel and you'll be in business.

    I know you'll probably have some questions, just ask. I don't want to make a huge text wall haha.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2010
  10. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    Thanks so much for the recommendations DatDude08. As for boxes, are there any sealed boxes that you recommend over any others? Should I purchase one or would it be okay to make my own without sacrificing any sound quality?
     
  11. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    It would be better for you to make your own. Most prefab boxes are crappy. If you have the means to build a box do it.

    I would say build a 1.5 ft^3 sealed enclosure and you should be happy. Just be careful when setting the gains because I'm recommending a slightly larger enclosure so the sub won't take quite as much power as normal.

    Also I found the amp cheaper here and who doesn't like to save money?
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2010
  12. jayz85

    jayz85 Full Member

    Datdude has you covered on pretty much everything... and go with sealed even though we use sound deadener our cars are steel so they will be prone to rattling up a storm. lol
     
  13. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    might i make a suggestion?

    if your worried about the sound from the 6x9's not being able to come thru the holes then cut out the holes for the 6x9s and add color matched acoustic fiber over the whole rear deck..you know like home speakers have.

    as for bass.. maybe some sort of IB set up. one 10 in the rear deck shouls work fine. no box to see in the truck.

    if you decide to do that, remember to seal of the back sides of the 6x9's.
     
  14. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    IB wouldn't be a bad idea, but the trunk needs to be sealed very well and that may be a problem in a classic car.
     
  15. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    There's no way I would cut into the rear window panel to open up the speaker openings. My dad paid a small fortune for interior in the car and he would kill me if I started cutting into thing.

    Will the sub enclosure need to be cube or box shaped or would I get by with building the enclosure to resemble a truck box? If I could build it like a truck box it would fit perfectly behind the rear seat and not take up as much trunk space than a "square" sized enclosure.

    Thanks again for all the advice.
     
  16. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    Is this a reputable dealer? I'd definitely purchase the amp from them if they are.
     
  17. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    I understand where you're coming from, but the package tray is most likely a separate piece and is just a thin piece of particle board. You could just buy another piece, cut the holes and cover it and leave the current one as is and store it. As for box shape it doesn't really matter. As long as you have the volume and the sub fits it will be fine.
     
  18. jayz85

    jayz85 Full Member

    or he can use 6x9 components and have the tweet mounted elsewhere.
     
  19. Mieser

    Mieser Full Member

    Ordered the 6x9's, amp and sub today. I'll keep you guys updated. I'm sure I'll have questions once I start installing everything. Thanks again!
     
  20. DatDude08

    DatDude08 Full Member

    Sweet! We'll be here to help you with any install questions you may have