Dash Speaker

[vol96]

I'm installing a coverlay dash from our host and was wondering if anyone has replaced their dash speaker with an aftermarket modern one and could give me some suggestions:

Is there a way to re-install the original (or aftermarket speaker) so that you dont have to remove the dash (and windshield) to get it out shoudl it go bad. Seems like you could flip the speed screws that hold in the speaker then screw it in from under that dash frame. Not sure tho if there is enuf room to get to the screws from that direction.

What is a good (and reasonably priced) speaker that will fit the dash. I hope to upgrade the original radio with a Blaupunt Tampa Bay or similar model with a cd player. Will probably install door speakers at that time. BTW can you get decent sound from door speakers without cutting a whole in the door trim panel?

Note: I like to upgrade my 73 but I also want to keep the original parts intact so it can be returned to original condition. So I'm thinking about making some door panels with speaker holes if its not too hard and that will improve the sound.

TIA,
Joe

[vol96]

As to the first question, removing speaker w/o removing dash: This would require fitting the speaker under the dash and there is no room. The only way is to remove/install from above. So dash must come out.

Would still like suggestions on speaker selection.

TIA,
Joe

[keithdog72]

I'm not sure about your particular vehicle, but on my 75, I was able to remove the speaker without removing the dash. I, however, couldn't find the correct size speaker for the dash at a reasonable price, so it was time for some redneck engineering. I found a piece of flat abs plastic I had lying around, I'm not sure where it came from. I cut the plastic to mount in the old speaker hole, and mounted 2 tweeters into holes that i cut into the plastic. This, in my opinion, improved sound quality by having stereo output in the dash instead of mono. Good luck. Sorry I don't have pictures.
Keith

[fintstone]

I did not glue my dash cover down and it fits and looks fine. the speaker is still in place, but unused..in case I ever want to go back to stock. I figure that someday (probably when I replace the windshield) I will replace or recover the original dash pad. I use door speakers and a stereo dash unit/w cd

[vol96]

flintstone,
Thanks for the info. Good point about not glueing the dash cover. I'll give that a try first. I can always glue it later if necessary.

[fintstone]

It should look about the same and, if like mine, fit tightly enough that it doesn't move. I would just be careful to cover the windshield when parking outdoors in the middle of the day to prevent possible warping from the sun. Mine still looks fine after 3 years.

[vol96]

Did you have to trim yours any? Mine doesnt want to fit around the instruments and the left end? Dash doesnt appear to be warped. It looks straight everywhere....have the usual cracks around speaker hole...thats why I'm trying to put the cover on.

[fintstone]

No, mine fit perfectly.

[fintstone]

Here is a picture of mine installed:

[MikeSid]

Flintstone, that dash pad looks pretty durn good. What kind is it? I was worried about the coverlay ones looking like cheap plastic and having a poor fit. I'd be plenty happy with one that looks like yours.

[fintstone]

I had to go back and look..Mine is made by Palco industries and sold as "Dashtop" brand. I bought mine in July 2001 from an ad in Excellence and have been very happy with it. It was a big improvement. It cost me $69. + shipping on sale, but the list was $83.95. They seem to list for around $85 now. They make them for many types of cars. I don't know if Coverlay brand is any better or worse. I imagine Pelican could carry these too if there was demand. Since I was not going to use my dash speaker, I opted for one without the speaker just in case it would have structural (cracking) problems in that area like the original.

[MikeSid]

Thanks Flintstone. Found 'em on the web. If Eugene can get this, I'd gladly buy from our host.

[fintstone]

No problem Mike. Mine is still just hard plastic, but the look is still quite nice and the fit was perfect. It won't win a concours, but it is nice for the cost. I am in no hurry to replace it as I was before. Maybe if my windshield has to come out for something else. For some reason..I guess the texture...but the mind just does not automatically notice it is a cover. People always say..wow..a new dash! Even the couple of P-car guys who have ridden in it didn't realize at first. I have not seen any other year cover than mine, so I cannot recommend them. Here is a slightly different picture. If you want a different angle photo, let me know.

[vol96]

Well I've tried several hours to get my Coverlay dash to fit with no luck. At first I had the dash out of the car and just slipped it on it didnt fit....would reach to the ridges towards the windshield and would lay flat at the corners of the vents. So I hoped maybe the dash deformed a little due to being out of the car. So I installed the dash and tried again. No luck. Cover still wont reach to the ridges and wont fit in between the old dash and the vent.
I tried pressing forward on the rear side (above the radio) towards the front of the car but it still wont reach. Even if I could get it over the edge I'm sure it would not stay there even using the silicone adhesive. For one thing it would take at least 50lbs of weight to keep it down while the adhesive cured. And I dont the the adhesive would be strong enuf to hold it down.
I havent given up on it yet but it doesnt look promising at the moment.
Any suggestions?

[heelntoe]

I just installed 6.5" coaxial MB Quart door speakers without having to cut a larger hole. They sound awesome. I think that's the largest you can go without any mods to the panel.

[fintstone]

vol96
I think your standards for fitment are just greater than mine. If I understand what you are saying..mine fits the same. With mine pushed all the way on, it looks good from inside the car, but if you look down through the windshield there is a gap. It lools like is it were about 1/8-1/4 inch longer the cover would go into the gap between the old pad and windshield, but it will not. At least mine will not. Personally, I am willing to accept that, and don't even notice it since I rarely look at it from that angle.

[vol96]

flintstone,
thanks for the details. That sounds just like the way mine fits. I am still concerned that it will not stay in place. Maybe the windshield will help when I get it installed.