Speakers

Tidybuoy · 07-29-2003, 11:24 AM

Has anyone ever installed a set of speakers in the ricker panel? I'm speaking of the area just to the below the doors. It seems to me that there is plenty of room for an extra set of speakers.

I was wondering if this would cause any structural problems.

A small speaker with a tube attached to it will generate consiserable bass, if done properly.

Thanks...................................Vern

Jared at Pelican Parts · 07-29-2003, 11:52 AM

Ok, after doing this, I highly reccomend you NOT attempt it. I cut holes in my doors to put a nice set of JBL 6 1/2s and about a month later, the stress and weight of the speakers began to warp the particle board of the door panels, eventually ripping and ruining the door panels. I also had to cut away portions on the inner door frame in order for the speakers to fit correctly.

914's are not the best car to have a stereo in, it's a sad fact.

kellzey · 07-29-2003, 11:55 AM

Yes... cutting holes in the door is not good (especially if you ever go to sell). 914 enthusiasts HATE cut door panels.

Your options...

1. live with what you got and enjoy the 914 sound
2. Install better speakers in the 4x6 location (search the archive for Polk plate speakers that are popular)
3. Install a speakers in the center console sides
4. Install a bazooka tube underneath the passenger seat
5. Install some tweeters somewhere else in the car.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 07-29-2003, 11:57 AM

Keep in mind that in order tyo get a 914 to sound somewhat decent, you wil have to insulate al the interior panels with sound deading material, like Dynamat, (read: adds weight) then figure out a way to isolate the noise from the engine over the sound of the stereo, then fin speakers that will fit in there. There really isnt a good 4x6 solution to really kick out music.

914GT · 07-29-2003, 12:05 PM

If you're talking about the space inside the longitudinals it would probably be possible, but you would have to cut away your heat ducts which run inside. There are already some factory holes there that could be enlarged, I'm sure it would weaken it and if I was to do it I'd weld a stiffening plate around it or box the area to strengthen it. There might be some waterproofing concerns in there too.

914GT · 07-29-2003, 12:16 PM

Jared and Karl - you should see the holes in my doors a PO cut for TWO speakers. My plan is to cut out all the hacked up metal, fab some steel box speaker enclosures for the biggest speaker I can fit in there, then weld these boxes into the doors. I've already lined the inside door skins with dampening sheets, I used the thin stuff which didn't add much weight (actually I like the solid 'thunk' the doors have now and no rattles). Then when I redo my door panels I'll embed perf metal into the panels over the speaker openings and use a dark grey tweed fabric over the outside. Speakers will be completely hidden. When I eventually do this I'll post some pictures.

nein14 · 07-29-2003, 12:22 PM

I used a set of cerwin vega 4x6 behind the original seaker grills and another set installe in the door pockets( adde one on the passenger side) . the cerwin vegas are rated at 100 watts per channel and have great mid range bass response. for the low end bass I installed a set of bass shakers under the seats that is as good as having a subwoofer enclosure. The system sound great!!!!

Fly Mach .86 · 07-29-2003, 11:42 PM

A very wise man once said,"In a Porsche, the machine makes the music".
Cheers, Elliot

M. Hendrix · 07-30-2003, 01:44 AM

I just block off the radio, and take out the wires, and grills.

The dash looks better with no radio, and a script.

M

Bruce Allert · 07-30-2003, 06:47 AM

My doors came with speakers in them... crappy speakers so I changed them to some Blaupunkt 4 inchers. Sound great! I tried to get a set in the speaker boxes but couldn't find the right size. I made a center console and put 2 6 inchers in it and with all 4 speakers there is good music!
bruce