Component speaker install.

[LilCop2002]

I've spent the last couple of days looking over all sorts of search terms and I'm coming up with a bit of a blank for my question. I recently ordered a set of Polk Audio 5.25" Component Speakers for my front soundstage. I took off my sail panel and decided that it was to shallow to flush mount my tweeters.

My question is as follows: What other location do I have that I might be able to flush mount the tweeters? I was thinking that I'd mount them in the door panel forward of the panel that holds the seat adjustment switch and just under the sail panel. Any input on that?

Thanks,

Julian

[offroadkarter]

I've spent the last couple of days looking over all sorts of search terms and I'm coming up with a bit of a blank for my question. I recently ordered a set of Polk Audio 5.25" Component Speakers for my front soundstage. I took off my sail panel and decided that it was to shallow to flush mount my tweeters.

My question is as follows: What other location do I have that I might be able to flush mount the tweeters? I was thinking that I'd mount them in the door panel forward of the panel that holds the seat adjustment switch and just under the sail panel. Any input on that?

Thanks,

Julian

You could mount the tweeters in the front pillar by the front whindsheild, GM does that with there setups.

[LilCop2002]

That's one point that I was looking at, but after looking at the A pillar, I can't tell if it would be pointed towards the winshield or the passengers...

[offroadkarter]

That's one point that I was looking at, but after looking at the A pillar, I can't tell if it would be pointed towards the winshield or the passengers...


I think GM made theres alil more towards the window, but yet again it does echo back

[LilCop2002]

I think GM made theres alil more towards the window, but yet again it does echo back


So you're saying that I should be fine to aim them at the windshield from the A pillar?

[ixlr8]

You could still surface mount them on the sail panel and would look fine. I did that to my Mustang since it didn't have the MACH stereo. Plus those would be a lot easier to replace if you [or next owner, if ever] ever wanted to remove the tweets. Things to consider before butchering the A-pillar or, heaven forbid, the door panels. I've considered it too, but for now I have Pioneer 3-way coaxials front and back and it sounds much better.

[magindat]

So you're saying that I should be fine to aim them at the windshield from the A pillar?

If you point toward the glass, the soundstage will expand forward (a good thing)

I say surface mount. Smaller holes and cheaper parts to replace. Like it or not, speakers don't last forever. You (or someone else) will eventually replace them. The new tweet will likely be sized different. Then what?

[ckadiddle]

This may be a dumb idea, but there are venthole thingies in the top of the dash facing upward toward the windshield. One of mine was loose (tabs were broken) when I got the car and was replaced under warranty. they jsut snap in. I don't know what the vent holes are for....but if the tweeters are really small they might not block airflow appreciably through the venthole. Seems like the high frequencies would bounce off the windshield and fill the cabin nicely.

[Sully008]

This may be a dumb idea, but there are venthole thingies in the top of the dash facing upward toward the windshield. One of mine was loose (tabs were broken) when I got the car and was replaced under warranty. they jsut snap in. I don't know what the vent holes are for....but if the tweeters are really small they might not block airflow appreciably through the venthole. Seems like the high frequencies would bounce off the windshield and fill the cabin nicely.

Those vent holes are for defrosting the windshield and side windows in cold climates (probably nothing you need to worry about since you're in Florida.:D)

Personally, I would surface mount on the sail panel as mentioned before. You could get those pieces from a salvage yard for cheap if you really needed to.

[larryo340]

Those vent holes are for defrosting the windshield and side windows in cold climates (probably nothing you need to worry about since you're in Florida.:D)

Personally, I would surface mount on the sail panel as mentioned before. You could get those pieces from a salvage yard for cheap if you really needed to.
If by sail panel you mean front of door panel directly behind sideview mirror I agree. That is where alot of manufacturers install them. My '96 Taurus LX had them there factory and it made the difference. Plus putting them there in a Marauder is great because they won't attract alot of unwanted attention, and soundwise it is a perfect location, not too close to ear level so the drivers side won't drown out the right side.

[LilCop2002]

Advice has been heeded and the tweeters were installed in the sail panels. The install isn't quite as nice as I had hoped, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I'll get pictures up when I get a chance.

Thanks for the help and advice, folks.

[rvaldez1]

If you point toward the glass, the soundstage will expand forward (a good thing)

I say surface mount. Smaller holes and cheaper parts to replace. Like it or not, speakers don't last forever. You (or someone else) will eventually replace them. The new tweet will likely be sized different. Then what?


Exactly, Magindat had me do this to my car, point the freakin tweeters at the glass, it will make a world of difference.

[LURKER99]

I'm Not Sure Anywhere Else You Could Do It, It Would Have To Be In The Door If You Want It Flush But My Friend Put His On The Side Mirror Panel It's Not Flush But It Still Looks Neat Of Course You Will Have To Drill The Holes For That

[BAD MERC]

Mount the tweeter coaxially above the woofer cone, behind the stock grille. I have my JL's like that and they are perfect. Don't go putting 2" holes all over the car or worse yet - on the A pillars. Keep the "homie" out of your install and do it professionally.

[magindat]

Mount the tweeter coaxially above the woofer cone, behind the stock grille. I have my JL's like that and they are perfect. Don't go putting 2" holes all over the car or worse yet - on the A pillars. Keep the "homie" out of your install and do it professionally.

I actually went that way, as well. But for those who must.....

[dalucifer]

you could glass some pods(using the factory sails) and make the tweeters more directional and have an actual axis. Doing this would create a really nice front stage..That is what my buddy and I did for my marauder. I should prob get some pics soon of the front stage/tweeter pods..

[BAD MERC]

Hey Rich - I already knew your head was screwed on right. It amazes me that people think you have to see the speakers to hear them. You've heard my stereo and as far as I can tell - it sounds great!
I actually went that way, as well. But for those who must.....

[dalucifer]

Hey Rich - I already knew your head was screwed on right. It amazes me that people think you have to see the speakers to hear them. You've heard my stereo and as far as I can tell - it sounds great!

I agree with this, but i also disagree. Hiding them does make the install more stealth(which i do prefer), however when creating a sound stage sometimes the tweeters need to be visible and position ackwardly. In marauders for example, if you put everything behind the door panel, the sound stage is at ur knee area, when you really want to higher. having the mids in the stock location and the tweeters in the sails or the pilars really helps raise the sounds stage.

[larryo340]

I agree with this, but i also disagree. Hiding them does make the install more stealth(which i do prefer), however when creating a sound stage sometimes the tweeters need to be visible and position ackwardly. In marauders for example, if you put everything behind the door panel, the sound stage is at ur knee area, when you really want to higher. having the mids in the stock location and the tweeters in the sails or the pilars really helps raise the sounds stage.
True, but doesn't having the tweeters higher mess with stereo seperation ?? or at least the perception. When higher you will hear mostly the tweeter right next to you.

[dalucifer]

True, but doesn't having the tweeters higher mess with stereo seperation ?? or at least the perception. When higher you will hear mostly the tweeter right next to you.

It can, but if you have a good head unit or processor that is what time alignment or time delay is for.

[Aren Jay]

Audi mounts their tweeters in vertical mounts built into the dash. Turn the music on and they raise up.

[magindat]

Audi mounts their tweeters in vertical mounts built into the dash. Turn the music on and they raise up.

Funny how competition 'tricks' end up in production. Earl Zaussmer did that in his BMW in the early 90's.

[magindat]

To each his own. I HAVE built cars with every imaginable setup. After doing this stuff for over 20 years, I decided to keep it simple in the Marauder. Like Kenny, the interior is simple and unadulterated while the trunk is all business. This car just doesn't need the 'bling'. And whoever said time alignment and EQ settings help is exactly right.
Not to say any of you guys are wrong, and as you know, I'm always happy to help and advise. I'm just 'referee-ing' that every owner has his own motivation or his particular setup with it's own pros and cons.