Kickpanels in a SEC...... impossible??

[Snoopy572]

I would really love to install a set of kick panels in my car with Focal Utopia components, only problem is the e-brake, I know there is a plastic piece behind the brake, someone at a local shop told me it might be enough space if I remove that. I would like to make them myself. As I've been reading I see it's not as hard as I thought. Also, the installers locally want close to 1000 just for the panels, not including speakers.
SCLJA, or others, do you have any ideas, or sugg's?

[Snoopy572]

Anybody have any ideas at all?

I saw a kickpanel install in a sel one time. The parking break wasnt in the same place. I asked the owner what they did with it, if I remember correctly he said that they used a hydrolic actuator.
Here is the link to the guys page, you might want to e-mail him and ask him yourself because im not a 100% sure.

http://www.sounddomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=110700&make_type_query=make%3DMercedes-Benz&model_brand_query=model%3Dall_models&tree=Mercedes-Benz%20(all%20models)

Good luck with that project, and let us know if you end up doing it.

Mladen

[Snoopy572]

Yea I talk to him occasionally, he has won second place in IASCA finals. He told me he has his installed through his firewall, or something like that. It costs more money than I am willing to spend. But he can engage his E-brake with the press of a button.

[ned2683]

$1000 is a lot of money, and u have to be sure u will be happy with it. and focal are also so expensive.. (u don't want to kick it in and damage them).. so may i might suggest door pods instead? they make universal door pods now or for a gradn i am sure they can make out a custom door for you at the store. well about the door pods they stick out from the lower edge of the door and angle up towards you. plus i think they they are pretty much retarded proof in installing them, so u can save some money. good luck

[Snoopy572]

Got a friend trying to sell me a set of Focal Utopia's unused for $350, I know that price is unbeatable. Is it worth going through with the kickpanels, I really don't want to spend $1000 worth of fabricating and all on putting these in. SCLJA have you ever had any experience with installing Kickpanels in a SEC?

[SCLJA]

No as the e brake would have to be modified heavily. The dash is an excellent pace for speakers and there is a lot that can be done there. The other option is to get the best 4" sep speakers that you can and if a plate is made to mount them they can be installed from underneath and will fit. It is done by removing the inst cluster for the drivers side access and removing the glovebox liner and the vent duct for the pass side access! I have been doing this since the begining of the production of the 126 cars!

Scott@lajollaaudio

[Snoopy572]

So a no go, in installing a 6.5" component set? That sucks.
Thanks

[SCLJA]

I would never say it is impossible but a 5.25 or a 4" would be a lot more realistic. Custom kickpanels were not a hot thing 10 to 15 years ago when I did a lot more 126 cars. Now as high as my labor rate is it probably will not be in anone's budget to have them made by my shop. The other thing to consider is the volume of the enclosure that a 6.5" speaker needs to work properly. This would be a rather large kickpanel. Just my 2 cents worth

Scott@lajollaaudio

[Snoopy572]

Where could I fit a 5.25 component set? In the dash? Anything will be better than what I have now.
Thanks for all the quick replies.

[SCLJA]

The largest speaker that can fit the dash is a good 4" speaker. Get the focal 4 in and tweeter set and they will fit ( not a drop in) but they will fit!

Scott

[Ashman]

Why not have them built into the door panels. I have seen cars where the door pocket was modified and the part around the speaker enclosed.

Just a thought, but probably as much as trying to do kicks.

Alon

You could convert your parking brake to the RHD style which is a pull out stalk beside the steering column.

Matt.