rear parcel shelf - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ajcbgray · #1 03-02-2008, 10:36 PM

I was thinking about pulling the parcel shelf out of my car, storing it in the garage and building a new one with some nice sized speakers and fresh carpet. Maybe even mounting an amp on the back of it to augment the weak stereo the previous owner installed. Anyone done this? What is the parcel shelf made out of and how hard would it be to cut a new one?

rrgrassi · #2 03-02-2008, 11:57 PM

I would be interested also. I do know the current shelf is very weak. Seems to be made out of carpet and very thin pegboard.

jkoebel · #3 03-03-2008, 12:34 AM

Please post dimensions if you do this, or a PDF of a cut-out or something. I'd love to get some actual decent speakers and a low-profile sub back there.

hey_allen · #4 03-03-2008, 12:50 AM

Does anyone know if the parcel shelf shape is the same between the coupes and the sedans?

I've thought of doing much the same as the original poster, and have a spare sedan shelf sitting...

LilTimmy · #5 03-03-2008, 12:56 AM

I know on my model that right under that shelf is a layer of sheet metal, and right under that is the fuel tank. Anything other than the stock sized speaker will require a fair bit of surgery.

ajcbgray · #6 03-03-2008, 09:48 AM

LilTimmy,
which model do you have?

Angel · #7 03-03-2008, 12:21 PM

I made a crude plywood backing/replacement for my 240D (same W123 as you). the shape was lousy (not a good fit) and I sold that car, so I couldnt post a template if I tried

You aren't going to remove the parcel shelf - its sheet metal, welded to the body, body color, helps surround the gas tank and is probably a structural member of the car (this was designed before folding rear seats).

On my 240D, there were "dished" sections for the 2 speakers, which limited the size/depth of any aftermarket speaker that you might think off.
It does have a hole for the first aid kit, as I rememeber, this is the biggest hole in the thing (still not big enough to climb through when you lock your keys in the trunk)

I agree with what you are doing though, what I can see is a very flat trapezoid, which lifts the speakers up from the stock shelf, and gives you a sold place to mount them. Some simple screws through existing screw holes would fasten this to the car nicely (and provide better sound isloation from the trunk to the cabin.
If you kept the "shelf-box" at less than 3 or 4 inches tall, it wouldnt obstruct rearward view very much if at all (heck, put a 3rd brake light in there =)

Hope this helps.

-John

dieseldan44 · #8 03-03-2008, 01:13 PM

I just modified mine for new speakers. This project will take you a few days to do right since it requires making some custom parts and measuring and figuring.

the rear deck shelf is made out of some sort of 1/4" thick pressboard. it needs to be somewhat flexible to get into position in the rear. I think a plastic material would be superior to the plant-based pressboard thats in there. Extra reinforcement where the speakers are mounted would be ideal.

I put in standard 5 1/4's in the rear. I opened up the holes in the pressboard a little bit from the stock speakers that are about 4 3/4". I modified the speaker mounts using PVC pipe to act as a receptacle/baffle for the new speakers. This way they aren't hanging exclusively from the pressboard. I didn't want to go far from stock look since I wanted to have speakers that looked stock from the outside(theft prevention).

Youll have to take out the pressboard and measure what you fit in there. I think 6x9's may be your best bet. I still had some room to grow in the vertical plane with my magnets on the 5 1/4's. The place to put an amp is in the first aid box. Easy to route wiring to and from there.

If you make some measurements and give a place like Crutchfield a call they have the exact specs on the speakers so you can make an informed decision about what will fit before buying.

I have included some pics from my mod so hopefully they can help you.

good luck,
dd