Yet Another Question about Rear Speakers - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ctaylor738 · #1 07-06-2004, 08:47 PM

The Virgin Mary (VM) has a Blaupunkt Monterrey radio/cassette that doesn't work. This is the original radio, as I have the 1984-dated warranty cards (in Flemish). I am considering upgrading to a newer Blaupunkt or Alpine.

But as we all know, the car needs some speakers to use the power of this new unit and make it so you can hear the music with the top down. I have looked at the posts on this and since I have the rear seat, I can put a pair of speakers in the lower corner like this:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=68333&perpage=15&highlight=107%20and%20speakers&pagenumber=2

Looking at the car today with the seat folded down, I was thinking that speakers in the rear vertical panel, under the top well might work. That involves a hole in the carpeted surface rather than the side panel and would allow the speaker to face forward. I would drive around with the seat down, obviously. Then if I wanted to look original, I could put the seat back up.

Does anyone know if there is room behind that vertical panel in the area under the top well to install a pair of speakers?

You know, it is much more fun to be working on stuff like this than trying to get the warm-up compensator working!

DavidSoine · #2 07-07-2004, 03:37 PM

I believe that area houses the fuel tank...likely not too much package space there, not to mention the thick sheet metal (body structure) that you'd have to cut through to install in that location.

That side mount is the way to go...in fact I need to do this on our car, since we just installed a rear seat - and lost what little sound quality we had.

best,

Dave
87 560sl

G-Benz · #3 07-07-2004, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidSoine
I believe that area houses the fuel tank...likely not too much package space there, not to mention the thick sheet metal (body structure) that you'd have to cut through to install in that location.

And even if you could, remember that there are no pillars on a convertible to support the structure...so any removal of the thick sheet metal breaches the integrity of the entire car!

I'm not sure you have any real options if you want to retain your rear seat. Your rear speakers need an ample sealed cabinet configuration to produce the sound levels you desire...especially in an open top vehicle!

Even absent of mior issues like the fuel tank and sheet metal, there isn't much body cavity available to produce low-end thump.

They solved this on the R129-series by having Bose configure a tuned custom enclosure that resides below the parcel area...and it DOES sound marvelous...even at highway speeds!

ctaylor738 · #4 07-07-2004, 06:19 PM

I talked to an adviser at Crutchfield who showed me a set of enclosures for 6x9 speakers. Seel picture.

These could be covered with carpeting to match the rear area, and somehow cleverly secured. Then when the judges approach, out they come, and up comes the seat. I think this solves the enclosure problem and directs the sound toward the front.

He recommended a 3-way Kenwood speaker, KFC 6969ie, and liked my (tentative) choice of a Alpine 9835 CD/MP3/XM receiver.

Jeez this is fun!

KirkVining · #5 07-10-2004, 02:18 AM

If there is any chance when you have the radio out if you could give me the dimensions of the stock unit I would appreciate it. Some drunk did a hit and run on my kid's car last week. He's ok but the car is totaled, and I as the financier of said automobile have been presented with about all that was salvageable that had any monetary value, a new, and rather nice Pioneer with CD and remote. My cassette has got to go, so I am claiming the Dad's right of salvage.

I am going to officially dub it my $2500 radio, because thats the bath I will take on this deal. When he gets out of college, it'll be on his tab.

ctaylor738 · #6 07-10-2004, 10:20 AM

In mm

180 w
160 d from back edge of face plate
20 h

Glad your son's OK.

KirkVining · #7 07-10-2004, 05:58 PM

Thanks on both counts. I'll get the old ruler out when I get home.

sublettd · #8 07-10-2004, 08:31 PM

Those Crutchfield enclosures appear similar to what I have in my SL. I really wrestled over going with the enclosure solution for the rear speakers, but am glad I did. Sound quality is superb and it's little trouble to remove the speakers and store them in the trunk when I have need for the back seats or shelf.

Also, highly recommend http://www.etronics.com as a good site to pick up speakersand other electronics. They have a wide variety of products and their prices are the best I've come across.