Stereo Speakers

[MidgetLover]

My Midget looks and feels original. The only thing missing is the air pump (kill me CA).

Why my rocker panel is still black with the iconic MIDGET letters.

What did all of you folks do about Stereo Speakers?

I am looking for ideas I could live with. Was thinking of just putting in so 6x9 Boxes behind the seats, this way nothing gets cut. But lets see other ideares.

 

[vagt6]

My Midget has some nice 10" speakers installed in the boot panel behind the seats. Undoubtedly the best place for speakers in a Midget, all that's needed is a nice, round cut in the panel.

Where else would they fit?

 

[tomshobby]

I plan on one of these dual voice coil speakers. They have one that is a replacement fit for the original speaker in my 74.
https://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/category/id/8

 

[taskadog]

The headrests in Miata seats is the best place

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Another vote for Headrest Speakers. Originally a pair of 6 x 9" in the back deck worked for slow speeds but crusing at high speeds no. Love the Miata Seats I installed. Here's what I started with. Since I drive solo 95% of the time have Miata Speakers on DS hooked up and rear 6 x 9's on the other channel. Found out that running both PS and DS Headrests + the 6 x 9's was too much for my CD Player. Started blowing power fuses at high volume levels. Solution, DS + 6 x 9 only.

 

[RickB]

I put a pair of Sony Xplode 6x9 quads in the rear separator wall.
To me they sound great.

 

[dfwip]

If you don't want to cut up your car, there are few options.
Here is a pic of what I did. The fact that I retained the stock appearance meant the couple extra points I needed in a recent show to place above a really beautiful E-type.

Paul

 

[JPSmit]

I did that too - but don't like the sound - no bass, am contemplating two skinny speakers under the seats.

 

[dfwip]

JP is right...the sound quality is quite a compromise.
I really worked at getting it as good as possible while restoring the car. Since that time, I have driven the car about 1200 miles (since May) and have yet to turn on the radio or even THINK about turning it on. Wish I hadn't obsessed so much over the whole speaker(s) issue. Guess I just don't want any distraction to the driving......or maybe I'm just old.

Paul

 

[jlaird]

Naaaaa, it is just that the exhaust sounds so fine. Music would be a waste.

 

[dfwip]

Lol....Jack, it's kinda strange.
I have enjoyed really fine car audio for over 20 years.
Yet, even on long drives, I've yet to even think about turning the stereo on in the Midget. Sure hope it works....

Paul

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I like having the radio for when I get stuck in traffic and for the drive-in. Other than that, it doesn't seem necessary.

 

[MidgetLover]

In my radio console box, I have added an optional Smith's clock. While there is room there is not a huge amount. I am leaning towards building a couple of boxes and then just use quick clips. This way if I ever show it I could just take them out.

 

[bthompson]

In my radio console box, I have added an optional Smith's clock...

Pics! Pics! :laugh:

 

[bill_powell]

Ahh, the quandary of stereos and speakers in our LBCs. After 30+ years in Minis, I know it only too well.

Here's how I have dealt with it in the Midget. Keep in mind, it's my daily driver, and I'm not shy about modifications if it makes my driving more comfortable.

Oh...and I know, my car is filthy. I saw this thread this morning, and thought I'd just shoot a few quick pics for you guys. And I did not clean a darn thing first. :blush:

Overall view:

The car had a pair of speakers mounted in the rear wall, as is usual. I decided to leave that in place (although I did upgrade the speakers themselves.)

I then added the second set below them. I simply wanted a bit more 'ummph' when the top is down. These are mounted in a false panel. No cutting of the car was done here. (Not that I'm overly shy about doing that, mind you...):

You will notice the seats do not match. I had installed Miata chairs, but mine was killing my back. So I removed it, and installed a Kirkey racing seat, and then built it to fit my bad back. I had got used to having the headrest speakers, so I took advantage of the racing seatbelt slot in the Kirkey to mount a couple small speakers:

As has been mentioned, using all these speakers can be too much for a little car stereo. In this case, I've wired the four rear speakers directly from my car stereo, which it is designed to do. Due to the dimensions of my stereo, I mounted the console at a more inclined angle, and installed the stereo where a set of small speakers had previously been. This allows enough depth for the length of my stereo. The console is the stock item; I covered it with a wood facia, just because:

For the headrest speakers, I'm running two very small amplifiers, one per seat. These amps are made for motorcycle installations. I have mounted them where the car stereo usually resides, and designed the facia to hide them:

Yes, the facia is held in place with velcro. I was not sure I would like the wood, and wanted an easy way out...

Anyway, the system sounds good, especially with the top up, but it's fine top-down-at-speed as well.

My solution won't serve for everyone, but perhaps it'll give some of you food for thought.

Now I'm off to work. I'll be listening to Zeppelin this morning. <span style="font-style: italic">Houses of the Holy</span>, if you're curious...

 

[jlaird]

Nice, I'll be listening to A-40 at 4K this morning, sometimes up to 5K just for fun.

Sure make folks turn and look and smile.

LOL

 

[regularman]

A guy I knew who built speakers for a living told me to never ever mount speakers to metal or anything soft or flexible, but attach them to the hardest wood you can find and it will give the best sound. That is what I tried to do with the midget.
In the rear I used wood and got it all fastened really tight, and in the front, I made triangular boxes of plastic and fiberglass.

 

[Sopwith_Camel]

My tip is marine speakers
buy speakers from a boat catalog that are designed to get wet

steve

 

[regularman]

My tip is marine speakers
buy speakers from a boat catalog that are designed to get wet

steve

You almost made me spray my beer :lol: The top does go up on these cars.