Install speakers? Custom Dashboard?

So, I got my 1980 Mini in from England and I just love it. It's going to be my daily driver and I've had her all checked out and fixed. One problem, though... It doesn't have a radio or speakers at all. I cannot survive without my NPR and music.

If I was going to install either speakers or the stereo itself in the dash, I'd need a new one and I have some type of crutty cardboard. I saw someone at Carisle selling custom wood ones, but I didn't get his name...

Has anyone installed a stereo and speakers in a Mini before? If so, where did you put the speakers? Anything I need to be aware of?

Thanks!
Melissa

Hi Melissa.

I have been contemplating the same issue. My solution - thus far - is an iPod based entertainment system (mini stereo for a mini car.....?! ) with some small speakers mounted under the front package shelf - my mini is a 64. I look forward to reading this and seeing others suggestions.

Peter

You have several options on the speakers depending on how much work you want to take on and how you want the car to look.

You can cut holes in the horizontal shelf behind the back seat... like a lot of modern cars. That will give you two speakers in the back. You can buy encased speakers (boxes with mounting brackets) and mount them under the back seat at floor level. You can make cover plates for the rear seat companion boxes and mount speakers to them (speakers mounted horizontally pointed up). I've also seen pictures from the U.K. where people have modified the doors and mounted speakers in them. Of course, there are custom dashes that can be built to provide mounts for both the speakers and the stereo itself.

Thanks! Yeah, I was thinking two in the back behind the back seats pointed up and a custom dash with the stereo system and two tiny speakers up front. I may have a contact to get the custom dash as well now...