New stereo for my Midget

[B_Hiles]

I've inherited, early, a '76 Midget from my father. The owner previous to him had cut out the speaker grill and installed an 8-track player. While I've got plenty of 8-Tracks to play, it's not exactly stylish. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I'm looking for recommendations for an audio upgrade for my ride. I've removed the console so I can work on it while the car is in storage for the winter, but I know I'm working with limited real estate. Any recommendations (models) for the stereo and speakers (front for the grill and rear)? I'm thinking of a CD changer installed in the glove box possibly.

Any hints for me from those who have made this change? Wiring and such.

Thanks!
Brian

 

[10musketeer]

I had a '73 midget and put a cd player in the glove box (actually were the glove box was /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif) which worked well. I think I'm going to put a cd player in the same spot on my '71 and use a remote so I don't cause a wreck trying to use it. My main goal is to free up the usual radio space so I can put the blank with the MG logo there. I really like the original look.

 

[B_Hiles]

I'm hoping to put a stereo in the place where the original stereo was.

 

[10musketeer]

That will work fine. The cd changer will be a good idea since it can be hard to get a cd in the face with the shifter in the way. On mine I ran the wiring from the fuse box and through the firewall, but sounds like you may already have the wiring there. Older "shaft style" radios will fit best due to the lack of space, but I know some have put more modern units in which tend to be deeper. I have two cheap 4x9 enclosed speakers behind the back seats, and two 4" in the footwells. I don't have anything fancy since the top is usually down and the quality suffers. I know others have really nice setups and will chime in.

 

[rulle7]

I've got a modern CD player in the original slot, under the speaker grill.
Yes, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif it sticks out half an inch or so but getting CD's in is not a problem as long as you're in second or fouth gear.

 

[JPSmit]

last night I started repairing my stereo enclosure. I'm trying to figure out if i can mount a stereo (with remote) behind the speaker grille. apparantly you can get good quality speakers that mount under the seats - then maybe a CD changer in the trunk or better an unobtrusive ipod plug? any thoughts

 

[zimmy]

i just put 240 watts of screamin Panasonic in my car..custom cut a rear panel for mounting a kicker component set......sounds awesome! ill take pics soon...z

 

[jlaird]

My word Zimmy, now how are you going to hear that fine engine?

 

[MGNoir]

Something I did for speakers is get a pair of very small diameter (2.5/3") and place them behind the grill side by side. Sound's not such a big issue for me, and security is about impossible to have, so I'm not out to give too many opportunities for thieves.

 

[B_Hiles]

10musketeer,

What did you do to encluse the 4x9s? Did you cut through to the boot, or did you build a box for them?

Brian

 

[Phireman]

I put a $99 Pioneer CD player in the regular radio opening, 2 3.5" Pioneer 2-ways behind the speaker grille, and 2 6x9" Pioneer 2-ways in small trianglar enclosures in front of the seats behind the cross bar deal in the floor. Sounds pretty good, is mostly concealed, and pretty cheap.

I don't use it as much as I thought I would, I'd rather listen to the engine.

She's in the garage covered in nice soft blankets now. I may take her for a spin tomorrow if the weather is good.

Marvin

 

[jlaird]

Ahhh, soft blankets for the colder weather. Has anyone ever used an engine heater?

 

[leecreek]

Yes. Our squadron vehicles had them. And most of the civilian cars at my last two stations. My present GMC has one.

 

[10musketeer]

[ QUOTE ]
10musketeer,

What did you do to encluse the 4x9s? Did you cut through to the boot, or did you build a box for them?

Brian

[/ QUOTE ]

They were each in a box and just mounted behind the seats against the boot wall. Actually something the p.o. had done.

 

[jlaird]

Engine heater in a LBC???????

 

[leecreek]

Drove the BugEye back to Los Angeles from Loring before winter set in.

 

[jlaird]

You sir have my admiration, I did one half way across country in a Bugeye, never again.

 

[leecreek]

It was quite a adventure with the Oil Embargo and all. I have a list somewhere with all the states and provinces this BugEye drove through in '74. I don't think I could do it now if I had to. Make a great book if I could write..hahaha..

 

[zimmy]

jack, the motors in front of me, most of the stereo is behind me, with the top down it evens out fine ; )
also everything can be returned to normal if needed ...z

 

[jlaird]

You mean both have an off switch, lol.