Replacement speakers for stock radio?

[EScanlon]

Brian:

When I replaced the original speaker in my car (the old one's diaphragm had nearly disintegrated), I was able to pick up a pair of 5-1/4" from Radio Shack.

Sadly, Radio Shack no longer carries speakers ... except for the computer or laptop ones. (And a very few ceiling mounts for PA's).

Mike's suggestion is good, as it may be the only way of getting better speakers instead of the original 5-1/8". The only problem I see with the MSA speaker box is that it replaces your tail-light plastic surround. That makes it difficult to pop in and out for a car show (supposing you want to appear original). But you can find 6x9 speakers to fit that box that won't overpower the OEM radio. Even if they're 8 ohm you can wire them in parallel and reduce the resistance so that the radio can handle it. Just make sure you're not dealing with 50 watt speakers. Again, 10-20 watt are more than sufficient.

Another approach is what I did, which was to buy a pair of 5-1/4" and mount them behind the plastic panels on the side. I had to fabricate the right hand speaker mount, but it's just the mirror reverse of the left.

You can find both the 6x9 and the 5-1/4, low power speakers at JCW, and most electronic shops. That they're not overpriced "hi-fi" units won't matter as the radio isn't a hi-fi stereo.

FWIW

E

[zed2]

Has anyone found a source for the original size 4 ohm 5 1/8" (5.125") speaker? I want to keep the system as original as possible.

Thanks,

Keith

[Mike B]

Has anyone found a source for the original size 4 ohm 5 1/8" (5.125") speaker? I want to keep the system as original as possible.

Thanks,

Keith

See posts #30 on in this thread http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33169&page=2.

-Mike

[zed2]

Mike,

I saw that post, the Kenwood speaker mentioned was replaced by the KFC-1352S. Both of these speakers are a 5.25". I am looking for a 5.125", the original size.

Thanks,

Keith

[Arne]

Mike,

I saw that post, the Kenwood speaker mentioned was replaced by the KFC-1352S. Both of these speakers are a 5.25". I am looking for a 5.125", the original size.

Thanks,

Keith

The Kenwood 5.25" is so close to the same as the original that I used the factory mount to install mine. The actual size difference is negligible. I don't think anyone builds a true 5.125" these days.

[zed2]

Arne,

I am glad to know the 5.25" would fit.

I found a local company that would recone my original speaker, so I may go that route.

Keith

[Arne]

Arne,

I am glad to know the 5.25" would fit.

Fits quite well, in fact.

[zed2]

Looks like a clean install!

[rtaylor]

I believe that Les sells a mirror bracket for the passenger side.

[richard1]

as concours original and superb it was, the only option was to hide the stereo unit and install better speakers. I made a duplicate bracket for a left speaker and bought a performance stereo to match the speakers.

They are in the fender well as the original single speaker.

Where is the unit? guess where.....

ENTIRELY CONCEALED behind the right seat storage compartment. It cannot be better....no wires...nothing...and the original radio still lights up when the lights are on.

I will try to post pictures.

All the original tools fit in the left compartment.

[jeffs73z]

When my original speaker disintegrated a few years ago, I had already installed a reversed original bracket with speaker on the right side and just connected a wire across. It sounded fine for the weak radio. I bought a pair of new oem sized speakers from either Autozone or Walmart, don't recall, for about $15, I believe 10w. They were the next level up from their cheapest ones. They sound better than you would expect from the orig radio and fit right in the bracket, no mods.

[zed2]

One of the Forum members located an original speaker for me. The cone needs replacing. I have sent the speaker to a local business that specializes in reconing high end drivers. If they can recone the 5 1/8" size (not a common size) and test the magnet for proper strength, I may have found a solution for anyone who wants to stay original.

Keith