speaker location

[Matts HX]

Yeah the AM radio. Do you know what size the holes are under the dash?

[SLR_dave]

Just think about the result of a speaker box thrown at your head at 100km an hour.

Really good point, especially with modern heavy magnet speaker drivers in them! Also consider the passengers head!

I was gonna do a decent post here, but I havent got time atm, but if it helps answer the question, the original (mono speaker) for the AM radio mounts under the top of the dash (not the bottom) between the demister vents. If you look from the top, between the dash and the windscreen, you will see the dome heads of four capscrews (or if they are not there) four holes just outside the corners of the factory cut speaker grill slots which are arranged in a rectangle. Measuring the bolt holes centre to centre will give you the dimensions you need a replacement speaker to provide as mounting points.

The original speaker was a Plessey/Rola unit (manufacturer). It had a very average frequency responce for a speaker of that size by todays standards, but was quite acceptable at the time, it matched the radio well. Using a flash high end modern speaker will make very little difference to either sound quality or volume if teamed with the original radio, you are best off finding a cheapy that fits properly, it needs to be fairly compact, and have no part of the 'cone' or these days maybe cone(s) that extends above the mounting frame. For this application you wouldnt want to spend more than around 20 bucks and you'd get a pair for that price. If you cant find one, and need to use a two or three way, that does have elments that extend beyond the mounting frame you may be able to use a spacer, but there isnt that much room from memory, considering the size of some magnets these days. You dont want a large magnet in there anyway, its field may impose on the voltage regulators in the dash, which are much more difficult (and expensive) to rectify if they go wrong, and after all, they are getting old!

You could google plessy/rola auto speaker replacement perhaps, I havent tried this, so I dunno what youll get, but, I'd say for just one speaker as a genuine replacement it should be about 8 bucks.

I like your approach of fitting the original radio and speaker in their original placement. I will definately be doing this in both my vans, for cruising in old skool mode, (however I will also have a kick arse system that operates independantly as well - but even then, personally I will avoid the kick panels - all sorts of reasons).

But your best answer is to measure up those holes, if the bolts are still there, the speaker probably is too, but likely perished due to sun etc, its only little wing nuts fastening it in, you'll need to remove the glovebox to get to them, watch you dont dislodge your demister pipes, - demister is way more important than sound.

If you have the old unit, take into the shop and see what matches up, even the cheapest these days should be better than the old unit was originally. Otherwise measure the holes centre to centre and see what you can find - you may find a unit you can drill the mounting frame of in a couple of places to fit the dash holes . But for this application on the orig radio, go cheap, low output, small magnet.

[SLR_dave]

Oh, and P.S. if you are using the original radio, you need to make sure that the impedance of the new speaker matches it. That is; the impedance (in ohms - abreviated with an omega symbol) should be the same as the original speaker, dunno what they were off hand, cant find out at this time of night (lol) the radio may have a lable on its output giving min ohms, maybe.

[HZSM50]

As I said. I don't go fanging around in my van. It is also possible to secure them to the body with smaller holes, rather than cutting away at you pride and joy. At the end of the day it's your choice where they go there are so many places for them to go.

[HZSM50]

All car sound equipment as far as I remember is 4 Ohms if that helps.

[wbute]

Just suggesting that it could be dangerous. Bolt them in. Someone else might be at fault.
Get a second set of inspection covers and bolt them to those? Keep the good ones for later.

[Innuendo]

All car sound equipment as far as I remember is 4 Ohms if that helps.

The more modern stuff is typically 4 ohms but it is not true of all car speakers. Early Holdens are 15 ohms, so always check.

Here is an option for you.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Holden-HQ...-/111190839929

hq-hz_dash_speaker_conversion_zpsc7ad4438.jpg

[HZSM50]

That's correct yes, it's been some time since I have played with older equipment.

[Matts HX]

Thanks again. Loads of help. I do like the under dash speaker box. Just want it out the way. I'll need to find out the ohm of the old am radio

[Big Rob]

I just got the AM radio in my Valiant wagon running after being inspired by this thread and have found that there is only one station on the whole dial that broadcasts in AM. And it's the ABC! I'm in the country and there may be more city stations, but why on earth would you want to have an AM radio when there are so many options? I am putting a CD player in it VERY soon.

I'm all OK with originality, but you have to drive your van and having decent music coming out of something like stereo speakers is a minimum requirement.

At least consider an AM/FM cassette player, then you have some options.

Unless you are building a van that will be sitting in a museum or used as a concourse judging example, then put a decent sound system in it and enjoy your van......