Hidden speakers - no drilling

[Globespotter]

I have a pure stock 71SB and don't want to do anything to alter it. I had a stereo and speakers built in a box that I put behind the rear seat, but I did not like the fact you could see it, and even though it has a remote, it was still a pain not to be able reach certain controls.

I'd like to build a small box to put the stereo in the glove box - not screwed in, just put in there. There is already a small hole in the glove box so I can run wires into the trunk area for power.

I have two nice 5" round speakers, but I don't want to screw them into the car or alter anything.

I was thinking of a few places to put them:

1. In a box in the trunk facing toward the dash
2. In enclosures that could somehow be mounted under the dash or on the sides under the dash, but with no screwing into the metal.
3. Under the seats?
4. In the rear cargo area
5. Build a panel to go across under the dash but make it press fit

I'm leaning towards #5, like this:

but would be interested in any feedback.

The idea is I want the car to still look bone stock, I don't want to alter the car in any way, by want nice tunes. The main part that I am stuck on is the speakers - not where the stereo/amp gets installed.

I can probably live with the panel across the car under the dash if it blends in and can be removed easily - ie: have a quick disconnect for the wires and be able to pull it right out.

...another option might be the suitcase stereo option - I found a couple of threads that have some pretty cool ones - if I can't find a real good way to mount the speakers that is an option.
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1977 Westfalia - October 2015 - Current
1971 Super Beetle - May 2012 - Current
1979 Westfalia - 1986-1991
1971 Super Beetle - 1977-1980

1971 SB Survivor Story: https://globespotter.com/
Road Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511800&highlight=
My 77 Westy Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647114&highlight=

http://vw-mplate.com/mcode.php?lang=EN&id=30990
https://vw-type2-id.xyz/mplate/72067382

[Cmontoya9]

I like the idea of doing a full under-dash shelf. I think you could put the stereo and speakers in it. The wires for power to the stereo could be run through the ignition wiring grommet so no holes would need to be drilled. Buuutttttt...I can't think for the life of me how it could be mounted without drilling holes or screwing it to the dash, maybe some heavy duty Velcro? I know they make some pretty strong stuff. Good luck.

[andk5591]

Since it was my car that you picked as an example, the big problem with using that location is that there is no bass response. I have a sub mounted under the rear seat which takes car of that. There are several posts with "suitcase" stereos that seem cool and another option is a package tray speaker setup. Also, mounting speakers in the rear kick panels is a "no drill" method and sound a lot better on their own.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone 1914. Ex wifes car.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Ex-wifes car.
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[bdub74]

it's a little far fetched, but what about these on the rear panels

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-375

[mtdorajohn]

of course you can create a rear deck speaker shelf and lay it in.... I have seen a few people take an old suitcase and install the speaker in there and place the suitcase in the back... it looks nostalgic and is functional

as for the radio, you can purchase a plastic glove box replacement with a radio cut out. save your original glove box for the future and use the plastic replacement to mount your radio in.

[waco69bug]

In my '71 convertible we put the speakers in the rear seat kick panels. I removed the stock panel and cut new ones out of panel board, they work okay, just need to be certain the speakers fit with your battery. Too deep and they'll hit.
On another car I installed a plywood shelf similar to the bamboo ones you see, I mounted two small speakers on the shelf (took 3 small holes in the body to mount the shelf). Put a sub in the rear luggage area and placed a shelf above that (no mounting holes) and put two 6X9 speakers in the shelf, the sound system rocks!
_________________
1969 Beetle (Just finished a complete pan off restoration, SWEET! Runs like I imagine a new Beetle would!)
1971 Beetle - 1776CC, dual carbs
1971 Super Convertible - my wife's car
1969 Bus - Work in progress, fun to drive, just needs the odd tweak.
1957 Rag top - Just got her Nov. 13.

[68IHscout]

A used a old speaker boxs to install two six by nines , stuffed them with foam and just sit them in behind the rear seat , you could just make a couple ofboxes for under the front seat with youre speakers as var as the radio i would just stick it in the glove box with some velcro so it doesnt move around ...simple no drilling cutting ......

[tikitime]

Speaker kick panels:
http://www.cip1.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D3520
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Streng Deutsch Die Völker Klub

[Globespotter]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm now leaning more to building a cool suitcase stereo - retro suitcase, but unlike some - have it so you open the lid and the speakers are in the inside - so from outside the suitcase looks stock. Would store behind the rear seat, but place on the rear seat open when cruising.

Added bonus is it can be taken out of the car for tunes while parked.
_________________
1977 Westfalia - October 2015 - Current
1971 Super Beetle - May 2012 - Current
1979 Westfalia - 1986-1991
1971 Super Beetle - 1977-1980

1971 SB Survivor Story: https://globespotter.com/
Road Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511800&highlight=
My 77 Westy Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647114&highlight=

http://vw-mplate.com/mcode.php?lang=EN&id=30990
https://vw-type2-id.xyz/mplate/72067382

[lepooner38]

[mtdorajohn]

[Joel]

With one of my convertible cars I didn't want an obvious stereo in I had 6x9s mounted to the under side of the parcel tray with thin carpet over the top.

You would never know they were there but they still had crisp clear highs through the carpet and good bass response being in the parcel tray.

[Steve22]

Get a bamboo tray for under the dash, then put your speakers in boxes on it.
_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia 'vert
'73 Super Beetle
'59 Beetle ragtop
'73 Sunroof Transporter

[adam f]

Heres what I have, but not installed yet

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-113-800-900
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1971 Super Beetle Autostick

[Boble]

I put them under the shelf behind the rear seat. Cut holes in the MDF plate, popped the speaker on, and re-glued the carpet back on:

I'm sure thee hi-fi experts would not be very enthusiastic about this method. But those speakers are hidden off, and the sound is actually there. At least I can hear the news pretty good, although the music quality is not fantastic...

[Robbo112233]

I have mine sitting in custom boxes i made in the rear parcel area.

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1973 Bug

Beetle Bums VW Club member

Archie's Photo Gallery

[Globespotter]

[Globespotter]

Since my 71SB never had a parcel shelf at the back window, I'd like to keep stock - but may be able to make a false bottom for the area behind the back seat - kind of a combination of the last two posters above.
_________________
1977 Westfalia - October 2015 - Current
1971 Super Beetle - May 2012 - Current
1979 Westfalia - 1986-1991
1971 Super Beetle - 1977-1980

1971 SB Survivor Story: https://globespotter.com/
Road Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511800&highlight=
My 77 Westy Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647114&highlight=

http://vw-mplate.com/mcode.php?lang=EN&id=30990
https://vw-type2-id.xyz/mplate/72067382

[CarlIseminger]

From what I have read/learned, I don't think the parcel shelf in bugs was ever standard. It might have been something that the dealer cobled together to sell, but it wasn't from VW.

I have been following this thread because next summer I plan on redoing my interior and I think the parcel shelf will solve the speaker issue for me, and allow me to mount my third brake light too. Also, I won't have to worry about how poorly I do when I install the carpet back there.

[Globespotter]