stereo speakers upgrade

[childofthewind]

i'm sure this is a popular subject, but being someone who can't do these things myself and who is starting from bare minimum, hopefully you can help me out.

i've got an '87.5 wolfsburg (non-westy). it has two speakers in door and the stock speakers in the corners of the back (boxes hanging from ceiling). i've already switched out the door speakers and this makes a difference. i have a new kenwood stereo which is lovely, too. the wiring is all set for the rear speakers (as far as power is concerned) but i'd like to find some better speakers for back there. has anyone tried the same kind of "hanging" speaker in place of the stock ones, or what have you done? in my last vanagon i put speakers under the z-bed seat but don't really want to do that again.. unless it's my only option. i am a music person... i love good music and i like it loud, so quality is everything, in my book.

thanks!

[Classicvibe]

Not sure what you will find in the searches, but I can tell you that speakers came "hung" in the later non-pop top models. For your model, the best thing is to utilize that stock space by enlarging the hole. I have not measured, but a 6" should land in there fine. Make it a 2 or 3 way and you are set. If you have some A/C back there, you will need to modify the vents. I can expand on that if needed but there is not magic pill on that one.
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1986.5 Wolfsburg Syncro Westfalia Poptop Weekender Transporter

[joetiger]

Get a subwoofer. I run a Kenwood 100w 10-inch bazooka-type sub in my Vanagon and it makes all the difference in the world. It's been my experience that it's difficult to get good bass out of any speakers that will fit in stock locations.
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[Classicvibe]

[childofthewind]

wow... this all sounds complicated. so, pretend you're talking to someone who knows nothing about tweeters, etc. (i do know what a subwoofer is). bottom line is i just want some good speakers but i'm not sure what i can do using that space in the upper left and right rear corners. i don't have a/c so there's nothing but space there. guess i have some research to do.

[Classicvibe]

I am having trouble picturing that non-westy area back there. Let me look around, or post a pic if you can.

This is all only as complicated as we make it. In the end, you can just set off with a cd player (for instance) that is powered (it says 4x25 for instance) which means the unit will drive speakers without any assistance (in this case, 4 of them at 25 watts). For a great deal of people, this is just fine. This system will work well and bring happiness. Adding a simple sub such as the bazooka mentioned above is another simple mod. It is powered, enclosed, and all you have to do it give it a signal and hook it to the battery. This will suit the vast majority of folks. From there, adding more power gets you, more power. This helps to create a more rich and textured sound stage, and increases the clarity in full range listening.

It is not that big of a deal. I have more time than money to sit around and figure this crap out. Let's just figure out those rear speakers first.
_________________
On a mission, the destination is just an excuse.

Syncro Solstice 2022...see you there!

1986.5 Wolfsburg Syncro Westfalia Poptop Weekender Transporter

[SoonerDave]

Are you installing yourself?

If you do, beware of the dreaded ground problem to the rear speakers. You may have to run a new ground to the back, or else (if it's like mine I recently installed myself) they will all cut out beyond mid-volume. Very frustrating.

If you are bewildered by all this, it's worth having a professional just install the shit you want, they can do it in an hour or two, and it will work well. It may take you all day to do it yourself, or all weekend, and you still might just not get it right.
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-'86 Wolfsburg Westy Weekender original 2.1 Waterboxer - "Buster". Like the moe. song - Pig can fly!! Not named after it's tendency to have things on it bust.

[childofthewind]

yeah... i think i will have a professional help me. apparently the right wiring has already been done to the the rear speakers, so that's half the battle.

thanks for the help, y'all... although i'm pretty mechanically inclined, electronics has never been something i've dabbled in... but apparently should, as it's expensive to have people install it for you. i just want to be able to listen to my good music loud without have to turn the bass to -1 :/

[msewalson]

I have ran into the same problem. What to do with those factor rear speakers?

Here's a pic.

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I've tried to take the front grill off to see if the speaker could just be swapped out but the grill appears to be glued on and not removable. Could probably cut it at the seam to gain access but not sure if I want to sacrifice a speaker attempting it.

[childofthewind]

yes! thank you for posting that pic, msewalson. i'm at work and can't jump out to snap a shot myself. i'm wondering if bose makes something that can attach to the ceiling, or some company that makes great sounding tiny speakers, like that?

[msewalson]

Not sure, I have checked around a little but didn't come up with anything. I was thinking about putting tweeters in them, not sure if it's the right route to go, not a sound expert. Also thought about adding speakers, not sure on size, in the side panesl back in the cargo area. I guess will also need a sub but not big on putting it under the bed.

[chimivee]

Not exactly what you were thinking, but I've got a pair of Pioneer 3-way 6x9s you (or anyone else) can have for free + shipping. The grills are a little beat up from getting kicked. Previous owner had them mounted under the bench, powered by a small amp:

Personally, I'd leave the stock rears alone for the time being and start with an amp and component speakers for the front and a sub-woofer. Huge difference.
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc