Speakers & Kick Panels

[julesmast]

I purchased the kick panels from glass action so I can install some front speakers. Would anyone want to share what kind of speakers and size they are using in a similar setup? I realize there is not a lot of right or wrong to this and its more personal preference.. However, I would love to hear what brand speakers are putting out some great sound as you cruise down the road before I make a purchase!


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My First Beetle Project: 1968 Bug -

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7711662#7711662

[sb001]

Hi Jules,
Well you're going to get all sorts of opinions on "good sounding speakers", I have always been an a/d/s fan so I would be looking around on ebay for a good used component set from that brand but the cost can run pretty high. Another good set from the old school days would be Soundstream Exact or SPL series. Those would be my preferences.
But new you can have Pioneer, Alpine, Infinity, JBL, Polk etc that have volume sales and can usually be found for fairly inexpensive prices, and then there are Diamond Audio, Focal, JL Audio, on the slightly higher end IMO.
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I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[Mavans]

I run this set up and am pleased with the sound...

http://www.jbugs.com/product/USA630-68-79-KIT-4C.html?Category_Code=vw-stereos-beetle-68-85

I'm not happy with my Glass Action kick panels.. contrary to what the sites advertises for my Convertible, they provided only 1" of clearance. I made and added my own speaker rings to them to get sufficient mounting depth. The Rockford Fosgate P1650 6.5" speakers I mounted in the panels only have a 2.25" mounting depth.
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Michael
1970 VW Beetle Vert

Previous: 1973 SB Autostick, 1977 Vert

[Maddel]

Mounting depth is an issue. I eded up with a 4" neodymium system and modified glass action kick panels
since I wanted a discreet sunken appearance.
http://www.axton.de/speaker-2/atf-n-coaxialsysteme/?lang=en

Note the felt on the driver side hasn't the speaker cut out yet.

[hperez71]

How are the kick panels attached to the car? Can the stock carpet be used? My vert came with ugly 6x9 boxes in the cargo area behind the back seat. Not a fan of 6x9s and when the top is down they are pretty much covered by the top boot. Would like to change them soon.

[TX-73]

Maddel, that looks really good.

I attached the kick panels with flanged sheet metal screws, I think about 3/8" long or so, then covered with carpet.

Speakers used front/rear

I added rings to the panels to ensure no depth issues plus I liked the slightly raised look. I've never knocked into the panels getting in/out.

Rears on removable shelf over 10" sub/amp

I'm sure that there are better systems out there but for me the sound is really clear with a nice range.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[Maddel]

[jfly]

[hperez71]

So panels are first attached with glue/epoxy or screws and then speakers installed (assuming holes were already cut and speaker wiring is done)?

[jfly]

[evillrdnikon]

Purchased the MAX kick panels from Jbugs! Hoping they work out! Anyone put Tweeters in their bug? If so where di you mount them? Was thinking if it would be possible to mount above the dash? or the top left/right corner of the windshield facing into the car.

[jfly]

The PO of my dad's Super Beetle installed tweeters in place of the little round dash vents.

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1973 Super Beetle, aka BUGLY, Daily Driver

SOLD:
1968 VW Beetle, Daily Driver, #68flybug

Photos: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=jfly

[Maddel]

A few pics...

[CWAVE]

Very nice kick panel speaker "boxes". I was planning on putting in ALPINE SPR-50C speakers in the front, however I didn't know how I was going to install them. Thanks for the heads upon these kick panels. I'll for sure be getting myself a set for my Sportsbug.

I've read good things about the ALPINE SPR-50C, so am leaning towards those. No decision yet on the 6x9's for the rear.

Thomas
CWAVE

[unclewede]

I put Focal's in my son's bug, with those glass panels. Had to put a ring to get them to fit.
Turned out that with his color scheme and all, leaving the panels uncovered worked out pretty good. Only issue I have is that they used silver screws on a black panel

There isn't the overwhelming sound quantity/quality that I was hoping for, but the kid doesn't seem to notice for now.

On the tweeters, I saw several images on the glass site where they just put them above the speakers, just need to cut that extra hole.

[Gerrelt]

I recently made my own speaker panels, because I couldn't get panels for the 1303 (super) beetle.
I made them out of plastic that I've put a speaker "bulge" into it by heating it up.
Pictures and explanation can be found on this post on my website.
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homepage
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[Chris913653]

this is how I did mine, I tuned it so that the 5" I have in the stock position is just putting out the higher frequencies for some front staging, it's basically a tweeter.

Then I did a discreet install (I live in South Africa y'all, crime is an issue lol)

Customizing the deck that I bought that just so happened to fit perfectly:

Underneath, I put it on hinges so there's easy access and you can even hide things under there lol:

What it looks like to others (I straightened it out after this):

I have since added a slimline sub underneath the rear deck to give some more oomph, and I always get comments on "Oh my god, where is that coming from" lol - I also have a 72 with a generator so I didn't want to put in an amp that would suck too much power out of it.

It's not perfect but I am happy with it, I prefer to listen to the motor most of the time

[pole_80]

[Maddel]

[Weezle]

gorgeous car. im assuming it came with the padded dash and is modded back to the classic look. Beautiful. if i ever got another bug it would be a 1302. right after my psych eval.
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I got a fever, and the only prescription is more beetles!

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