10 replies to this topic

[Patriot]

I am new on here, so g'day everyone; and I would appreciate advice on installing sound into the original shape Beetle. I have seen the awesome re-build of the '55 Beetle elsewhere on this site.
My head unit is a mid-range VDO which will be mounted in the traditional place in the dash.
My dilemma is placement of the speakers. Has anyone any experience installing in Beetles? My aim is simply good quality audio off radio and CDs; I do not intend to fit rear speakers.
Perhaps this is a little general, but I just want some common sense advice, based on the limitations of the car.

Thanks! Patriot.

[daviboy]

if all oldskool Veedub beetles interiors are the same then chek out this thread, my mates 1970 beetle im mounting jbl 5.25" splits pointing opposite passangers from udner the dash!

http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/forums/in...showtopic=57956

[Poisoner]

PM dasdubber... and look in rides section and check it out its only 13pages long and only the best dub in the country.

[Patriot]

poisoner, on Sep 21 2005, 06:42 PM, said:

PM dasdubber... and look in rides  section and check it out its only 13pages long and only the best dub in the country.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks daviboy and poisoner... yes I have seen dasrubber's project...awesome..
inspires us all ...I shall go for pods like yours daviboy... now all I have to do is choose some speakers... hmmmmm....


So, the story of my research so far, from this newbie.... tell me if you think I am on the right track.........

* The 1930s retro design of the VW Beetle seriously narrows the choices, unless you are prepared to go to dasrubber lengths to re-build. My car is a stock standard, totally restored 1976 Beetle convertible. I am not about to radically alter the car to suit the sound system. The car's value will increase while the audio system will decrease in value!!

* All I want is a sound system which provides unbiassed audio. By that I mean, no bias towards teenybopper bass, pop, rock, etc. A 'neutral' sound is my aim, if that makes sense. [ It does to my ears !]

* I have decided on front speakers only; and these to be installed in pods high in the footwells. I shall have to make up these pods myself it seems. This will be fun for someone who has not tried FG before.....


* I have ruled out door speakers: the VW design makes this route problematic.

* I have already bought a HU; a VDO 138 with 4x50w channels. Detachable face [important issue for convertible!] .This will be installed below the dash, to keep the original dash..... well original.. also it will be less visible.


And that's the story so far........

Edited by Patriot, 22 September 2005 - 10:33 AM.

[daviboy]

sounds sweet so far, what speakers have u chosen for the fronts? have fun fiberglassing for the 1st time! u planning 2 have a sub in the future or what? i recon if u add a system it will overall increase ur cars value, depending on condition of it cos its hard 2 find good condition bugs these days!

[Patriot]

daviboy, on Sep 22 2005, 08:21 PM, said:

sounds sweet so far, what speakers have u chosen for the fronts? have fun fiberglassing for the 1st time! u planning 2 have a sub in the future or what? i recon if u add a system it will overall increase ur cars value, depending on condition of it cos its hard 2 find good condition bugs these days!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Daviboy: I have chosen the new Focal 165 VI; at $309 pr.; they're good value for the quality; they are designed to run with the new aluminium TA tweeters which Focal have in their home systems and one of their design criteria was that they should be efficient enough to run off a HU only. These are 6.5s btw.

My thoughts are that if I am prepared to go to the trouble of making up FG pods for my splits to fit in the footwell of the VW, there is little point pushing money to the rear of the car, especially a small car like the Beetle.

My other major consideration is security; with a ragtop I need to be very discrete in my set-up and having the speakers up in the footwells they should be well out of view.

My big problem is locating the tweeters where they will be efficient, but also out of view. Probably at the head of the A pillar, but I need to find out if you can run cable down inside VW pillars....

The project goes on....

[blanketman]

place the tweeters also in the kicks

[Dasdubber]

Hey - good to see yet another dub on here! My sub box was my first attempt at fibreglassing, and my custom kick panel pods my second f/g project.....so providing you have patience and persistence you'll be able to achieve some great results.

I tried to keep my dynaudio tweeters as high as possible for optimum stage height, but had to ensure I could still access the bonnet release (not in the glove box like the late beetles). Apart from two holes in the a pillar and one in the bulkhead, the pods could be removed with no evidence of them being there (no mods to the body). Same for the sub box, apart from the four nuts welded to the parcel tray (used to bolt the sub box to), it could also be removed without a trace.

Carefuly design will enable you to enjoy a good audio system, yet be able to remove it if you ever want to sell the beetle. Obviously using carpet and vinyl to cover the f/g, and grill cloth to cover the speakers will help to keep the sytem stealth and out of prying eyes (and fingers). I went with painted/vinyl highlights as that was the theme throughout my car, but obviously my car wasn't restored to stay stock!

Best of luck, keep the pics updated!

[Patriot]

[QUOTE]undefined[/QUOTE]
I tried to keep my dynaudio tweeters as high as possible for optimum stage height, but had to ensure I could still access the bonnet release (not in the glove box like the late beetles). Apart from two holes in the a pillar and one in the bulkhead, the pods could be removed with no evidence of them being there (no mods to the body). [/quote]


Thanks for your advice guys.... I can understand the practicality of fitting the tweeters into the footwell, but [ and there is always a 'but'] the ideal is getting them up into the A pillar area, is it not?

Has anyone fitted tweeters at the base of the A pillar?

[rhysy_boi]

pyroay has in falcons. check out his car, it is a work of art! you won't regret it.

Rhyso

[Patriot]

rhysy_boi, on Oct 4 2005, 10:33 PM, said:

pyroay has in falcons. check out his car, it is a work of art! you won't regret it.

Rhyso

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Whereabouts on CAA do I find the pictures of his car?... thanks .. Patriot