Hi, my mother has an '81 fb, 80k origional miles, she's the one and only owner the car's ever had.

We're going about restoring it's exterior (it got backed into by a retard while I was -driving- it) and while we're at it, she wants to upgrade the speakers/stereo.

Well, she just wanted to replace the speakers, but I had put some "cheap" replacements in (the car has 6 1/2 speakers installed in the rear) and the car just can't make much noise come out of them. I'm presuming it's just the stock stereo's lack of any power at all, so I'm thinking about a new head (we're keeping the stock unit in case we ever want to make the car completely restored back to stock) and am looking for some opinions as to what people on here have done. I don't want to have to do fabrication, I'd like something that fits well for an average price (nothing over 300 bucks) as well as possibly some good sounding, mid priced speaker options. I've got boston acoustics S series speakers in my 240, and the stock Harmon Kardon system in my M Coupe.

Gimme some replies and I -might- even show you guys what the car looks like

 

replies replies replies replies replies replies

There. Now show the pics.

 

now that won't do it. I need some actual information before I'll show you the car :P

Maybe a pic of my cars

 

in my protege i run just the stock HU, so no one knows that i run pioneer 6x8 240 watt 3 ways in the front, 6x9 3 ways in the rear doors and rear deck, and a pioneer 600 watt stereo amp, plus a 600 watt dual channel amp with a 450 watt amp connected to a 12 inch pioneer sub.

If you want, I have a 79 with the center counsol (the stereo part) cut out to accept an aftemarket HU for sale. interested?

 

It sounds like you already know what you are doing and just need stereo advice? You should go to the Interior & Audio section.

 

i dont know but that M coupe is fkn HOT!

 

You might try posting your question in the 'Interior/Exterior/Audio' section of the forum.

 

Well.. theres lots you can do. I'd say just find a stereo that she likes.. many eclipse, sony, pioneer, kenwood with about 45w power, then in terms of speakers you said the rear is 6 1/2 .. i'd say either go kicker or eclipse. if you go eclipse they have the built in tweeter in the middle of the speaker as well as providing some bass to go with your sound. if you want pure sound over base, go with kicker or polk audio. try to stick with the same in the front, brand wise.

i have an 84 GS, kicker speakers in the front, 6x9 alpine in the rear behind the seats and an alpine amp custom done into the flooring under the passenger seat. i'm also running a tube subwoofer in a custom box in the back thats 300w peak RMS. my sound is great. so you can do something similair.. just without the sub and amp. if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

my old set up:

kenwood KDC-MP919 head unit
infinity kappa 5 1/4" in the doors
infinity kappa 6x9 in brackets in stock rear location

since then the damn kenwood died on me. so i just recently installed a pioneer 5900ib. i suggest pioneer without a doubt. if she has an ipod, go for the 4900ib. cheaper than mine but made for ipod use. for stock speaker sized speakers id go with alpine type r or infinity kappa or infinity reference.

 

nice setup. 5 1/4" in the front door though? interesting. the pioneer DEHP5900IB is a nice model. i'd agree about the 4900 though for ipod use. although mostly all stereos now a days either have an AUX in the front or rear. even in some cases there is a new JVC and Sony unit that have the ipod cable provided in the rear so you don't have to buy the AUX cable, all that is required is the actual wiring to the glove or wherever.

 

I didn't see an audio section, hehe. Sorry to have missed it. But this -is- subject specific.

Will any stock shaped decks, like the sony or pioneer, fit? or will I have to do any cutting.

And the reward is... a pic!

 

Since you are replacing the stock stereo, you will be charged (depending on where you go), for a harness, hardwire, and kit. I work in car audio for circuit city and i can tell you if you buy a stereo from here, any above $99 grants you free installatin (the $35 labor fee is waved). all you'd have to pay for is the hardwire which is $26, the harness $20, and the kit $20. normally when you are replacing an aftermarket stereo you only have to pay for the hardwire, sometimes the harness depending on brand. there would be not cutting in your case. if you are looking to install it yourself, just buy the harness and kit for your car model.

 

nice look, very clean.

 

I still need to know if there would be any cutting to do in the center console

 

yes, i believe so. if you mean after taking out the original radio, yes. i dont know if this has been mentioned in the thread already, but if you are putting in new speakers, you have to redo the wiring!

EDIT: no there wont be any cutting as per CBZ, 3 posts up. sorry for the mis info, i had to cut in on my 78

 

i know in the early 80s they changed the center console. and why, pray tell, do I have to redo the wiring?

 

i dont think you will have to. maybe because its stock speakers the actual wiring wont be able to supply enough power if that makes sense. ill find out tomorrow at work exactly and let you know.

 

I would definately redo the wiring, atleast with heavier gauge... but thats me, and I am an audiophiliac (I think that is how it is spelled/said)

 

Audiophiliac would indicate that your sound does not contain the clotting factor.

Maybe you mean "Audiophallus"? Just call me the Sound Dick.

 

I think I do remember the wiring in the car being only slightly lighter gauge than 1970's lamp wire.