NEW SPEAKERS AND REAR SPEAKER COVER REPLACEMENTS (Page 1/2)
eti engineer DEC 06, 04:58 PM
I have installed a new Pioneer unit in my '88 GT with an amplifier -- nothing wild, but it helps. The speakers are the original 4x10 inch in the front and the 4x6's in the rear window pillars. I used to install stereo systems and replacement speakers when I worked in my Dad's electronic store back in the 60's. 4 and 8 track systems were popular then. (How archaic!!!) So, I am very aware that these speakers were not well-known for good sound reproduction, but I am sure the newer ones are a lot better. I have looked at the stuff that Rodney Dickman sells and they look like a good replacement. I will most likely purchase a set for the front and a set for the rear.

My problem is that the speaker covers in the rear window pillars are in bad shape. I am afraid that if I remove them, they will come out in pieces. Does anyone know where I can get some 4x6 covers that I can use to replace the ones that are in place now? If I need to modify them, I can do that. I would prefer metal over plastic, but will take what I can get.

Thanks....
IMSA GT DEC 06, 05:06 PM
This is the back of that rear panel. The grills are plastic spot welded in place so you have to remove them by taking off the plastic weld heads. Then they can be recovered.


This is what the panel looks like without the grill.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 12-06-2021).]

eti engineer DEC 06, 05:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:

This is the back of that rear panel. The grills are plastic spot welded in place so you have to remove them by taking off the plastic weld heads. Then they can be recovered.


This is what the panel looks like without the grill.





What year/model is your Fiero? My rear covers look totally different. I have included a pix of one of them. I don't think that the bolts are part of the original installation. I think that at one time, the speakers were replaced and then someone did a Mickey Mouse job of putting them back together. As you can see, the cover in the picture is broken under the fabric on the upper left bolt. So, I am looking for some decent covers to replace these. If they are more flush, it would be nicer, too.

[This message has been edited by eti engineer (edited 12-06-2021).]

IMSA GT DEC 06, 06:04 PM
Your photo does indeed show the factory cover. Someone tried to pry the cover off, broke the plastic spot welds, and then drilled holes through the cover, added screws and ruined it. The proper way to replace the speakers is to remove the entire panel from the car, then replace the speakers. The issue with removing the grills is that you break off the plastic welds which leaves you no way to re-attach the grill. You'd have to use some adhesive or unfortunately, do what the last guy did to your speaker grills. Let me get some measurements from mine in a little while and I'll try to find an aftermarket option.

Here's the front and back pictures. You can see the plastic tabs were broken off in the lower picture.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 12-06-2021).]

RWDPLZ DEC 06, 08:10 PM

quote
Originally posted by eti engineer:
IMSA GT DEC 06, 09:39 PM
Ok so I took a photo of mine out of the vehicle because I remember there was an issue with trying aftermarket grills. The rear of the panel is curved while the front is straight since the seatbelt bolts on to the panel. The factory grills have the curve built in so you would have to either custom make the grills or take a 4x6 universal grill and cut one side to fit the curve. In this picture you can see the curve closer to the camera and the far side is straight.


You could try these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23...pla-1263104806006&ab cId=9300678&merchantid=8478614&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk9_899TQ9AIVXiCtBh380w58EAQYBiABEgIpRvD_BwE

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 12-06-2021).]

Mike in Sydney DEC 06, 09:58 PM
Has anyone ever tried to 3-D print these grills? They could then be covered with fabric to match / complement the interior.
eti engineer DEC 06, 09:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:

Ok so I took a photo of mine out of the vehicle because I remember there was an issue with trying aftermarket grills. The rear of the panel is curved while the front is straight since the seatbelt bolts on to the panel. The factory grills have the curve built in so you would have to either custom make the grills or take a 4x6 universal grill and cut one side to fit the curve. In this picture you can see the curve closer to the camera and the far side is straight.


You could try these:
[URL=https://www.ebay.com/itm/232698111155?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=232698111155&targetid=1263104806006&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9032283&poi=&campaignid=14859008593&mkgroupid=130497710760&rlsatarget=pla-12631048060 06&ab]https://www.ebay.com/itm/23...pla-1263104806006&ab[/URL] cId=9300678&merchantid=8478614&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk9_899TQ9AIVXiCtBh380w58EAQYBiABEgIpRvD_BwE




Thanks. I will most likely try the ones you show in the link. I will also look at what I might be able to fabricate from metal that would look good. I took one of the covers off, since they both look like they are trashed and I can see what happened. It's exactly as was stated. The originals had posts on them and they were all broken off and then holes drilled in their place for the bolts to basically screw into these holes. Bad idea and bad execution.
Raydar DEC 07, 06:46 AM
I've never heard Rodney's replacement speakers, but I have installed Pioneer TSA4103s in the dashes of all my Fieros.
They're 3 way, and have much better bass than a pair of Kenwoods that I compared them to.
Since my rear speakers were not sun-baked, and in decent condition, I left them.
YMMV, of course.
fierosound DEC 07, 11:01 AM

quote
Originally posted by eti engineer:

My problem is that the speaker covers in the rear window pillars are in bad shape. I am afraid that if I remove them, they will come out in pieces.



Best "fix" is finding a set of rear pillar panels in good shape.
The grill cloth can be cleaned with auto interior foam shampoo.

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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 12-07-2021).]