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.
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).]
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).]
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).]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks. I am researching my options right now and I appreciate the input. My pillars are fairly flat so I will take a look at what is available and see what I think is best to do.
Best "fix" is finding a set of rear pillar panels in good shape. The grill cloth can be cleaned with auto interior foam shampoo.
The pillars themselves are in good shape. It's the speaker covers only that need to be replace. The problem is the previous owner took them out at one time and broke off all the plastic posts. His fix was to drill holes in the speaker grills where the posts were and use bolts to put them back on. The threads on the bolts are screwed into the holes where the plastic posts were orginally. But in the process of doing what he did, he obviously broke the plastic frame on the passenger side grille. As you can see from the pix, there is also a hole in the grille cloth...
[This message has been edited by eti engineer (edited 12-07-2021).]
Someone asked about 3D printing grills? I did. I had no choice because a previous owned broke them out and stuck some oversize speakers through the holes. And used the magnets to hold them in. Smh.
I didn't have any pieces of them left and had to cover them up. I had to use the ugly screws as well simply because the mounting holes/pegs were gone. I made an inside plate and outside surround and assembled them with the pillar as the "cheese" of the sandwich and covered it with cloth. Not pretty but it works for now. If I had a good grill for dimensions I probably could have designed a factory replacement. I may do that later.
Someone asked about 3D printing grills? I did. I had no choice because a previous owned broke them out and stuck some oversize speakers through the holes. And used the magnets to hold them in. Smh.
I didn't have any pieces of them left and had to cover them up. I had to use the ugly screws as well simply because the mounting holes/pegs were gone. I made an inside plate and outside surround and assembled them with the pillar as the "cheese" of the sandwich and covered it with cloth. Not pretty but it works for now. If I had a good grill for dimensions I probably could have designed a factory replacement. I may do that later.
Looks much better than what I currently have. Now that I have the whole rear end of the Fiero rebuilt, engine and suspension, I am working my way towards the front. Interior is next and then the front end. It seems to be tight, so no rush on it. If it ain't broke, I ain't gonna fix it.
