Dash speaker mounting

[MM83K5]

I am installing a new stereo and dash pad on my 83 K5. I believe this was originally not equipped with 3.5" speakers on the ends of the dash- I think it had only the 4 x 10 in the middle. Hard to say because when radio was not hooked up but there were speakers in all 3 locations.

Either way my plan was to install new 3.5" speakers. I noticed when removing the old 3.5" that they were just screwed over the top of the metal frame of the dash by drilling self tapping screws. The driver side only had one screw in and the passenger had 2. I am guessing that it was ok being mounted on top because the original dash was sun damaged and cracked where the speaker holes were and maybe it fit over.

I have a new dash pad to install, but am guessing that the new speakers should be mounted under the metal dash frame or with factory style brackets to use. I can probably make it work on the passenger side-there is enough room there to drill new holes, but the driver side is a bit more difficult. Any suggestions on how to mount them without using the factory brackets?

 

[Sad Sack]

I used these, Kenwood KFC-835C because of price, brand, specs and their mounting depth didn’t interfere with my dash pad. Screwed down on top like factory, 2 screws each.

 

[bucket]

The factory speakers were mounted in little brackets, to the top side of the dash. The original speakers were a low profile. Aftermarket speakers tend to have more area above and/or below the mounting surface, along with a bigger magnet... so clearance can be an issue.

It is possible to securely mount the speakers without the factory brackets though.

 

[Moodyalaskan]

Something to check out-

Modern C10 1981-1987 Front Speaker Mounts

Lowered mounts to allot for larger aftermarket speakers under the dash pad. If fabrications is needed it will be a 2-3 week lead time for distribution.

www.modernc10.com

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[bucket]

Something to check out-

Modern C10 1981-1987 Front Speaker Mounts

Lowered mounts to allot for larger aftermarket speakers under the dash pad. If fabrications is needed it will be a 2-3 week lead time for distribution.

www.modernc10.com

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Iirc, magnet size is still a concern, due to close proximity to the gauge cluster.

 

[Sad Sack]

Iirc, magnet size is still a concern, due to close proximity to the gauge cluster.

In other words, listen to those who have been there…

 

[MM83K5]

It would be nice to have the brackets but it seems like the Pioneer speakers I have sit as low as they would if brackets were used ( judging by pictures on internet) if mounted over top.

I set the speaker in the driver side opening over top of the frame and positioned the tabs so it was angled correctly. This was with the instrument cluster pulled out. When I put the instrument cluster back in, I didn't have any issues. It was very close but it still butted right up to the metal frame without any gaps.

I ended up putting one screw in on the side of the dash opposite the windshield with no issues. Since it was nearly impossible to get a hole drilled near the windshield I ended up looping a zip tie through the dash to hold that end.

Mounting over top on the passenger side didnt seem like it would work as good as this opening was larger and the speaker tabs werent much wider than the opening. Using the cardboard packing from the speaker package as a template, I cut a piece of 1/2" plywood to mount the speaker to. I installed this under the dash so the speaker was just below the top surface.

I will be installing the new dashes direct pad later today. I dont think the speakers should be an issue- still probably need to do some trimming though.

 

[KD4UPL]

My truck didn't have brackets. I got some from a scrap yard. I was even able to take them from a truck missing the windshield so the screws were easy to get to. I mounted my speakers to the bottom of the brackets instead of the top. This dropped them maybe 1/4" but it's an important quarter.

 

[Bloodhound1981]

Something to check out-

Modern C10 1981-1987 Front Speaker Mounts

Lowered mounts to allot for larger aftermarket speakers under the dash pad. If fabrications is needed it will be a 2-3 week lead time for distribution.

www.modernc10.com

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

I used these, worked great with now Kenwood Excelon speakers.

 

[edgephoto]

I used a set of Infinity REF307F speakers with stock brackets. I mounted the speakers under the brackets so they did not stick up higher than stock. Wish I knew about those brackets.

 

[86 C10 Shortbed]

I have a set of those brackets and waiting for some warmer weather to install.

 

[BadBowtie]

No factory truck had 3 dash speakers. Either a base model with a single center 4x10, or two 3.5" speakers in the corners and two 4x10 speakers in the rear corners. That's it.

Today most guys upgrade rear corners to 6x9s with aftermarket bracket kits and replace the two outer, front, 3.5" speakers with high quality modern speakers & bolt them UNDER the factory dash brackets for clearance.

 

[Turbo4whl]

Today most guys upgrade rear corners to 6x9s with aftermarket bracket kits and replace the two outer, front, 3.5" speakers with high quality modern speakers & bolt them UNDER the factory dash brackets for clearance.

I guess I'm not most guys. I cut the doors. Not too long after that aftermarket kick panel speaker mounts were available. I would have used them.

 

[Johnny Atomic]

I used these, Kenwood KFC-835C because of price, brand, specs and their mounting depth didn’t interfere with my dash pad. Screwed down on top like factory, 2 screws each.

any insights on which 4x10?

 

[Sad Sack]

any insights on which 4x10?

I went with these because of they were in my power capability range and have always liked CV products and installed foam baffles:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XB1HHQL/