In Car Entertainment for a W123

[andy_k]

due to a change of circumstances - how can i ever say Rover without swearing? Our old 230E W123 has had a slight status upgrade to "Primary Car" which means it's time to install a semi decent audio system in it and that's where the problem seems to arise - a closer inspection of the rear shelf showed no immediately obvious way of installing a pair of flush fitting speakers - aside from the first aid kit there seems to ba an awful lot of metal underneath that shelf along with a fuel tank and vacuum system.

We don't have space in the boot for a sub bass system so any sound has to be generated by speakers inside the car.

Has anyone else come across this and is there a solution - can we just attack things with a jigsaw to make a suitable sized hole or is all this metalwork structural/critical.

Are door speakers a viable option - once again space seems at a premium with the windows dropping almost flush with the door panel.

Your suggestions/solutions are much appreciated

Andy

 

[jaymanek]

Hi,

Well i had the same problem, but i found the best way was just to buy shelf mounting speakers. My Pioneer ones cost around £70 for set and are pretty good. An easy way if u dont want to start making holes.

Cheers

Jay

 

[andy_k]

cheers Jay, i was looking for a slightly more "discreet" or more pemanently fixed system - i occasionally have to park the car in areas where stereo systems have a habit of becoming detached from their vehicles and shelf mounting speakers are asll too easy to just rip out - tempting the window smashers - ok if someone wants a stereo badly enough they'll get anything - i just wanted to make life difficult for them

Andy

 

[Matt Crooke]

Id have to agree with Jay there, unless you want to spend a lot of time hacking around with the parcel shelf, shelf mounts are a good idea.

And as an anti theft measure, scribble out the pioneer and replace it with a sticker reading Goodmans or Alba.....the speakers are sure to stay put then lol!!!

 

[Bob 2316]

speakers

Hi
depending on the quality of the sound you require, and probably u are wanting something quite substabcial as you mentioned a sub woofer!
all i can say is that in my w123 the speakers are undermounted in the dash at each end. its not exactly fantastic Hi Fi quality but as the speakers and radio cassette were fitted by the main dealer way back in 1985! maybe nowadays smaller speakers and modern cd players can deliver a better sound quality through smaller underdash mounted speakers?

Bob

 

[Orlando 300E]

Hello Bob,
for in cabin speakers you could-
Build out from your existing front/rear doors with new speaker enclosures.
Build up your rear shelf.
If you are still stuck build speaker enclosures into the side kick plates in front foot well.

All the above could be possible, I dont know the W123.

with a sub, for best results it should be mounted so that it fires into the cabin with no restriction. this was not possible with my W124, i have ended up mounting my 10" sub under the first aid box of the parcel shelf.
The result isnt mind bending, but reinforces the base on the bog standard speakers...........reminds me where is that kenwood catalogue?
Get those creative juices flowing & good luck
Orlando