80's FWB Car Audio Upgrade Brands???

**tbcaddy18** · 09-28-09 01:42 AM

Hey all,

I want to upgrade my 86 FWB's speaker system, both the front 4x6's and rear deck 6x9's.
...im also interested in adding a 4 way amplifier.

Just looking to see if anyone has any recommendations as to what the best brands/models are out there for our 80's FWB body applications?

..also, are there 4x6 speakers out there that can put out a good amount of BASS?..I know 4x6's are not known for BASS applications, but I'm not looking for huge amounts of BASS, but a decent amount out of the front? (I don't have speakers on my front doors, just in the dash)

Any and all thoughts and responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tabz

**csbuckn** · 09-28-09 02:23 AM

For the front speakers, I would go with 3 way speakers. The area around the front speakers is not setup for bass so it wont sound good, putting something in the door will be best if you run an amp and want a little bass. Its pretty easy to get something in the door, there should be a hole already. As far as quality, there are a few good brands but, nowadays, you might want to go to the store and look at them side by side. I'm a pioneer fan myself

**dirt_cheap_fleetwood** · 09-28-09 08:18 AM

I just redid the whole audio system on my Lincoln, all Kenwood stuff. I have 4-way 6x9s in the rear deck and 3-way 6.5" up front. I also have some 150hz bass blockers on the front so I can really crank it without blowing out the front speakers. The 6x9 in the rear deck provide plenty of bass, enough to make the license plate rattle in fact (only if I turn the bass up all the way, which I don't do). Just head over to Crutchfield.com and browse around. If you do the outfit my car thing they provide you with vehicle specific instructions on how to replace the speakers and they provide you with connectors so you don't have to solder or splice the new speakers in.

**robb257731** · 09-28-09 09:10 AM

Speaking of speakers...I've always been a Pioneer fan.

I need to replace mine in my 91 Brougham. My 92 had a factory unit with original speakers and it had amazing sound. The 91 has the factory unit with the original speakers and it sounds like crappola. I think the front left is blown...static all the time, etc.

Would changing the speakers be something that I could do by myself? I'm not really a handy person, but I can figure out the small stuff. Do the speakers just connect with a clip, or do you actually have to connect wires.

I'm also wondering how you get at the front speakers....do the grills on the dash pop off, or do you have to get at them from underneath?

**jayoldschool** · 09-28-09 09:17 AM

I'm also a Pioneer fan, and use it in every car that isn't stock. Just replacing the speakers alone with using the stock deck will give you a huge improvement in sound. You may find you don't need an amp after you swap the speakers.

**Stingroo** · 09-28-09 11:49 AM

Ditto to the above. My dad has always used Pioneer products, and I guess it's rubbing off. lol They always have really clean sound, deep enough bass but not trunk rattling craptastic sound, crisp highs. Just great. lol

**Angry Matt** · 09-28-09 12:04 PM

Everyone seems to like pioneer. Before I read the responses pioneer popped into my head also. I've always liked them for the sound and the value. Also am a BIG fan of old alpine stuff. I never buy anything that was made recently, don't see the quality anymore. Get an amp with a built in crossover to cut out the low bass to the dash or you'll be blowing them fast.

I'm also wondering how you get at the front speakers....do the grills on the dash pop off, or do you have to get at them from underneath?

Don't pry at the grills, they're attached to the dash top. You have to remove the four phillips in the defrost vents, two on the sides with the doors open, and two 7mm's, one above the steering column and one in the glove box both facing up. The dash top pulls towards you and should come right out then.

**robb257731** · 09-29-09 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Angry Matt

Everyone seems to like pioneer. Before I read the responses pioneer popped into my head also. I've always liked them for the sound and the value. Also am a BIG fan of old alpine stuff. I never buy anything that was made recently, don't see the quality anymore. Get an amp with a built in crossover to cut out the low bass to the dash or you'll be blowing them fast.

Don't pry at the grills, they're attached to the dash top. You have to remove the four phillips in the defrost vents, two on the sides with the doors open, and two 7mm's, one above the steering column and one in the glove box both facing up. The dash top pulls towards you and should come right out then.

Good to know! I would have been jabbing at the grills with a screwdriver trying to pop them off.