Re: How and where to install speakers in a '56 Clipper?

Posted by Craig Hendrickson On 2009/3/8 18:56:46

I had a top-end aftermarket stereo installed in my 55 Pat about 8 years ago. It is essentially completely hidden.

1) Head unit is in the glove box -- that's pretty much a no brainer. A custom wooden box was used to hold it. It is the single CD/AM/FM type. Also, there is still enough room for "gloves" and paperwork.

2) 6x9 speakers mounted under the rear package tray as you suggested. My Pat had a rear window defogger which I removed and had the hole enlarged. A little cutting is required, but nothing serious. I had the entire tray covered with black acoustically transparent material. You can make out the oval forms if you look carefully enough, but not apparent to the casual observer.

3) Mid and tweeters were installed in custom made panels which replace the stock kick panels. They stick out a little more than stock and do not have the chrome strip but cannot be seen from outside the car. The material was a close color and weave match to the door panels, although it does not cover the speakers themselves. The tweeters are angled up towards the passengers. I saved the original kick panels to return to stock, if desired.

4) A subwoofer was installed directly behind the rear fold down armrest. With the armrest down, it's acoustically transparent.

5) On 55s you have to convert to neg ground, but I had already done that.

Rock on!

Craig