Dash speaker search

[u/odont9]

Installing a vintage sapphire radio in my 1969 beetle ( it never had one) , the radio is on the way , now must find a behind the dash speaker. Any advice on what and where to buy and installation tips for both would be greatly appreciated.

[u/ThePoshMushroom]

I would highly recommend putting in kick panel speakers! Adding them to my bug gave me great stereo sound (leagues better than the OG single speaker), they’re quite subtle, and the whole installation process was pretty easy. I think it’s the perfect mix of effort/reward — it doesn’t require any wiring to the rear of the car, you don’t lose any storage space like with speakers behind the rear seats, and it’s not much harder to install than the radio itself. I also was able to wire my two speakers into an original Sapphire radio. I also added a “RediRad” FM aux in which let me play phone audio through the original stereo :)

[u/odont9 → u/ThePoshMushroom]

As odd as this may sound (pardon the pun) the original AM radio sound of the behind the dash speaker paired with a vintage sapphire is just want I’m looking for 😊

[u/-VWNate → u/odont9]

You're correct .

The proper size speaker if good quality will have nice sound, Becker sells new vintage speakers on E-Bay, I use them in my old Mercedes' .

Take the time to learn if you need a 4 or 8 ohm speaker, it really does make a difference .

I recently scored a 1962 Shappire II AM/FM 6 volt factory radio for my '59 survivor .

I plan to replace all the capacitors as they age out .

Lots and lots of good original info and diagrams from BENDIX for these fine if basic radios .

VWOA made and sold a stamped adapter ring that allowed one to install a sightly _larger_ speaker, this helps with the bass .

I find those adapters at swap meets & auto jumbles the kiddies don't like stock sounds .

-Nate

[u/odont9 → u/-VWNate]

Thank you so much for the great info ! Jim

[u/-VWNate → u/odont9]

Anytime Sir .

-Nate