E-Body convertible rear speaker placement?

[TripleBlk70]

Question for convertible owners: where/how do we fit rear speakers in these cars?

I had a 70 challenger hard top in the past, so dropping a couple 6x9's in the back package tray was a no-brainer. This is my first convertible and I want to fit it with a decent sound system, hoping for 4 speakers, with two of them in the back.

Any advice is appreciated, and pics would be awesome.

[71vert340]

Back in the day, the rear side panels were cut to accommodate speakers. That's not an option now unless you have panels that are already cut for speakers or have a spare set. To be honest, I don't know how you could mount speakers back there now.
 Terry W.

[Jay Bee]

   It'd be an absolute shame to cut up a pair of unmolested OEM rear 'vert panels, I would NEVER consider doing that on my convertible. Maybe try and track down a pair that already have speaker holes or buy a set of aftermarket ones and cut those. Lastly try some external speakers and just rest them on the rear seat, how often will anyone sit there. Not the best options, it's all I can come up with. 

[340challconvert]

Just some thoughts on speakers in a convertible.
I would suggest never cutting the rear quarter interior panels; they are hard to find and even repros are expensive. I got lucky, someone started to outline speaker holes in mine back in the day but did not follow through.
They did however cut the kick panel and fit speakers there. These panels are easier to find so not as valuable. Also, it is also easier to hear the music with the top down with the extra speakers in this location IMO.
Difficult to put speakers in the back well area where the convertible top stores when down.

Other thoughts on this; possible speakers set under the front seats facing to the rear, small boxed speakers to be set on the back seat. You could put speakers in the trunk which could be heard when the top is up or very muffled with the top down.
Personally, I would put speakers in the kick panels.
Just my thoughts

[hrtbkr]

You could use a three speaker dash ("fronts") and mount the others in the kick panels ("rears").
I've also mounted two 3 1/2" speakers side by side in the center of the dash for the "fronts".
Not a great solution, but it preserves the rear panels.
Don't know of a good way to get quality sound with the top down anyway.
 

[Jay Bee]

Don't know of a good way to get quality sound with the top down anyway.

Yup, I concur. Doubt you'd even hear them going topless.
I put good quality speakers in my 3 speaker dash. Even enlarged the outboard frame holes. I don't know if they're still around but once there were kick panels already with speakers in them. Let us know what you decide on.

[71vert340]

I see Classic Industries has the rear interior panels in stock, the Dash Top brand, at $1045 a pair. That's an expensive way to get rear speakers if you go that route.
 Terry W.

[TripleBlk70]

ok some interesting thoughts and thanks to all!

$1,045 for a set of speaker-ready panels is steep! The idea of basically setting up the front of the car - between the dash speakers + kick panel speakers is an interesting thought I did not consider and might be good way to go for a convertible.

That, plus a powered subwoofer in the trunk might do the trick.

I have a while before I am going to be installing audio in this car, but trying to think ahead as much as possible.

[larry4406]

I see Classic Industries has the rear interior panels in stock, the Dash Top brand, at $1045 a pair. That's an expensive way to get rear speakers if you go that route.
 Terry W.

I just checked their catalog for these.  The pictures are of hardtop panels but listed for verts.  I clicked on several of the different colors listed and all are labeled out of stock.

[71vert340]

Here are the panels I saw on Classic Industries website. These are definitely showing convertible panels. The cheaper Accu-Form panels at $450 are an option. Says they're In Stock. I dunno?
 Terry W.

[anlauto]

Where you getting your music from, is a portable blue tooth speaker an option ?