Well here is the question, now that I have three days into our project...

Where and how is the best place to mount front speakers in a 85 4Runner, other then the factory dash location?

We have started on a set of 'bolt on' front speaker pods to eleminate cutting into the door. And in true fashon of putting the cart in front of the horse I figured I would ask for options. Below are a few pics of the project and the initial fitting on the door. That is a 6 1/2 in speaker and if you look in the pic with the door closed you can see that there is minimal obstruction into the floor. The box/pod has a long way to go, another coat of epoxy resin then 'bondo' and sand. repeate till smooth; and the other one is barley started.

I welcome comments or options others have used.I have added the link to all the pics if interested.

Thanks Bob and Rob

http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1072.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1071.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1070.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1068.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1067.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1065.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1064.jpg
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t=100_1063.jpg

 

More pics here...

 

Are you just building up the box, or are you pulling a mold off of it when yer done?

 

For now we are just building it up, might pull a mold and make a second set, with gel coat from mold if we like them. They do not seam to be in the way when sitting but we have not driven it so that will be the real test. So far the one sounds good but it is with ony an old cd head unit so once my son gets his amp and new headunit we will know how well they realy work. I figure if he (or should I say we) gen get better at making molds and glass work then it is worth the time to do it. Besides if they work well then the molds could be used to make several if wanted.

 

My interest was in how hard it was to do...
Wanted to make a modded Inclinomter console to house gauges...

 

Making a mold is not that hard, we are toying with the idea of making a custom gauge pod for this project. Basicly we will use the same procedure and once the initial fit is complete apply a healthy coat of mold release to the patern then gel coat then glass the back for the mold. Once complete just lay the gel coat or glass in the mold and once dry finish as desired.
It can get a bit pricy depending on what you use and where you get it though.
We have been using a HD epoxy resin so that has pushed up the cost a bit. One I have had good success with is System3, used it on a couple of boat projects and was happy but it might be a bit of overkill for this type of project. There are alot of good sources on the interent, I got started with glass and or epoxy building small duck boats and glass boat repairs. Just remember read twice and measure VERY carefully.
Good luck.

 

Sure would like to find more options (other then cutting into the door) before we continue. I know somebody has come up with a better option, anybody.

 

if you have winged windows, just cut into the panel, there'll already be an opening under the wing window and will suit a 6 1/2 speaker perfectly. if the speaker itself is too deep, you can always add a spacer. this would be more practial than building pod molds.

it seems to me that those pods are sticking out pretty far! short drives shouldnt be an issue but once you get on the road and drive 50+ miles, ur gonna want to move your legs around, and that pod'll jus get in the way. looks cool though!

 

I think it might look ok once finished but am unsure if they will be. We are already working on set two. Yes vent windows would make life easier, much easier.
There has to be a better way...

 

Way back when Q forms had either a universal or a Toyota Specific box that
-- replaced the kick panels
-- could be attached to the door

Heres a kick panel one listed under the truck
http://www.qlogicenclosures.com/c-4052-ql-k4002.aspx

Here's a flat panel one that can be door mounted
http://www.qlogicenclosures.com/c-4183-ql-u5001.aspx

 

THe universal looks like it would stick out as much as the ones we made, maybe not though. The idea of placing a speaker magnet and the vibration of the speaker just fractions of an inch away from the ECM do not sound like they would do it much good (maybe a cushioned mount and a 1/2in lead and nickle titanium liner ;-) ) or our first set would have been kick panels. Besides we are learning with every attempt, he will be a master at glass fabrication and what NOT TO DO (LOL) once we are done. ...and if we get it right he will be a master at what to do. :-)

Still open for sugestions as we are looking for a decent result on his system, sound quality and staging, not just a loud and poor sounding system.

Thanks to all Bob