[nugent]

My 1983 Gen 1 speakers were no longer up to the task, so it was time to replace them. Here is a quick overview of what I did, in case it is helpful to someone.

This model has four speakers - two in the dash, and two in the rear shelf. Front and rear are essentially the same speaker, but in very different and unique mounts. After much measuring and head scratching, I bought two pairs of generic 4"x6" speakers, which have four mounting "ears" and a separate plastic mounting bracket. There are numerous models which have the same dimensions, just make sure the tweeter does not project higher than the rim of the oval woofer.

The existing front speaker covers are hold on by two screws. Space is tight, so I used a small loose philips-head driver and a shifting wrench to turn them. Once broken free, it is easy to unscrew by fingers with the driver head. Once the cover is off, the speakers are removed by unscrewing two further mounting screws, and sliding out the holding tabs on the opposite side.

I then unsoldered the speakers, and soldered in the new ones, without the separate bracket. The new speaker fits awkwardly, and the mounts do not line up with the holes. I tried to screw the speaker ears to the dash with the self-tapping screws, but could not get through. No way to drill in the small space. So after some frustration, I decided to just put the cover over the speaker, which seems to hold it quite firmly in place.

 

[luckymike]

Thanks for the tips, nugent.

 

[nugent]

Rear Speakers

The rear speaker covers each have four screws, which pass through the speaker plate into two metal brackets which hold the speaker in place under the shelf. The speakers have rectangular plates which fit nicely over the shelf cutout.

With the cover off, pry the speakers out, and unsolder the wires. Solder in the new speakers.

To mount the new speakers, the separate plastic bracket is fitted underneath, and with the cover over the top, the system is assembled with the four screws through the cover, the plastic bracket, into the metal mounting brackets. Once assembled, it is possible to slide the whole lot into the opening, get the mounting brackets underneath the shelf at either end, then tighten up the four screws. Do not overtighten.

Enjoy new new sound!

 

[tusabes]

So how do those jvc sound ? Are you still running them off the stock radio? Are they louder or have better bass response ?

 

[nugent]

I had previously replaced the stock head unit with a Pioneer MVH-X370BT. This gives me Bluetooth and the ability to play mp3's from a USB stick. I don't have a sentimental attachment to Becker.

At $26 a pair (http://amzn.com/B004WIOCXW ), these are not high-end speakers. But then I am not an audiophile. I am sure there are better speakers in the same form-factor.

Having said that, compared to the ancient cardboard speakers, the new ones are crisper, with clearer and better-defined highs and middle, and bass that is not muddy any more. They are not louder and you cannot expect thumping bass from such a small speaker. But certainly a step up and quite adequate for me at a reasonable price.

If you want better sound, my suggestion would be higher quality (more expensive) speakers, and finding a space for a small woofer.

An old SEC at speed is not really a concert hall or listening room environment!