Dash Speaker Removal - 69 GTX

[GrandpasGTX]

Hey all,

Been lurking around here for 20 years, first time asking a question. This is an invaluable resource! After 13 years, I'm pretty much "done" with the resto(mod) on my 69 GTX. I haven't needed to get much into the factory dash thankfully, as the car was garaged and overall cared for its whole life.

I have an aftermarket stereo mounted below the dash with two 6x9s in the rear deck area, and recently bought a RetroSound 4x10 to replace the speaker in the dash. This is a factory AC car with the ducts above the ash tray. Does anyone know the simplest way to get the OEM Dash speaker out of a complete car? I removed trim and fasteners to the OEM AM radio but it wont move a whole lot and I can only barely see the bottom of the speaker. Curious if its better to pull the speedo cluster or the ash tray and AC duct, possibly the HVAC controls to get to it, or some other way I haven't thought of.

Thanks!

 

[gkent]

Sit tight, I have my dash out and can take some pics. But you can start by pulling the radio out.

 

[GrandpasGTX]

Follow up question - what's the best way to get the radio out? That was "plan A" but it looks to be a pain to pull it. I'm trying to not disturb anything more than I have to under there.

 

[Sam69sat]

What if you remove the glove box?

 

[gkent]

The two bolts in the front behind the faceplate and one nut securing the stud in the back. I'll show that mount in the pics I take. You may have to putll the wiring jacks out from behind as well.

 

[gkent]

Does not look like a simple, easy task.
First photo:
The speaker is screwed (yellow arrow) to a bracket (green arrow) that is attached to the dash with speed nuts (red arrow).
Second and third photos show a clearer photo of both sides.
Fourth photo:
This is where the back radio stud is attached (red arrow).
Fifth photo:
orange arrow indicates where all the heater/a/c controls will be coming through under the speaker.

Hope this helps. Don't rush things !

 

[GrandpasGTX]

Thanks for the detailed photos gkent! I thought I was gonna get flamed for what seems like such a basic question but this really is harder than it should be. Like you said, there looks to be a stud on the back of the radio that is holding it to the dash, thats likely whats holding me up at the moment. Maybe I will try going through the glove box or something. Once I get that nut off I might be able to drop the radio down enough to get to the speaker through the radio hole. Ill keep you guys posted.

 

[erickson]

take one or both of the seats out. It helps a lot

 

[gkent]

Don't waste your time trying to go through the glove box - that's almost as much hassle as getting the speaker out !!! Reach up from the back and take the nut off the radio stud completely - then pull the radio out

 

[GrandpasGTX]

Thanks guys. I decided to postpone this job until I do the vintage air kit, either later this summer or later in the year. This is a factory air car so reaching up from the bottom is not easy with the main air unit and vent right in the way. Simply not worth the effort just to get a front speaker.

 

[gkent]

Agreed !!!

 

[Some Car Guy]

When I did mine, I pulled the ac vent. It’s not hard and got a lot of space opened up. I don’t know about leaving the radio in place to do the speaker. Mine needed a rebuild and was coming out anyway. With it gone, the speaker was a breeze.

 

[Dennis H]

Stick a pair of tweeters somewhere and call it a day.

 

[moparedtn]

take one or both of the seats out. It helps a lot