Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Hi folks, I guess that's more of a question now for a hot rod forum, but I'll give it a try anyway.

I'm a very big fan of Model A's, but I'm also a very big music fan. Fortunately, today you can combine both in modern cars. I would now like to have this luxury in my 1930s Tudor.
The first ideas have emerged, but I'm still looking for some detailed solutions, and I hope for tips from like-minded people.
A very important point for me is that I don't want to change the original appearance of the car if possible. This means that the entire system should be hidden as possible.

For this purpose, NO car radio is installed, but the mobile phone or an MP3 player with Bluetooth is used. A small digital amplifier with 4x50W is installed under the rear seat, and the loudspeakers are to be hidden in the front in the footwell in easily exchangeable side panels. Covered with acoustic material so that you cannot see them.
Everything should be easy to retrofit, and I don't want to make any changes to sheet metal parts of the body that can only be removed with great effort.

My problem now is that I am looking for a hidden solution for a subwoofer. I admit that I am also a fan of very low audio frequencies, and I am aware that the small speakers in the footwell will probably not meet my needs.
The possibilities in Model A are very limited. I don't want to make a rolling disco out of the car, but I want to get the best result out of the least possible.

Who has ideas where you can install the largest possible woofer in the car without being seen?
A solution to put a bass box behind or on the seat is out of the question for me. How did other people solve the problem?

I'm looking forward to the lively discussion.

Greetings from Berlin
Andy

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I mounted the speaker enclosures behind the seats in my coupe.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Buy a decent Bluetooth speaker. Rechargeable ones cost from $50-$250. The $50 one works great. The one we got at Best Buy hangs nicely from the dash rail by an integral rubber strap. It works great for listening to Rush during a lunchtime drive. If you really need surroundsound, buy some wireless earbuds. Your iPhone is your friend.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I don't mean to be rude but loud music is very annoying to some people around you. Do you get satisfaction from ear buds. Then you can listen to all the music you want, as loud as you want without bothering anyone else. To me the Model A engine is all the music I need.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I reckon the use of earbuds while driving is a safety issue due to decreased awareness of external sounds. I wouldn't go down that path.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Ok, I expected answers like that.

First of all, ... As Hoogah already writes, there will be no headphone solution! The safety risk should be mentioned first, but even then it is too uncomfortable for me to drive with headphones. On the other hand, only ONE passenger has music, but cannot talk to other passengers! This way is NOT an option!

Furthermore, a flying plastic battery Bluetooth speaker is not a real way. The thing dangles all over, rolls under the pedal when braking, you have to charge it constantly, and none of the parts sound really good either. Not even that of the expensive brand manufacturer. For me there is definitely no way around a permanently installed audio system.

Just because the amplifier has 4x50W doesn't mean I want to run a rolling disco. But the fact is that the Ford itself is not very quiet inside. You can hear the engine very clearly. If you want to listen to music then you need a reserve. Not meant badly: If the engine sound is enough for you, that's nice. I would like a little more entertainment on routes of 3-4 hours or more.


Andy

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Well Andy, I guess you really aren’t interested in a solution to your dilemma. But, if you are still open to suggestions, try one earbud. Give the other one to your first officer. Then you will both be listening to the same music and can still hear oncoming traffic and tell tale engine noises. I still think the Bluetooth speaker (which doesn’t dangle in my case) is a good one.
It works for me although not symphonically.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I am very interested in solving the problem. But this cannot be to exchange a balanced and customized speaker set for a plastic box. (Even if there is Bose printed on it.) For me, a stark but accurate comparison would have to use a shower radio in the I-Max cinema.

There are two wisdoms that have so far been undisputedly valid. Just as displacement in the engine cannot be replaced by anything else, except by MORE displacement, the same statement also applies to loudspeaker diaphragm surfaces. Every car enthusiast and music enthusiast will confirm this. To put it in a nutshell, I owned such a speaker. I used it and sold it less than a week because the result just didn't convince me.
This is a solution on the bathing blanket by the lake, but not for the car.

As for the headphones, I thought I would have given my point of view?!?!

Please don't get me wrong, I don't mean anything bad here. I don't want to step on anyone's feet, but I already have very specific ideas.

Greetings from Berlin
Andy

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Problem with a sub is they take up too much space to be hidden..unless you get real crafty and ditch the rear seat cushion for passengers..fab up a sub box that replaces it,make it look like a seat bottom..

bumps in a model a?you'll be the first kid on the block..

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I get it, I am a huge music fan as well. However, when I drive my Model As, I like listening to the famous "Tuck-a-Puck, Tuck-a-Puck" song coming from the engine following a chorus of "Singing Second" coming out of the transmission and occasionally a loud "a-hoo-gah" from the horn section. Model As make their own music-whether you want them to or not.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I think you have about eight to ten inches of unseen depth below the plywood floor under the drivers seat (behind the battery and under the seat). Woofers are none directional. Maybe you could build a box under the floor out of plywood that would conceal and protect the woofers and replace the hole you cut in the plywood floor with a grill and cloth or carpet . Then, put your woofer in the box you built under the floor.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Here is what I settled for. The front speakers are full range. No car mods so a stock kick panel can be re-installed.
The woofers also are full range but you could disable the mid and tweeter if desired. My radio has a fader so I can turn the rear volume down when riding people in the back.
I won't show you the radio because I just hung it under the dash. I also have a 2 way business radio in the car. It is completely out of sight.
I got the speakers at an audio shop.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Yes, now the topic is heading in the right direction.

@ Pete, yes, I already found these pictures here in the forum. Picture 1 shows the solution that I also prefer. However, at this point I am only planning a woofer / midrange that is covered by fabric. The tweeter should be mounted in the corners above the windscreen. I hope for a better illustration of stage.
This installation will be carried out by a car hifi specialist.

I don't like the rear speakers. Too obvious, I will completely do without them.

@ 5lugnuts

The space under the driver's seat is obvious at first glance. But if I think further now ... Are not the brake distributor shafts at this point under the floor? These can disturb?!?! I just don't know how much space there is for a speaker cabinet. It is also a question if the membrane is under the seat, whether dirt could collect there. All things that need to be considered.
It may not have to be an 8" or 10" either. Maybe a 6.5" is enough. I just have to see that I get a good chassis with a good efficiency, the frequency of which is as low as possible.

I was also considering maybe using the space under the back seat.

Kind regards
Andy

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Since you’ll use your phone and Bluetooth, I’d go this route:

https://www.loudluggageco.com

Nothing to hide, no wires to run, plus it will be a cool conversation piece.

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Looks very interesting, but is ultimately the "box" on or behind the seat that I didn't want. Sorry ... :o

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I heartily concur with what GZ wrote!

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

I often wanted to put one in an external truck on the back of the car.
This wouldn't be so easy to hear inside. But would be hilarious from the outside.

Once installed a sub' inside a rear seat. Worked well. Passengers liked it?

Although... putting one of these under a seat seems like a good idea?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Under-Se...-/192776453090

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

AMEN!! Just going to the gas station these days suck because sure enough someone has there music blasting while they spend ten minutes inside deciding what lottery ticket to buy. UGH!!

Re: Solution for audio system in model A?
 

Rush in a model A?? I like Rush and I'm not criticizing, it just never crossed my mind. ;)

For some reason I listen to Ralph Stanley and the clinch boys doing "man of constant sorrow" or "short life of trouble", seems to fit in a model A in my area. Oh, on a bose mini.