Dilema!

[kitty1956]

hello! im a new morris owner who has managed to bag myself a totally original 1955 split screen called Kitty.
its in really good nick and im really happy with it but my dilema is that i would like to fit a stereo in it without damaging or cutting holes in anything...
any ideas or suggestions??

[Fingolfin]

Sling a transistor radio on the rear-view-mirror mount? That's how it was done in non-radioed cars in the old days, at least over here. Or put a small boombox under one of the seats.

I suppose such a thing is plausible. To mount the speakers (depending on location) you'll almost have to drill some holes. The head unit can be mounted in a bracket slung under the dash without damage, because there are already holes in the dash underside. Wires can be threaded through existing holes.

Minors came with lots of holes from the factory, so it seems you could do it with some patience.

And this is just me talking, understand, but -- it's 'totally original' -- why would you put a stereo in it? If it's in such good shape, you could maybe make in concours.

[PSL184]

I fitted my radio into a centre console from a Mini but there are many other mounting pods you can get that hang under the dash etc... I'm sure a few others will have other suggestions too....
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[bmcecosse]

You can site the wireless under the dash - and I used to have speakers in boxes under the front seats - so no holes in trim or damage to the car.

[kitty1956]

thanks for the info
very useful i like the idea of putting the speakers under the seat although i still havent got bored of hearing the noise of the engine yet so ill live without at the moment.
but thanks for the advise much appreciated!!

[Sidney'61]

although i still havent got bored of hearing the noise of the engine yet so ill live without at the moment.

I never got bored of that, I have a CD player as it was fitted when I bought the car but I never use it!

Do bare in mind that if the car is completely original it will be wired positive earth, any vaguely modern stereo will require you to convert it to negative earth.

[LordAnthony]

I fitted on of these hidden under the dash, with no head unit, and connect my ipod to it.
Excellent sound and the stereo is hidden from view.
You could used to get speakers which could be velcroed to the parcel shelf but I don't know if they're still available.
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[Alex'n'Ane]

I have a similar amp fitted in the useless drivers side glovebox (behind door) Radio and 12v socket in a panel inside passenger glovebox. Speakers under dash in the big holes, and 2 more under the seats. Totally hidden from view. Also the chrome ashtray has been converted to an ipod docking point

[kitty1956]

thanks again for all the advice i like the advise about the posistive earth and the little amp that fits under the dash most helpful!
velcro is also a great idea plenty for me to think about!!
thanks again

[GeorgeHurst]

Hi Kitty,
I fitted my head unit in the passenger's side glove box, this way it is out of site of thieves if you live in a city, and doesn't compromise the originality of the interior. My speakers used to be suspended under the dashboard on panels I made out of MDF... see pic below for speakers and head unit set up.

I have now replaced the rear seats of my car with 2 12" subwoofers, an amp and 2 10" 3 way speakers! I don't use the CD player anymore but connect an Ipod directly to the amp.

Mounting the speakers under the dash as shown in my pic only involves drilling four small holes under the dash, and 2 in each A post - not really noticeable at all after removal. If you are anywhere near north dorset you are welcome to take the speaker mounts off my hands as I no longer have a use for them as I have quite enough power coming from the rear seats! [frame][/frame]

[dp]

I've fitted the self-contained type rear parcel shelf speakers upside down hanging under the dashboard & glovebox before. Probably not best for accoustics but totally hidden. I don't have a cardboard parcel shelf though

[kitty1956]

thanks George.
im a George too!
that sounds like a plan to me i was having a look at the weekend and there are some holes under the dash anyway so that looks promicing.
i may well take you up on your offer for the brackets also i have a mate in Plymouth so when i go down to see him i will give you a shout if thats ok??

the subwoofers sound great too maybe i could have a look when i pick the bracets up??

thanks again to everyone who has contributed to this its really nice to know that there are fellow inthusiasts out there willing to help!

[GeorgeHurst]

Hi George! No probs, glad it is of some help...
You may actually find bolting some speakers to the holes underneath the dash the best option... as they are attached solidly to the body you will get clearer sound and the bass will be deeper, sometimes wooden brackets vibrate awfully losing alot of the sound if they're not screwed in absolutely tightly.

If you are on your way down to Plymoth you're more than welcome to drop by to grab the brackets and have a gander at my new system

Cheers
George

[kitty1956]

Fantastic George
Thanks very much!