Stealth Amp Project
08-21-2008, 01:27 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
I have an old Eclipse DDL system from a show car. It has a similar security feature. They removed the front plastic facia to the stereo, inserted the buttons, and filled the back with black casting resin. So the stock tape-deck faceplate ends up being about .25" thick, and can easily be placed in front of the new stereo. I can provide pictures if it will help you further stealth your system.
08-21-2008, 02:57 PM
#20
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This is before the addition of a wrapper in speaker cloth - stealths it completely.
Alan
Last edited by Alan; 08-21-2008 at 03:19 PM.
08-21-2008, 03:36 PM
#21
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Thread Starter
Alan,
Outstanding! Of course, the stealthing cloaks could be parcel bags with things like day-old baguettes, newspapers, couple of gym socks, dog leash etc. hanging out. Maybe a PBR 12-pack on one side looking like it's just sitting there behind the seat... You've really got me thinking now!
Outstanding! Of course, the stealthing cloaks could be parcel bags with things like day-old baguettes, newspapers, couple of gym socks, dog leash etc. hanging out. Maybe a PBR 12-pack on one side looking like it's just sitting there behind the seat... You've really got me thinking now!
08-21-2008, 06:31 PM
#24
In between various frustrations in the shop I came up with this idea. I upgraded my sound system (unfinished) beginning with a McIntosh head unit, and then found an amp that is a shoehorn fit in the tray underneath the glove compartment (Blaupunkt GTA-4, discontinued). The head unit has a removable faceplate, but the amp is somewhat visible (esp. with a flashlight at night, my paranoiac imagination tells me).
So I hid it. Photos should be self-explanatory. Like that other 928 pilot, sometimes I just crack myself up...
So I hid it. Photos should be self-explanatory. Like that other 928 pilot, sometimes I just crack myself up...
That looks great.
08-21-2008, 06:46 PM
#25
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The seatback location does create some additional wiring challenges...
Alan
08-22-2008, 08:04 AM
#26
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Thread Starter
Seriously, all you need is a 3" X 19" piece of masonite, flat black spray paint, clear construction adhesive in a caulk gun, and some trash. I used a bandsaw to cut up the phone directory and paperback, but I'm sure you could find substitutes easily.
08-22-2008, 10:32 AM
#28
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Thread Starter
So far just the GTA-4 amp and the McIntosh MX401 head unit. But the next step will be speakers for the rear. The PO installed Rockford Fosgate 2-way speakers and there is no bass and hardly any midrange. Because I listen to a lot of classical and jazz midrange is particularly important. At this stage I'm thinking of using an active crossover to drive a pair of Kicker 6.5" shallow mount subwoofers on the rear 2 channels in the same location as the stock rear speakers. These have an upper frequency cutoff of 350Hz so they are not true subwoofers, and that's actually what I want. They also work with virtually no box - interesting design - I'll just need to fabricate a shell to back them. For now I'll keep the stock door and rear quarter panel units and see how this upgrade works. But probably after that the next audio move will not be electronic but acoustic - my car is way too noisy inside! I've been collecting a lot of good info here on RL on sound attenuation, and also know I need to replace door and hatch seals (lot of wind noise). Anyway, that's the plan - thanks for asking!
