Radios and speaker set ups (I’ve read through the FAQ speaker links...

[Ride Fly]

and only a couple were useful, since the other posts were so old that the pics and links were no longer valid).

I’m looking for a box that will fit the corner of the quarter panels and something for the front. But I don’t like the set up near the kick plates. As others mentioned, a good place to get wet speakers. Anyone seen anyth8ng new? TIA.

 

[CSteppe82]

I’m in the same boat

 

[cbmontgo]

Put a quality Bluetooth speaker on the dash and connect it to your phone. Leave all the other stuff alone.

I use this one. It stays put and is audible over all road noise:

 

[imyahucklbrry]

What I did might not be your cup o tea but it wasn’t very pricey (a must for me!) and sounds very good (and I tend to be picky about music)

*Amp mounted out of sight in glove compartment
*Outdoor speakers mounted to roll bar with pipe coupling from Home Depot (dang secure!)
*Rocker switch from O’Reilly’s placed in existing hole (for on/off function since amp is not connected to a head unit)
*Simple level/volume control that connects to amp via RCA cable
*Connect to phone for tunes! My girls wanted the Apple Music monthly thingy so I’m taking avantage of it too

 

[imyahucklbrry]

What I did might not be to your taste but it wasn’t very pricey (a must for me!) and sounds very good (and I tend to be picky about music)

*Amp mounted out of sight in glove compartment
*Outdoor speakers mounted to roll bar with pipe coupling from Home Depot (dang secure!)
*Rocker switch from O’Reilly’s placed in existing hole (for on/off function since amp is not connected to a head unit)
*Simple level/volume control that connects to amp via RCA cable
*Connect to phone for tunes! My girls wanted the Apple Music monthly thingy so I’m taking avantage of it too
View attachment 1643097
View attachment 1643095
View attachment 1643098
View attachment 1643096

Mounted a Blue Sea fuse box in engine compartment for amp and other add-ons

Had a metal joining plate and some self adhesive foam and made a cheap radio delete plate!

 

[NellieFJ40]

Some good ideas above. My ongoing project is more traditional i guess, not that's its any better to be sure.

I'm installing a retro sound Hermosa radio in the stock location which will power 5.25 speakers front and back. I'm not thrilled with the kick panel location either but moving forward on that path.

In the rear I've built enclosure to mount behind the jump seats.

Not the cheapest or best, just thought I'd share.

 

[Ride Fly]

Some good ideas above. My ongoing project is more traditional i guess, not that's its any better to be sure.

I'm installing a retro sound Hermosa radio in the stock location which will power 5.25 speakers front and back. I'm not thrilled with the kick panel location either but moving forward on that path.

In the rear I've built enclosure to mount behind the jump seats.

Not the cheapest or best, just thought I'd share.

I love the box for the rear quarters. Another poster @ToyotaFJ40 fabricated a box just like that in black. That was what I hoping to find pre-fab’d at one of the online Cruiser stores but no luck so far. Also, I just got back from Car Toys to see about a similar box and they said they would have to custom make it with fiberglass and wood. Would run $800! No thanks I said. But I did see some Kicker speakers that could mount high on the roll bar that would not be too obstrusive. Would run it in conjunction with a Bluetooth amp and interface controls that could be mounted into the original radio slot. This set-up, with installation, would run me about $900. But I’d rather have a real radio installed in the original radio slot so I’ll also check out the Hermosa radio you mentioned. The pics below show the Kicker speakers and brackets, plus the amp and interface. Also, a pic of the under-dash area with my Vintage Air components which took the place normally reserved for the original front speakers.

Mounted a Blue Sea fuse box in engine compartment for amp and other add-ons

Had a metal joining plate and some self adhesive foam and made a cheap radio delete plate!

.

Nice set-up! I really like the amp and fuse box install! The radio slot delete is pretty cool too, but I think I would try to put that area to good use before deleting it. Could a GPS Navi be fitted in there somehow?

 

[NellieFJ40]

$800 bucks, ouch. I had originally planned to fiberglass the curves but once i started building it dawned on me...why!

Basically, no one will be able to see how those curved portions were constructed. My photos above show the view from the rear and here's a photo of how they look from the drivers seat.



Here's how i ended up constructing the rear boxes .








Maybe someone sitting in the jump seats could see the open curved area around the base of the roll cage but i dont really think so.

I'll end up painting these the vehicle color to blend in as well as possible.

 

[Ride Fly]

$800 bucks, ouch. I had originally planned to fiberglass the curves but once i started building it dawned on me...why!
.

You’re so right!! Holy Great epiphany Batman!!!

I’m inspired to make a set too. Did you use particle board? Wonder if something like that can be fabricated from metal. I’m going to buy a center console from Cool Cruisers and would love to have boxes made from the same metal. Maybe CCOT should do that! They’d sell like hot cakes!

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks!

I used 1/2 inch mdf to make the enclosures. Went together pretty easy i just need to get thetjem painted and figure out how fasten them down.

Metal may resonate if used as a speaker box unless special attention is made to deaden the enclosure?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

To digress... Mike (@78fj40mg) has been missing for several months... none of us have been able to contact him...

Anyway, Mike built a very nice overhead console, upholstered and all, and it included speaker boxes, that he insulated, to eliminate resonating.

Start around post #121... @ginmtb and @Weber Sarge brainstormed, with Mike, and offered great suggestions/insights that you might find helpful.

Mike's Overhead Console Build

Also, if anyone has heard from Mike, directly or indirectly, please share the knowledge with everyone.

 

[NellieFJ40]

@pngunme Thanks for that link. I like that alot as an option to mount front speakers. Just my personal preference but I'd want a cleaner way to mount the console.

Thanks for posting and hopfully people hear from the poster and he is ok.

 

[jm599]

For the front, I agree with the Bluetooth speaker. Much better than kickboard.
If no dashpad, can cut bottom out of plastic tote and hang on defrost cover, secure w one screw

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Just my personal preference but I'd want a cleaner way to mount the console

I don’t recall just how Mike mounted his.

I mounted mine by attaching a length of 1x1” alum angle to each end and self tapping screws to the door headers... but, I expect 44 to outlive me... its More important to have it ‘my way’ than entirely original.

The best overhead console I’ve seen on MUD, is @Bambi Girl’s awesome creation
Over head Console.

Peter very professionally stuffed it full of everything he could think of... the link has a post that explains how he mounted the console... I don’t recall if he elaborated much in his speakers.

You can always reply to his thread, if you want him to elaborate.

But, he’s pretty busy between his business, in Oz and China and the Land Cruiser Club he’s involved in... with all their trips and gatherings. He’s also trying to semi-retire and see a bit of Oz.

PM me if he doesn’t respond and I’ll try alternative routes.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

View attachment 1643991 For the front, I agree with the Bluetooth speaker. Much better than kickboard.
If no dashpad, can cut bottom out of plastic tote and hang on defrost cover, secure w one screw

I’m with you and @cbmontgo... I use my iPhone and a Bluetooth speaker, or bluetooth earbuds, or a Bluetooth watchcap... depending on what I’m listening to... or what needs recharging.

When listening to audiobooks, I like earbuds or the watchcap, for perfect clarity.

 

[NellieFJ40]

@pngunme thanks for the continued info; lots of good info!

Regarding the holes to mount an overhead console im just not there yet. My 40 was my aunt's a.d she never modified anything. Between that and jist having it restored im having a hard time changing anything and certainly haven't put any holes in its

I totally understand your quote "its More important to have it ‘my way’ than entirely original" and don't disagree at all. For what its worth my wife is totally on board with you and my aunt likely would have been as well!

 

[71-CRUISER]

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T3QBL3M/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519925721&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=boss+audio+motorcycle&dpPl=1&dpID=41M+UzKVP+L&ref=plSrch




This is what I installed. Super simple. Loud and small. Bluetooth or aux in which is all I use anyway.

 

[chevurai]

I like to shop for radio/speaker equipment from suppliers of marine gear. Especially for 4x4 vehicles. The electronics holds up better to vibration and damp environments. There are some great systems made for day runner boats and the like. Pricing is reasonable.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Regarding the holes to mount an overhead console im just not there yet.

Got it.

The overhead console info was more in response to “speaker boxes”

 

[NellieFJ40]

Totally understand, and i think I might be getting there.

The ability to throw an 8 inch shallow mount woofer or two up there might convince me to go that way!