Kick Panel Speaker

[dvdswan]

IMO, the speakers in the door get kicked more than they do in the kick panel. It really would depend on how far they protrude from the kick panel though.

 

[Dysco]

Kick panels are actually out of the way, sound is actually good, the speakers are forward of the seat base and there is room for the sound to carry. Thousands of people have done it without issue.
Way better idea than cutting into the door.

 

[4WDKC]

Doesn't those speakers get kicked alot (thus the name 'kick panel') or exposed with snow or mud on shoes, etc. ?

Thats whats always made me avoid them. I cant see them surviving long. I also cant imagine them sounding great....ears hear better than ankles. Dunno.

When the time comes I'm going to do something in the doors - even if its something custom with a spacer or a custom panel. Newer high end speakers are getting really slim.....course, they cost a kidney, but a great trade when looking for room.

the bigger speaker produces better sound than the dash speakers, to design them correctly they may get kicks as the bottom would be angled out to point the up at the driver. If you are worried about mud,snow and rain on the outside of the speaker look into marine speakers or any speaker that doesnt use a paper cone.

 

[Doppleganger]

Marine speakers sounds like a good idea. ATM my truck is barely worthy of a radio. Heck I'm still debating on where to put the freaking head unit.

But here's a Plan B. Sound fill isn't just for the rear decks of cars anymore.

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lol

 

[82sbshortbed]

Marine speakers sounds like a good idea. ATM my truck is barely worthy of a radio. Heck I'm still debating on where to put the freaking head unit.

But here's a Plan B. Sound fill isn't just for the rear decks of cars anymore.

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lol

I would expect that from a Ford owner

 

[dvdswan]

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Needs more cowbell.

 

[eskimomann209]

Yes. And to the other reply, no they aren't just sitting out in the elements.

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The back side is insulated in a box like @4WDKC posted?
Otherwise I’d think the back of the speakers are exposed?

Doesn't those speakers get kicked alot (thus the name 'kick panel') or exposed with snow or mud on shoes, etc. ?

Thats whats always made me avoid them. I cant see them surviving long. I also cant imagine them sounding great....ears hear better than ankles. Dunno.

When the time comes I'm going to do something in the doors - even if its something custom with a spacer or a custom panel. Newer high end speakers are getting really slim.....course, they cost a kidney, but a great trade when looking for room.

I worried about this too with size 14 boots. But I’ll know by the weekend and post to let you know.

 

[SquareRoot]

I'm slowly getting my stereo system together. It's always one step forward and two steps back. Disclaimer, I have installed stereo systems part time for 20+ years so I know a little about the theory.

I have a Focal component system laying around that I'm determined to put in the square. However, I'm picky about it looking professional. I'm in the process of rebuilding my doors and getting them back to better than new condition. I stripped them, epoxy coated the inside followed by spray in bed liner. The entire inner door panels were then covered in dynamat and foil backed jute. Wing windows rebuilt and all new precision weather stripping. I cut the doors and installed baffles, lower carpets and fine mesh metal grills. I also added the correct OEM wiring conduit between the door and cab. A lot of trouble and work but the door is unbelievably solid and opens and closes like clockwork. I'll try to document and post photos of the process as I start on the other door tonight. As for the argument regarding sound quality with speakers mounted in the door or kick panels, it's a moot point (most new vehicles come that way). Actually, the lower they are the better the sound timing as both sides are more equal in distance from your ears. If it's lacks volume, buy a quality amp along with quality speakers and turn it up. Be sure you have appropriate caps and/or coils for each set of speakers to avoid distortion. I'll talk about the underseat custom sub box I'm working on in another post. Yes, you can get a 12" dvc sub under the seat in a 2-3 cubic ft box. This means mounting the amp(s) on the back wall (no big deal). This pic shows how unobtrusive the door speaker is. It's kinda dark, I'll get better ones tonight. Point is the speaker only protrudes 1/2" from the door surface and practically dissappears if you want it too. I'll be making a shallow (2") angled panel for the 4" and tweeter for the kick panel.

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[EvilGenius]

@eskimomann209

What seats are you running in this truck? I've seen the pictures in a couple other of your posts and I'm looking for something similar. Also, how did these kick panel pods turn out in your opinion?

 

[eskimomann209]

@SquareRoot
I don’t think people debated better placement door vs kick as much as they didn’t wanna cut the door. Sounds like you went through more than just cutting the door though. You upgraded. I think that whole setup IS better than the retro sound kick panel. BUT not everyone does that. I guess it’s similar to the cut the dash or not debate.
@EvilGenius
The seat is a 2016 Tahoe middle row.
the track is from the square body bench seat so it slides still. But I have to pull the side trim off to get to the lever. I also removed a lot of the brackets the bench seat had(2016 bench seat). I THINK the suburbans have a flop down arm rest in the middle. I was sad to see that AFTER I made mine( I like arm rests).
The retro sound kick panels work great for me. I didn’t use the Shallow ones they recommend. I spaced mine out and put full sized ones in there, so I think it sounds pretty good to my ears!