1976 Trans Am Rear Speaker Height

[#1 Trans Am Fan]

I posted this same question last weekend – just before the website crashed.  If you’ve already read this and responded to it, please excuse the repost because my question disappeared before I had a chance to check for any replies.

I’m looking to replace the rear speakers in a 1976 Trans Am.  The car came with aftermarket 4 ohm Craig speakers when I purchased it.  I want to go back to a more original configuration and look.  Besides, the radio requires 8 ohm speakers.

I read in another Trans Am Country post (that is now gone) that low profile speakers are required for proper stowage of the jack in the trunk.  The post was about a later model second generation Trans Am – 1978 I believe – but I’m assuming that it holds true for 1976 also.

I see that http://turnswitch.com/speakers.htm has 6x9 speakers that are 2 11/16” deep.  Will this work in the Trans Am and still allow for proper placement of the jack?  What is the maximum height speaker that can be used and still allow the proper clearance?

[firebirdparts]

I'm not entirely sure, and I'd just have to look like you would.  The cars originally just had one speaker back there and if I remember correctly it didn't interfere with the jack at all.  It could have been a foot deep on the driver's side, I think.

[Wallington]

I had a post, not the one you were thinking of, but showing rear speakers for a 78 and how the jack and tools installed correctly using a parcel tray cut. My speakers were low profile to suit the factory covers but for 4ohm stereo. They also allowed more clearance under them than the original speakers.

But you may have to add your jack and tools then measure clearance, I don't think I did. Likewise, regardless of what speakers you have, the large speaker insulated cover only fits on one side unless you clearance the side where the jack passes. It was designed for single rear speaker setup. There was also an earlier style jack holder bracket that was shorter but think it only moved the head away from the rear demister fan, didn't affect speakers or location.

[#1 Trans Am Fan]

Thanks, firebirdparts.  I had heard that some factory setups used the front speaker for the left channel and the rear speaker for the right channel (or the other way around).  If that's the case, I probably don't have anything to worry about.

Wallington, yours must have been the post that I referred to.  Too bad it's gone.  It was an excellent reference that made me aware that I had to consider the clearance problem.

The radio is currently packed away while the car is under restoration.  I thought that it had a single speaker in the front that handled both left and right channels with separate left and right speakers in the rear.  From what you two are telling me, that is not the case.  I'll have to get the radio out and take a look at how it is supposed to be properly connected.  Maybe I'm just making this harder than it really is.

[Jerry455]

My 76 Firebird came with a full size spare. It is not original. I bought the car 2 years ago. I just finished putting in a new stereo and speakers. I bought a combination dual front speaker from Classic Auto Sound. They have a mounting with 2 small speakers that fit in the front single opening that will allow for left and right channel. I only had the single driver side rear speaker. I bought a pair of speakers and cut the rear to install the right side speaker. The full size spare hits the RH speaker magnet. I will probably modify the hold down bracket for the spare tire to hold it in place. I did not try the jack yet. Probably tomorrow. I am still installing the power door locks into the car. It did not have them either but I wanted them. If you need a speaker height, let me know.

[Wallington]

Or select suitable speakers that aren't so deep. I can fit a 235/8" wheel under the jack brackets and the raised lettering just touches, with carpet and lining. That is your limiting factor for stock mounting point for spare, the jack holder bracket. There's usually 2 mounting points, full-size and space-saver. You must have deep magnets if they sit below that, mine have over and inch or so room and still allow stock mesh covers. Check that out first before modifying things that don't need touching.

[Jerry455]

The jack and jack handle fit fine. The 225 70 15 tire on a steel spare rim, touches the magnet. I need about a quarter of an inch to clear it. Oh well. I will make a new hold down rod to hold down the spare tire in its "new " location. It is sitting back about 3" from the original location. I bought the Hertz speakers that Classic Auto Sound sells.

[JohnnyBertone]

If you’re not scared of modifying the package tray you can put 2 6x9” speakers and hide them with an AMES package tray cover that has holes for the sound to pass through but are hidden when you look at it. I will see if I can find pics of mine.
Just a suggestion from personal experience and the stereo sounds awesome

[JohnnyBertone]

Working on a cover for the subwoofer as well. When I got my car the previous owners completely cut out the package tray so I had to build my own frame for the speakers under it. Can’t find the pics right now of the 6x9 frames I had to make I can get some when I get home from work if you’d like

[Savage Larry]

I wonder how the structural integrity of the car is affected by cutting out a huge portion of the car like that? Yikes!

[JohnnyBertone]

I wonder how the structural integrity of the car is affected by cutting out a huge portion of the car like that? Yikes!

yeah I was worried about it too when I had gotten the car and it was hacked out like that. so far no issues like seam separations or doors not lining up or anything. car still feels solid to drive