Steps to replace center dash speaker

[stros]

Hi guys - I see one old fbodywarehouse video where they removed the center speaker by taking the gauge clusters out.  Is this the easiest method?  Assuming I can’t get to it by removing the glovebox components.

Thanks

[b_hill_86]

I want to say when I did it I did remove the glovebox, and ac ducts. I think I pulled the cluster too for easier access but I want to say to remove it it needed to go to the passenger side. I could be wrong though. It’s been quite a while ago now.

[Wallington]

I can't help, I think my dash was largely out when I removed mine, more friendly ducting setup in mine too.

So a slightly unrelated post but a free bump. FirebirdCentral just listed this factory style centre speaker for original stereo setup. Bracket also listed as they probably suit several. Previously most of this type were the 4ohm modern versions.

https://www.firebirdcentral.com/1967_81_Front_Center_Dash_Speaker_4x10_Delco_Style_p/das-610.htm

[stros]

Thanks guys.  I purchased this bracket and two new 4” speakers for it.
https://screamingchicken.com/1970-81-camaro-1970-79-firebird-front-dash-speaker-install-bracket/

Will take another look in the morning but my aftermarket AC ducts definitely are in the way of pulling the speaker out thru the glove box.  Looks like it may be easier to get it out thru the main gauge cluster area.  Here’s the old fbodywarehouse video recommending that https://youtu.be/LD4d0ZIPxNk?si=5RN5dnZHYTpZcbTE

[Wallington]

What 2nd gen is this meant to be?

Find some black speaker fabric, you don't want to see any of that shining through the grille or reflecting off the windscreen.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jooapdgscx/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/1395/7528/1st-front-speaker-bracket-installed__55530.1697568153.jpg?c=2?imbypass=on

[stros]

It’s for my 1977.  Not sure about the risk for reflection but I’ll put some speaker fabric up there in case.

[stros]

Initial surgery is complete - gauges are removed.  There are 2 bolts holding in the bracket (was expecting only 1).  Looks like there are nuts behind them holding them in.

Moving the center air ducts out of the way would make it a lot easier to get to.  To move them do I just need to loosen the bolt circled on the right?

Still not sure I can slide the speaker and bracket out thru the main gauge cluster.  Looks like a tight fit.  Do you guys think it’ll be easier to pull it out thru the passenger side/glove box area?

[stros]

Also I noticed my bulb was dead in the fuel/volt gauge cluster.  Do you guys know what size bulb goes there?

[Wallington]

All good, I was actually referring to this speaker pic rather than yours, in the 2nd gen section.

Haven't you got access to rear of gauges you just took out to check globe?!  I don't have one nearby to check.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jooapdgscx/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/1395/7528/1st-front-speaker-bracket-installed__55530.1697568153.jpg?c=2?imbypass=on

[b_hill_86]

I want to say it’s the same as the other. 192? Your center vents look different than mine. I have the piece with the vent deflectors that change the direction of the air and nothing behind them but the plastic duct. As I mentioned, I think I took mine out through the glovebox area. My replacement speaker didn’t allow for the factory placement of the center vent ducts so I’m positive I removed it in the process.

I’m curious. You have center vents but what appears to be a non-AC HVAC control

[stros]

I want to say it’s the same as the other. 192? Your center vents look different than mine. I have the piece with the vent deflectors that change the direction of the air and nothing behind them but the plastic duct. As I mentioned, I think I took mine out through the glovebox area. My replacement speaker didn’t allow for the factory placement of the center vent ducts so I’m positive I removed it in the process.

I’m curious. You have center vents but what appears to be a non-AC HVAC control

You’ve got a good eye- this is a non AC Trans Am that has aftermarket AC installed in it.  The brand is “Old Air” and leverages the non AC controls to run it. 

[stros]

All good, I was actually referring to this speaker pic rather than yours, in the 2nd gen section.

Haven't you got access to rear of gauges you just took out to check globe?!  I don't have one nearby to check.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jooapdgscx/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/1395/7528/1st-front-speaker-bracket-installed__55530.1697568153.jpg?c=2?imbypass=on

It has some generic LED bulb installed in it with no numbers on it.
 From what I can tell it’s an 1895 or 89 bulb.

[Wallington]

It said 1895 on the chart I looked up, but wasn't terribly specific for some models.

[b_hill_86]

I want to say it’s the same as the other. 192? Your center vents look different than mine. I have the piece with the vent deflectors that change the direction of the air and nothing behind them but the plastic duct. As I mentioned, I think I took mine out through the glovebox area. My replacement speaker didn’t allow for the factory placement of the center vent ducts so I’m positive I removed it in the process.

I’m curious. You have center vents but what appears to be a non-AC HVAC control

You’ve got a good eye- this is a non AC Trans Am that has aftermarket AC installed in it.  The brand is “Old Air” and leverages the non AC controls to run it.

Ah gotcha. I figured as much but wasn’t sure. Does it just operate off of the vent setting? Sounds like I was wrong about the bulb. Sorry to steer you in the wrong direction

[stros]

You’ve got a good eye- this is a non AC Trans Am that has aftermarket AC installed in it.  The brand is “Old Air” and leverages the non AC controls to run it.

Ah gotcha. I figured as much but wasn’t sure. Does it just operate off of the vent setting? Sounds like I was wrong about the bulb. Sorry to steer you in the wrong direction

No worries on the bulb - that’s by far the easiest item to deal with on this project.  Yes - the AC runs off of the vent controls.  It’s a pretty cool setup that was much cheaper than Vintage Air at the time.

Good news!  Got the speaker out the glove box side, after lowering the center vents.  Not sure if I could’ve done this entirely thru the glovebox side instead but there’s no way that speaker would fit thru the gauge cluster opening.  The bracket fits my replacement speakers too but the new bracket looks like it may be easier to install.  It arrives tomorrow - will decide what option to take then.

[Wallington]

1976 Assembly has a diagram that shows an 1895 globe in the rally gauge pack.
1980 Assembly doesn't appear to have this diagram or list globe.
1976-81 Parts shows F-body dash with 1895 globe listed.

GM #9417863

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/wFoAAOSw2MVekLxP/s-l1200.webp

[stros]

Successfully got my new front 4 inch center speakers installed.  That wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, especially if I had ignored that fbodywarehouse video. 

Now I have to work on the amplifier and wiring as my current setup is only 4 channels and a separate sub & sub amp. 

[stros]

Back to the center gauge bulb - I bought the new one but it still doesn’t work.  I’m assuming the socket itself died and I’d have to cut the wiring and solder in a new one?

[Wallington]

That's a single wire bulb isn't it? Has the metal spring prongs into rear of gauge housing. Make sure it's grounded, or has the gauges connected.

[stros]

That's a single wire bulb isn't it? Has the metal spring prongs into rear of gauge housing. Make sure it's grounded, or has the gauges connected.

Correct.  I don’t see any ground wire that is attached to that gauge cluster (like there is from the
main cluster- is there supposed to be one?

[Wallington]

It grounds through the gauge housing, and the ground cones from the voltmeter plug. There's a terminal on the back that is bolted straight onto the case, the rest are insulated.

[stros]

Oh maybe I should be testing it then when it’s inserted into the gauge housing.  I had been testing it with the socket pulled out of the housing.

[Wallington]

It's a live wire from headlight switch only. Push prongs against metal somewhere and should light up.