Speaker Installation

[OpelMutt]

Well, the rear deck came out of the FrankenOpel this afternoon. It consists of a warped piece of plywood with sun-baked vinyl and paint from the PO's attempt to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. More ear than silk, still.

So, I am going to install a pair of 6 X 9 speakers in the rear deck facing up towards the window. The overriding question is whether the stamped steel underdeck is removable. I see screws at the front attaching it to the reinforcing bar and what I think are rivets holding it to the sheetmetal at the back below the window.

Before I go any farther, is it possible to remove this piece of sheetmetal or is it welded (rusted?) in place? Has anyone done it, and if so, what is the best way to go about the job?

Unless I can find compelling reasons to put the speakers elsewhere, that's where they will wind up. I use my GT as a drivwer and will frequently take long trips with stuff behind the seats, blocking speakers facing forward.

Bill and the FrankenOpel
Warped? No, that twist is put in that way from the factory!

[greensmurf20]

i'm not sure how the PO did it, but my GT has the rear deck cut out for 6X9 speakers and has studs facing the floor, so you can bolt the speaker up... i'll ask him if it comes out or if it was done witht he back widow out or some other way tomarrow.

[opelgt722002]

I see screws at the front attaching it to the reinforcing bar and what I think are rivets holding it to the sheetmetal at the back below the window.

That is correct. After those are removed you can take the sheetmetal out. Mine was really rusted and needed repair.

[oldopelguy]

My last GT had that panel completely removed and thrown away. It wasn't very difficult to then upholster the sides and hang a new "curtain" down directly below the rear window. I then had speakers mounted in that new panel.

With all that room in the back of the Opel I really found myself using the car a lot more. It also made repairs of everything back there, like the fuel tank and the rear lights remarkably easier. I'd never own another GT with the rear shelf in it. (And if I can't get rid of the GT that isn't mine in the garage soon I may just rip it out of that one too!)

[BQS4]

Opel Mutt;
That panel is removeable, but, you have to take the rivets out. And no, the car won't cave in when ou remove the panel.

[George]

I cut the holes in the rear deck of my gt using a sabersaw with metal cutting blade.I drew out the holes where I wanted them,drilled starter holes and cut from the bottom of the rear deck with the tire removed.Not very safe but it worked.

[Dan]

I think a rotozip would work great for cutting the holes for the speakers. Just mark the top where you want them and use the tool upside down. Then drill 4 holes for the mounting screws or you could try to tack some studs on.

Mine is going away soon. When I start on the roll cage I'll drill the rivets and remove it. If you screw yours up I'm sure there are a few people on here who would supply you with a replacement.

[Dan0myte]

Mine had screws in a few key places, so I removed them and couldn't figure out why the panel wouldn't come out. On closer inspection, the panel is riveted into the rear cross bar. With those drilled out, the panel finally came out. Having the rear glass removed made all the difference in the world, with it in there was no way I could have reached all the mounting points.

[OpelMutt]

Thanks for your replies. The rear window deck should present no problems. The plywood on my rear shelf is warped so I am going to replace it with new and pad and recover it with vinyl for the time being. I plan to cut holes for the speakers through the deck layers and was wondering if there is a good source of vinyl that is resistant to the AZ sun. also, can the vinyl be cut and folded under for the speaker cutouts, or should it be sewn with a fold-under flap?

Bill and the FrankenOpel
The right tool for the job and a new tool for every project!