I am helping someone I know turn his 1980 2-door LT - I'll get more info on the car soon I think it's a chev - into a snapper- american muscle I like to say, and it needs a new sound system. We're using an 8" sub, maybe, and as many speakers as reasonably possibe. The goal is quality surround sound - clarity not bass. I am wondering what kind of speakers and amps is the best to use within a $1-2000ish price range, well, the less it costs the better but we want really good sound quality so price is kind of a side note. So far I'm thinking infinity speakers and a $200-$250 JVC or Pioneer deck, which would make for a $1000ish system. We want 4" dual speakers (ie comes with a seperate tweeter) in the front and 6x9's in the back, perhaps with an 8" sub.
All recommendations on what brands of speakers and decks are best to use for this are appreciated. Also any technical info like wiring etc. is awesome. Keep in mind that we want bass to a moderate level (6-8" sub or just really good 6x9's), and the focus is surround sound and clarity.

Thanks for your help

A what? Knowing what car it is is the first step to being able to recommend something. For instance, I can't even readily think of an early 80s GM car that takes a 4" speaker...

Thank you for the reply. I will get detailed information on the vehicle shortly.

The car is a 1980 Ford LTD, a big boat of a car. Here is a link to a picture of a similar car, similar color even, except the one that we have is a 2-door, a little lower perhaps.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...n_(Hudson).JPG

Go with front components........... size wise, someone else will have to chip in here........... and will also depend on whether or not you will do some custom interior work at all as you could get into kick panels

Decent deck with some tuning abilities.

Four channel amp (two channels for the front and bridge the other two for the sub(s))

Two free-air subs off the rear deck (8" or 10").

Wiring (power, ground, trigger, RCAs, etc).

Assessories (fuses, wiring ends, etc, etc)

Well we are willing to do custom work however the goal is to have maybe one 8" sub or just large speakers. The goal is clarity not bass. We still want some bass. Would it work to have two speakers in the back with a sub? I am also wondering what brand would be recommended. Thanks for your help.

Again, you really need to let us know what car it is.

MTX makes a "high end" component speaker in a 4". I think its the TXC4.1. I used to have a set of TXC6.1 and they sounded nice. much better out there mind you but unless you want to alter the mounting diameter... not sure how much variety in a 4" you are going to get

i had a 77 LTD great car good luck

My thoughts...............

Concert sound comes from the front.............. so build a nice front sounds stage. Two-way components in custom kick panels is great for this as it not only can sound good (if the installer knwos what they are doing) but it doesn't take away from the interior is a intrusive way for a resto project.......... versus cutting up doors and dashes.

Don't waste money on the rear fill.......... sink that extra money into better front components. So no rear speakers.

Go with a single free-air sub off the rear deck if there is room. I'm not familiar with this car and it's rear deck size, but this is the easiest and least obtrusive way to get some bass into the cabin (usually). You just have to make sure you buy an actually FREE-AIR subwoofer for this application.

One amp......... a three or a four channel piece.


Don't go to your local big box store and get ripped off. Support the mom and pop shops or check in with some of the members here for advice on where to acquire stuff. PM me if you want to discuss this further.