E30 ICE install

[E28driver]

Just wondering if anyone has managed to fit 6.5" components in the stock kick panel locations in the front footwells, WITHOUT any major cutting of the panels?

 

[bmwky]

well you can always be the first (that i know of).......usually the hood release cable mechanism gets in the way. I am interested to know too.

 

[nikazwaa]

i just custom fitted the 6 inchers on my door cards...

 

[E28driver]

Obviously I'm trying to avoid butchering the door cards.

Anyone?

 

[nikazwaa]

Try consulting skar19

 

[E28driver]

Where is mr policeman when you need him?

 

[Vanquish]

E28driver,

I've seen this being done on a couple of E30s .... the stock location enhanced with an almost ori looking kick panels enabling slim or mid sized 6 inch drivers to be fitted. Have done a similar set up in my own E36 - fitted custom made kicks for my 6.5 inch drivers with no cutting of metal but had to relocate the hood release latch - hardly an issue for my installer.

Cheers,

 

[E28driver]

You mean like this:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread...?t=59869&page=2

check out pics from post #29

Looks rather involved?

 

[E28driver]

Originally posted by Vanquish@Jul 4 2006, 08:50 PM
.... the stock location enhanced with an almost ori looking kick panels enabling slim or mid sized 6 inch drivers to be fitted.

Any recommendations for "slim or mid sized 6 inch drivers "?

 

[bmwky]

darn.....that dude modified and relocate the hood release latch inside the glove compartment.

I want to save my door cards too, keep it stock. once they custom fit your doorcards you cannot store as many items inside. But it will sound better tho as you have option for better speakers. It's difficult to find decent 5.25 component speakers.

 

[Vanquish]

E28driver,

That's a neatly done job there. The idea is to sandwhich a pod like kickpanel (MDF) over the current stock - adding depth which will allow for a larger driver like a 6 inch mid to fit. Check out the finished look on page 3 of your link. The hood release lever can be just moved a couple inches sideways - not sure how it was done but I've seen a couple finished examples in E30s before.

Some slim magnet drivers can be found in the range of comps offered by Focal, DLS, JL, Eton, Boston etc. Ideally, anything with less than 3 inch mounting depth shud work just fine.

 

[E28driver]

so the kick panel space limitation is one of depth and not so much width?

 

[Vanquish]

E28driver,

A well designed and installed pair of kick panels will help you to overcome the width, depth and even driver mounting angle issues - all at the same time. If you can find another spot for the hood release latch, this will be the way to go IMHO. BTW, my cousin who's just picked up his E30 325i a few days back may go down the same route.

Thanks,

 

[skar19]

ok the e30 kick panel can fit a 6.5 but.....

you need to relocate your bonnet lever
thats all....i was too lazy to do that....

you must use a spacer so there will be no need to cut the metal..
the kick panel can fit an Alpine type-r 6.5" speaker....you can get the dimensions from thier website.