A repeat client from Tamaqua recently contacted Mobile Edge in Lehighton to inquire about having a 1969 Chevy C10 center console built. The client owns an automotive repair shop. Although he does all the mechanical work on the truck himself, he wanted expert assistance with the audio system. He had saved a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX from another vehicle and wanted to use it in the truck. We invited him to visit the shop so we could have a look at the available space and talk about the rest of the system. After reviewing options for speakers and a subwoofer, we sketched up a design that would give him the audio performance he wanted while tidying up the interior of the vehicle.
Chevy C10 Center Console Fabrication
When the client and his wife arrived at the shop to drop off the truck, we noticed she had been drinking a Guers iced tea. Knowing that they wanted cup holders in the new console, we offered to make a square one to hold the square carton. She thought that was a great idea, so we incorporated it into our plan.
We started the project by removing the trim around the B&M shifter and measuring the available space between the seats. Mike and Ben started work creating the console to house the 2-DIN radio, speakers and a subwoofer. The console is made from MDF and is wrapped in black and red vinyl.
We included a step-up to go around the shifter and reinstalled the chrome trim ring. The client has ordered a replacement rubber boot to finish off that portion of the install.
Hertz Speakers and Audison Subwoofer
The stock C10 stereo had a 4×10-inch speaker in the dash. Given the limited performance available from replacing that with a pair of 3.5-inch speakers, we suggested adding larger speakers to the doors or the sides of the console. The client chose the console location and is considering adding additional door speaker locations at another time.
We mounted a set of Audison Prima-Series 6.5-inch APX 6.5 coaxial speakers on either side of the enclosure and finished them with a set of Hertz 6.5-inch steel mesh grilles.
The rear section of the enclosure serves dual duty as an armrest and a home for a 10-inch Hertz Energy-Series ES250.5 subwoofer. The woofer faces down to conceal the system and helps reinforce low-frequency output from the system. Mike incorporated a custom design into the top of the console to add a little extra style to the install.
The enclosure is secured in place using a steel bracket that we fabricated here at Mobile Edge. If you follow our builds, we use a lot of steel construction for amp racks. We cut, drill and weld together whatever we need to ensure components are held in place securely. The brackets are finished in black paint to prevent rust and corrosion.
Memphis Car Audio System Amplifier
A Memphis Car Audio MXA5.600 five-channel amplifier powers the new speakers and subwoofer. We wired the amp in a three-channel configuration to make the most of the four main channels. When set up like this, the amp can provide up to 150 watts to the Audison speakers and 300 watts to the subwoofer. All the wiring is safely concealed under the carpet and out of view.
The Great Pennsylvania Iced Tea Debate
With the audio system installed and configured, it was time for the client to pick up the truck and have a listen to the new sound system. Knowing the client’s wife had a carton of Guers iced tea in the truck, we decided we’d fuel the “who has the best iced tea” debate with a carton of Zimmerman’s. If you want to weight in on who has the best lemon flavored sweetened iced tea, hop over to our post on Facebook and cast your vote!
The client loved his new Chevy C10 center console. He was thrilled with the work we did for him! He told us the stereo sounds great and he loves how easy it is to access to the radio. If you need help with your audio upgrade project, drop by Mobile Edge and talk to Bob or click the red button below to send us an e-mail.
Leave a Reply