914 GT Wheel questions Options

[Chris914n6]

First step, add sound deadening. Your wife will like that too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Get 6.5" speaker pods. That will give you the lower midrange that 4x6 lack.
There is no specific formula for bass in our tiny cars so do the google search til you find a solution you like.

Personally I went with an older HU, a $30 used on ebay mechless JVC like the one I put in the DD years before. 6.5" Infinity Kappa 2-way pulled from my retired DD. Half a JBL Fuse flat box sub under the dash, and a SoundStream pn4.520d amp for everything, that fit under my center storage.

[chmillman]

I like to listen to the radio in any/all cars, like many people. Aside from the 4x6’s on the kick panel, is there a subtle sound system with a mild, slim subwoofer and/or amp that others have installed on theirs?

I don't necessarily agree that one has to replace the stock speaker housings and go bigger than 4x6 to get decent sound. I did this:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...=371580&hl= (Post #4)

And then I added a compact subwoofer that fits inside the center console:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...p;#entry3165312

IMO the sound is excellent for the money and time invested and except for the radio head (which is modern) the rest looks stock. It works for me - YMMV.

[technicalninja]

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chmillman's MDF adaptors look like the best way to work better speakers into the stock housings.

He provided the CAD files as well!

That's one of the nicest things about this forum: the sharing of information is STRONG!



Sometimes it's not the information you want...

We're mostly old guys and are easily sidetracked!



His way is economical and probably sounds nearly as good as a $$$ system.

[OttoB]

I really, genuinely appreciate the heads up! Not the smartest fella in the room but also smart enough to know when to reach out for help!

Today, I ordered a set of OEM Fuchs, 15x7’s refinished from a specialist in NC, pre -1978 for about the price of a single Braid wheel, including shipping, off eBay! The seller had a few hundred transactions, all with 100% feedback,
and had some unique P-car stuff for sale in beyond average quality. Although these wheels have the black centers, it’ll cost me far less for my good buddy to attempt to get them (with a squinty eye) kinda looking RSR finish, than the Braids plus the 6-9 week turnaround time for them to arrive. And, these Fuchs are period correct + the real deal, so I know I’ve lucked out once again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I also today kept abusing the credit card while I was it and:

Ordered a rear spoiler from John at A.I.R.

Ordered black/natural Cocomats.

Thinking of different shift boot, new key blanks, tires remain yet to be ordered (waiting on confirmation from Mr. Fiat after I provided them the 15x9 specs from the chart on Page 1)…

Ordered Euro lenses from Auto Atlanta x 4 as well as a host of other miscellaneous stuff.

Waiting on the original builder to ‘assemble’ a hidden a/c unit like he once did (haven’t seen pics) where the unit was inside the glovebox. This gentleman has singlehandedly undertaken over a dozen Subie transplants, so he knows his s*it. I was fortunate to speak to him yesterday for a long while!

Thankfully, the seller’s warehouse doesn’t care if the car occupies space there rent free. I personally, physically run hot and would only ship the car to Fla. once I know all the a/c components are in 1 place - the same shop from my friend - to install.

I’ve kinda been busy today, so perhaps I’ll delve further into the stereo options more mañana. I listen to terrestrial radio all day, every day and don’t care for technology. I listen to Pandora music, but old-fashioned and enjoy switching stations/buttons. So, an Alpine HU is absolutely coming but, me gots to think more about a possible sub, aside from the upgrade kick panel speakers, and all the other stuff I bought.

PS - no holes on these beautiful door panels for anything…

[mepstein]

Real Fuchs continue to go up in value. Repros usually sell for ~ 25% of new.

[BillJ]

Do be cautious of local guys that don't know how to do fuchs. Ideally you want finish done then everything anodized to keep them clean. Abraded rsr finish without sealant is a bitch to clean. If you are getting a good price, say $300 a wheel or so, it is really worth it to spend another 300 or so a wheel to get them done by a pro like Peter Nguyen or other reputable shop. There is a long ass wait though so factoring that into your equation may not be ideal.

If you want to get crafty buy some fakes for now and have those real ones redone by a pro in the rsr finish. Just.my $0.01

[OttoB]

My friend is supremely talented and done about 6-8 of my previous projects. He currently does all the body repairs for one the of the premier and most exclusive dealerships in SoFla. He’s always busy so that’s why I need everything to be at his place when the car does arrive.

I genuinely, sincerely need help to get an a/c on the car, using a Subie compressor out back. I want something discreet, compact enough to go where the glove box is? And reinstall additional vents (only) in the center console. Hoping someone can help!!

[technicalninja]

My friend is supremely talented and done about 6-8 of my previous projects. He currently does all the body repairs for one the of the premier and most exclusive dealerships in SoFla. He’s always busy so that’s why I need everything to be at his place when the car does arrive.

I genuinely, sincerely need help to get an a/c on the car, using a Subie compressor out back. I want something discreet, compact enough to go where the glove box is? And reinstall additional vents (only) in the center console. Hoping someone can help!!

This is what I do for my dinner!
https://granburyautoac.com/

The normal aftermarket under dash unit is pretty easy to convert and works fine.
This provides AC only.

I will be water-cooling my 75 and am planning on adapting/modifying a small under dash unit to work doing modern HVAC duty. Adding evap to defrost is critical IMO.

Multiple folks make "universal" stuff.
Vintage Air, Old Air Products are a couple of good sources.
I'll also be hunting the junkyards for units from small cars. Civics have small HVAC units
So do Miatas.
I've got a donor 99 Boxster that may provide parts.
The HVAC "head" unit is very tidy on the Boxster. Should fit great in a teener dash.

The thing that will "make or break" the system in hot climates is the condenser up front. You already have radiator and fan up front now.
Largest multi-pass flat fin condenser you can fit (a modern condenser). Mine will be 2 stage, one core in front of the other. Ducted flawlessly. Billy bad ass fans.
When the fans turn on it should suck your hand into the condenser!
You're looking for flow here.
Past 30 mph the fans are a restriction but stopped, in traffic, they are the only thing keeping a R134 system alive!
Old Air Products has some of the best condensers around.

Post pics of the unit you receive. One of the moderators @clayperrine is also well versed in AC engineering and we can provide good feedback.

[Chris914n6]

The most common add-on ac is a universal under dash kit like the hot rodders use. You can get one cheap on Amazon etc. Factory ac, actually dealer installed, is the same. Bowlsby.net has the install manuals on his website.
I've never seen or heard of the glove box ac you speak of.

Doing body work and anodizing Fuchs as the factory did are 2 different things.

[T.Rick6]

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[@]Ottob

Welcome to the madness. Congratulations on your new purchase, that’s going to be a hoot to drive! Back on topic about the rims, I too wanted as much rubber as possible and wanted Fuchs 15x8 and 15x10’s. As mentioned Fuchs doesn’t make a 15x10 but you can do what I did and get custom barrels. I had a pair of Fuchs that had unrepairable curb rash. I had the hearts removed and welded to 15x10 barrels. Came out really nice. I also had them polished. The backspacing can be adjusted with spacers. The only issue is tire availability, If you’re good with what’s available tire wise, and you REALLY want a set of sweet Fuchs I’ll sell you mine. 2 real Fuchs 15x8 and 2 15x10 Fuchs harts with custom barrels; $4,500 plus shipping . I’ll post more photos if you’re interested.

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Todd

[burton73]

Do what you want to but if you are looking for huge meats in the back you may want to rethink it. My factory 6 with real Fuchs in an RSR finish 7 and 8 x 16inch you get a better selection on tires and well my car handles like a mother. Note my shot of the rears on the 8s x16 plenty of rubber.


Best Bob B and welcome to the world


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[OttoB]

Todd - thank you for the offer on your wheels! But, as mentioned above, I bought 15x7's in the front and the Minilite is the only one I am considering for the rear. Neither Discount Tire nor Coker have anything wider than a 235 with a sidewall under 60 in stock for a 15 inch wheel. So, I may end up pulling the trigger on that size which would have a 26 wheel diameter.

Bob - thank you for the welcome and shots of your car, it looks great. I have opted to order 15x9's Minilites. And, I also bought a used set of 15x9 Fuchs over the weekend since I have to wait 6-8 weeks for the Minilites. I prefer enjoying the car now with the set of 15's rather than using the 17's for the next couple of months, which I do plan to sell if anyone is interested.

[sixnotfour]

what did you pay for the Nines ? Real Fuchs ? date ? Ive sold em for
$3k a pair ,, and have sold 4 pairs, still have 4 pairs

[OttoB]

Not real 9’s as these are just to hold space until the Minilites show up.
They need to be refinished along with the 7’s (those were already refinished by RGX) but I need to determine ultimately what the wheels will look like. The 9’s and will be swapped out in 2 months and I paid less than $1K including shipping. I’ve asked for manufacturer and date info, not yet provided.

[sixnotfour]

All good ...
Bob if they were 12s ...