kick panels

[1tuff71]

Not sure if this is the right place to start this thread but here we go. Has anyone here used the kick panels with speakers in them and will they clear the e-brake pedal ?? Is there a better solution to these? Don't want to cut the doors. Ideas with pic's ??

[buckkoo]

I have them in my 72 K5 with infinity 6.5" 2 way speakers, I have the ACC carpet with the heavy backing over dynamat, which I recommend.

I had to slit the side panel carpet from ACC to fit the side panel speaker enclosures, which turned our fine, using 3M spray adhesive.

As far as E brake, I drilled holes in bottom of dash and moved e brake bracket over an inch to accommodate added width of side panels, looks great, no issues.

Also built my on side panels, covering in 1/4 foam then factory vinyl, from a company out of Michigan. You can find the schematics on this site, which are perfect. I added 6x9 Infinitys in these panels and added back seat and rear cargo LED courtesy lights, which come on when the doors are opened.

Finally I built a sub woofer box out of Melamine and covered in extra carpet, that I bought from ACC. The sub sits in the back cargo area.

Receiver is by USA and works OK, amp is 5 way Infinity, placed under rear seat.

[JJH Jimmy]

I built mine using an old t shirt and fiber glass resin. I sprayed them with Raptor liner when done and turned out great.

[JJH Jimmy]

Installed

[1tuff71]

Thanks guys.

[cleszkie]

I moved the parking brake pedal pad over about an inch towards the passenger side on the arm and it now clears my kick panel speakers. Cut it off with angle grinder, welded it back on with a gusset to support the offset. Works perfectly.

[1tuff71]

whats the $$$ investment. is it cheaper than the panels ?? I realize theres a certain amount of gratification in making your own but not sure its worth that but I'll try any thing once. Thanks for your help guys. I'm off to the parts store

[LuckyScott]

I have the ones that you buy, not ones I made, and they work just fine. Clear the e brake just fine.

[cleszkie]

Mine were bought out of a catalogue too. But my pedal did not clear the speaker grille. Hence the relocated pedal.

[1tuff71]

So the "flusher" the speaker grill is the less chance of a clearance problem using the prefab panels. Correct ?

[buckkoo]

Thinner speaker = sound compromise, get the speaker you want, then move e-brake handle as needed. Not a big deal.

[cleszkie]

Originally Posted by 1tuff71

So the "flusher" the speaker grill is the less chance of a clearance problem using the prefab panels. Correct ?

I believe my pedal pad made contact with the kick panel itself (pedal pad hit kick panel even without speaker installed).

[1tuff71]

I'll try and make my own just because I feel like having a " one of a kind ". it's whats cool about our trucks and why we build them. This has to be the best sight for chevy trucks. Thanks to all with your help. Now if I could just find a set of those front shock hoops. I know someone has a set sitting in a corner of their shop.