72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

[Randall K.]

Hi - speakers are getting very fuzzy sounding - have verified that it's the speakers and not the stereo. I suspect that these are service replacements and not original, but looking for some advice on whether to re-cone or replace.

There are three sets of numbers on the back of the magnet, and there are no Delco or other GM types of ID.
1224309
466-109 (last digit is fuzzy)
3-23-8G (last digit really does look more like a G than a 6).

Would cost more to re-cone than to replace with a suitable new speaker.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks
Randy

[Jerry R.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

You asked the question at a perfect time Randy.

Greg Thompson (877-780-2861) will be receiving his first batch of 4X6" reproduction speakers from the factory on the 17th of this month. They will be correct for the 70-76's, have the extremely powerful and small Neodymium magnets and be of the correct 8 ohm impedance. The cone has been improved over the original and the bass and mid-range response is superb and way beyond the currently available choices.

The radios themselves, which can deliver descent sound but had nothing to deliver it to, can finally perform well. Unless a person craves the correct GM model number stamp on the speaker back (and the unreliability that goes with them), this is the way to go. All of the 4X6 speakers that I have had re-coned for customers over the years have been stiff, tinny and flat sounding. I find them disappointing.

The new 4X6 speakers not going to be expensive.

His 6X9" Oval with correct Delco loading coil for the 58-67's is of the same caliber and is the only one I ever recommend. Unlike the Chinese aftermarket replacements, that have been around for years and have loading coils that pretty much short the output circuit of the radios, his coils are perfect duplicates of the Delco original. It makes a repair techs careful work worth the effort. I have heard nothing but praise for that product.

I don't recommend many things Randy but these are worth talking with Greg about before following the status quo.

Just my opinion... FWIW

[Robert E.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

I am also in need of replacing my original type speakers in my '71.

Jerry, that number doesn't seem to work from Canada. Does Greg have a website or an email address I may contact him with?

Robert

[Jerry R.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

Our toll free numbers never seem to work from up in the cold country.

Try this number Robert.

1-763-780-2861.

Email -> turnswitch@turnswitch.com

He's in Blaine, MN which is really Minneapolis.

[Robert E.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

Thanks Jerry, we're used to being ignored up here in the Great White North

Robert

[Mark P.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

Give Circuit Shop Loudspeakers in Michigan a call. They reconed two 1960 speakers for me and they did a great job. Cost $35 each.

[Les G.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

The original speakers are 10 ohm and are available over the counter at GM dealerships. I have the part number at home. They are not cheap about $40 each.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

The original speakers are 10 ohm and are available over the counter at GM dealerships. I have the part number at home. They are not cheap about $40 each.

The connector on the end of these differs from the early 70s originals. You can modify it to work, however. Also, I think that they're cheaper thru the usual Corvette catalogs.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

I purchased some 4X6 speakers that were later model GM with 10 ohm rating for my 72 Monte Carlo. The problem with them was the physical SIZE of the magnet. They were larger resulting in interference with the surrounding instrument cluster. Before installing the dash pad I turned on the radio and the proximity of this large magnet to the ammeter caused the meter to "flip" 180 degrees and stay there. Not good!
End result is I have a set of nice 4X6 speakers on the shelf and sent my old ones out for reconing for $20ea.

http://www.nostalgiasounds.com/radio/speaker.html

I was able to "repair" the meter by impressing 1.5 volt battery across meter terminals.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 in-dash speaker - recone or replace?

The new ones fit my 72 just fine. I had to replace the right one before I had it judged in 2003 as I needed the Ops points, and didn't have time to get the original reconed. I noted in my last drive in it that the left one is now "gone" so I think it's time for both to get sent out and reconed. The only real "bubba" work I had to do was adjusting the connector on the speaker to work with the factory wiring.