Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Tweeters near front of dash pointed at windshield?

Question...I'm looking to improve the imaging of my stereo system. Right now I'm got MBQuart components mounted in the factory locations (4500 Hz crossover). Would like to move tweeters to the plastic piece (98 & 98.5 only) that the windshield defroster vents come through and flush mount them to reflect off the windshield. Anyone ever try this and if so, how do you remove that piece, and how was the sound quality?

My other option is to mount them just behind the A-pillar, near the side window defrosters. I know most have been happy with this.

Thanks.

I would not purposely reflect sound off a windshield. The glass is curved and who knows how the signals would get distored.

I was pleased with the defrost covers.

Oooo, I beg to differ. I have Polk tweeters straight mounted (much easier than trying to make the flush work on those panels: ALSO, that half inch of offset helps to clear the pillar.) I have the elliptical lens on the tweeter pointing at 45* into the dash (toward the windshield). Couldn't be happier with the SQ- there is no directionality or harshness; the soundstage is huge...I love it! I don't know what your mounting hardware will be like, but it was an easy install for me. I screwed the mounting ring to the vent panel through the existing hole (just got a longer screw), then drilled a hole in the vent panel (inside the ring) to run the wires. PM me if you have any questions.
P.S. I forgot to tell you how to take the panel off...you pop the little cover cap off...ya, thats a challenge not to gouge everything to pieces- then unscrew and you're done.

Thanks for the replies. I may not have described the concept too well.

The tweeters would be flush mounted on top of the dash, about 2" behind the base of the windshield, and fire directly up into the windshield, reflecting sound back into the car. My car has a plastic piece there which the windshield defrost comes through, it extends 4"-5" back from the base of the windshield, and goes the width of the dash...I believe only the 98 & 98.5 cars have this piece. This is the piece I don't know how to remove...

I have moved the tweeters around inside the cabin and found this position to sound better in my application than in the defrost covers for the side windows. Clearer and better imaging with a higher sound stage. Plus I think they'll be easier to flush mount there, trying to make this look like it was done at the factory.

Thanks for the help guys...please let me know any opinions on this setup or better ideas that I haven't tried. And if anyone knows how to remove that plastic piece...please let me know.

Hmmm, sounds like an interesting wiring job I bet it would sound good though- essentially that is where my sound is hitting after reflecting off the dash. I too tried everypossible location (I moved the tweeters around so much I broke the factory soldering of the wire to the tweeter). I would move it minimillay, and the sweetest sound was off the windshield...though it sounded better reflecting off the dash first...good luck

The best spot for tweeters (and components) is in a kickpanel. The sound goes right to your ears and is nice and crisp. If you can't afford that then I would just throw the tweeters in the A pillar. I did that in my winter Ranger with little cheap ass ebay tweeters and they sound good.