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MG MGF Technical - T-BAR SPEAKERS

I have a MK1 VVC, but have noticed that the later models have speakers in the T-bar, behind the head-rests.

Would people recommend adding existing speakers to the factory fitted head (cassette) unit - my thoughts being that extra speakers here would mean operating at lower volume and so less distortion (particularly with the roof down)

Is this recommended? - I couldn't tackle this job would Halfords etc. do a good job?
Philip

Phil,

If the tweeters were installed, wouldnt they be classed as "rear" speakers, and faded appropriately through the standard head unit - thus avoiding distortion?

I am interested in doing this, but I would install a MKII T-Bar aswell. Does anyone have any tips / instructions on how to do this - I particularly like pictures!!


Rog.
Roger

>>Would people recommend adding existing speakers to the factory fitted head (cassette) unit - my thoughts being that extra speakers here would mean operating at lower volume and so less distortion (particularly with the roof down)<<

Very definitely. Even the use of very cheap speakers in the T-bar will result in a staggering improvement of sound quality and audibility - especially with the roof down. I use the F-R balance to ensure that most of the sound comes from the front speakers.

Some pictures of 10 cm speakers in my T-bar at http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/installing_rear_t.htm

Rog, using a Mk2 T-bar would be a very tidy solution, and one that many have performed already to great effect. All parts are direct swap with no unusual fitting problems or issues. One thing I would add though - I don't think I'd bother with the speaker box enclosures. These are designed to improve bass response from the rear mounted speakers, but are probably a little too small for the job, and I am not convinced that plastic is the ideal material to make a speaker box from. The biggest problem for me, as someone who likes tinkering with the engine, is that the speaker box makes the job of removing and (especially) replacing the parcel shelf sound proofing felt a certifiable nightmare! It is a real pain in the *****.

I haven't, at present, got any pictures of a Mk2 T-bar being installed on a Mk1 MGF (anyone got any they'd care to forward to me? :o) but the instructions on how to remove and replace the T-bar hold: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/tbar_installation.htm
Rob Bell

I have just fitted Mk2 T-bar and Speakers to my Mk1.
(£100 for speakers and t-bar from midland mgf breakers)

Significant improvement, and a lot more bass, even with standard speakers.
Not sure the speaker enclosure box is the best design,
but seems to have a resonable effect.

Sorry Rob, no pictures.

Currently have Infinity's in the doors, and standard rover speakers in the t-bar.

paul weatherill

Cheers for that Rob, I think I will pay a visit to my local ICE dealer. Looking at the BBS archives, the best solution for me is Infinity Kappas in the door and move the door speakers to the T-bar. The only problem with this is the the door speakers dont have grills (as far as I am aware). Anyway behind the head rest seems like a pretty safe place to me!.

Cheers,

Rog.
Roger

It'll be quite hard to fit 16.5 cm speakers into the T-bar simply because of the size of the speakers (I thought about doing this too). Two problems really: the profile of the T-bar in section, so you'd need to either mount the speakers behind the T-bar or inset into it (flush mounting will be next to impossible), and secondly, the depth of space behind the T-bar. The latter is not so much of a problem with speakers which are less tall than they are wide, because this allows you to place the cone magnet above the rear bulk head by moving the speaker into a higher position on the T-bar - and here there isn't much of a limit on rear-ward space available. With taller speakers, the cone magnet will come out below the top of the rear bulkhead, and then runs the risk of inadequate depth- and here certainly, there is no way that the speaker can be mounted behind the T-bar. Fortunately, the door speakers aren't particularly deep, so fitting them onto the T-bar MAY be possible. Very difficult to get a nice neat solution, but maybe possible.

And yes, you are right Rog, no separate speaker grilles for these speakers (they are plastic welded into the door trim). Mind you, the infinitis you are thinking of buying should come will grilles, so you could always use these instead.

Some food for thought! :o)
Rob Bell

Roger,
I've fitted speakers to the T-Bar using rover grills (4"x6") the speakers need in setting into the foam and without a box behind are a bit Bass-Less, 4"x6" were the largest to get into this space.
To get a good idea remove the Tbar, it's three screws (the ones with poppers on) and the T-Bar pulls off. Note you _may_ break the fixers which can be brought as the seatbelt recall kit for something silly like 60p.
The way I did it will cost you £70 which includes speakers (jbl) and rover grills, mastic and lots of work in cutting and cleaning up after
If I were to do it again I would buy the MK2 T-Bar from Midland MGF for £100 and upgrade the speakers when I had more time/money

Will
Will Munns

I have did this mod to my MK1 a few months ago and the results are very go it looks factory fitted and you can now hear the music whilst driving down the motorway with the roof down.

I have written some instructions with covers every thing you would want to know including instructions on cutting a MK1 T-bar (taken from a MK2 T-bar but not tested). I plan to one day put them on my own web site but I have a 1.3MB adobe file that I can send to you
Russell Reeve

If any one is interested we seem to have a few of the acoustic boxes(LOL)without speakers, that are fitted to the MY2000 on cars ,(no spare T-bars with speaker cut outs though),going cheap. Mike.
mike

Has anyone fitted a small sub into an F yet. I would like more bass as it seems to get lost when the roof is down? However, not sure where if anywhere I could fit one!

I know it still will with a sub but hopefully not all of it.
Chris

It is possible to fir large speakers to the Mk1 T bar.

I have componant speakers . To get a flush fit we moulded the front of the TBar out to take the two speakers and tweeters. the entire fron was then covered with vynal - will cover in leather shortly. The result is spectacluar. good sounbd top off at 170Kmh n0 wind stop yet. I have photos of the finished T bar and so does Dieter. Frankly if you want a proeffional finsih with large speakers this is the way to go

Have fun

David
David

This thread was discussed between 05/04/2002 and 08/04/2002

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