Custom Roll Cage Speaker Pipes

dvdflanders · 12-28-2009, 01:13 PM

Achieving good sound is not easy in a Jeep. Wind is the enemy when it comes to sound quality. Traditional sound bars have the right idea, placing speakers closer to your ears, but facing down is not the most effective position. Upgrading the sound system was one of the first mods I did to my YJ. In addition to the 2 6x9 speakers in boxes standing vertically on my wheel wells, I created speaker pipes that attach to the roll cage and direct sound towards the driver and passenger. I used Infinity Reference 3.5" speakers in the pipes.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af72/dvdflanders/Speaker%20pipes%20Jeep/IMG00115-20091222-2335.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af72/dvdflanders/Speaker%20pipes%20Jeep/IMG00118-20091222-2336.jpg

I plan on doing a write up on the complete sound system, but for now, just a preview..

Homcy · 12-29-2009, 10:02 AM

Sick install!

What size speakers are those down below? 6x9? And where did you get those boxes? Or did you Fab them yourself.

Thanks

gily25 · 12-29-2009, 11:00 AM

You can get those 6x9 boxes at most retaielrs that sell 6x9's...wal mart usually has them and places like best buy.

The sky pipes are a neat idea...there is a CJ owner who fabbed up a similar idea but his were down firing and in the usual sound bar location. Another owner did some pipes that came up just behind the center console at elbow level.

Wind is the enemy, especially to forward facing speaker cones. For the 6x9 location the speaker will perform better if it is out of the wind in the location used by the sound wedges (floor behind the driver). For the pipes, the woofer is probably too small to worry about the pressure from the wind...you might be able to scoot them around on the roll bar if they have a problem. Great for jeeps that wear a top or full length bikini tho.

dvdflanders · 12-29-2009, 02:59 PM

Onlinecarstereo.com carries 6 different 6x9 speaker boxes. My old ones were located in the same place, but directed sound straight forward, as these kick the sound more inwards towards the center of the Jeep.

As for the sky pipes (I like the sound of that), they are pretty snug, but can be scooted around for adjustments if needed. The addition of the grab handles keeps them tights but are easily removed. I am looking forward to the increase in sound insulation from the suede headliner I put on the hardtop, pic attached.
http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af72/dvdflanders/Speaker%20pipes%20Jeep/IMG00102-20091215-2002.jpg

Also, here is a pic of the sky pipe prototype along with the old 6x9 speakers for comparison.
http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af72/dvdflanders/IMG00027-20091009-0030.jpg

gily25 · 12-30-2009, 04:07 PM

I like the headliner...you should list your wrangler on cardomain.com since it pops up in most google searches...

jeeperzcreeper · 01-03-2010, 12:13 AM

could those pipe speakers also work for a tj

**Kenbo-Slice** · 01-03-2010, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvdflanders

Achieving good sound is not easy in a Jeep. Wind is the enemy when it comes to sound quality. Traditional sound bars have the right idea, placing speakers closer to your ears, but facing down is not the most effective position. Upgrading the sound system was one of the first mods I did to my YJ. In addition to the 2 6x9 speakers in boxes standing vertically on my wheel wells, I created speaker pipes that attach to the roll cage and direct sound towards the driver and passenger. I used Infinity Reference 3.5" speakers in the pipes.

I plan on doing a write up on the complete sound system, but for now, just a preview..

click free. hopefully.

dvdflanders · 01-03-2010, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeeperzcreeper

could those pipe speakers also work for a tj

Yes. I'm pretty sure the TJ cage uses 2 inch piping, the same as a YJ. If there is a difference in pipe diameter, the ABS plastic is somewhat flexible, at least flexible enough to compensate. I fit the speaker pipes over the roll cage cover, so if needed, additional padding could increase the snugness on a narrower pipe.

Cjensenr · 01-04-2010, 11:20 AM

Interesting.

C.

gily25 · 01-04-2010, 11:39 AM

In an 04 and up the roll bar padding is "puffy" so it may take some effort but I think this would work.

TexasPigHunter · 02-09-2010, 10:48 AM

just a thought, since OP said that wind is the enemy of speakers, could u turn these pipe speakers around (have them mounted in front of the driver?

dvdflanders · 02-09-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasPigHunter

just a thought, since OP said that wind is the enemy of speakers, could u turn these pipe speakers around (have them mounted in front of the driver?

Yes you could, but the diameter of the roll cage pipe that connects the rear roll cage to the windshield is less than the diameter of the rear roll cage. Just means that more padding would have to be added to keep the speaker pipe snug.

gily25 · 02-09-2010, 01:45 PM

You could probably mount them on the center hoop. I think if you were going to try to put it, in that area you may want to look for a different piece of plumbing. For instance an elbow...with the back cut open...maybe with a standard piece of pipe to attach it to the rollbar or dual sets of T's mounted the the center hoop

NIBCO 1 1/2 In. PVC DWV Elbow 90 Degree (1/4 Bend) HubxHub - 4807 at The Home Depot

NIBCO 4 In. x 4 In. x 2 In. PVC DWV Sanitary Tee Hub x Hub x Hub - 4811 at The Home Depot