1991 244 Build Thread by Smokeyfan1000

8 minute(s) of a 720 minute read

Well the different style of Kenwood grilles I bought came in the mail. And they clear the Midrange & Tweeter Pod on the KW 5 way spkrs I'm using. Good, was hoping they would.

I want to cover just the metal perforated grille mesh with speaker cloth. I want to hide the actual speaker from view.

I'm wanting a "OEM appearance. In other words I want it to look as if Volvo mounted these 6x9 speakers, in the packge tray, as a OEM speaker option.

But notice the new grille's mtg screw holes are inside the perimeter of where the mesh is, instead on the outer edge of frame like the old grilles had. This means I can only cover the metal mesh part of grille. And it's removable, and just pops into the outer frame.

But I'm unsure if the metal mesh will go into the slot around the frame for it, after it's covered with cloth. I'll try it & see. But I may have to leave the mesh grilles as they are in the end. I won't know for sure until I try.

It's going to be tricky to do, and I'll have to use a thin speaker cloth to do it. I'm hoping I can just wrap it around the mesh and pop it in.

I might have to trim the cloth on the mesh, even with the outer frame though to allow the uncovered part to go into frame. That'll require using the spray glue to attach the cloth to the grille. And will be PITA to do IMO.

Then again neither way may work...

Why all this fuss over the grilles you ask? Because I just don't care for the actual speaker being visible/showing through the grille mesh, as the UV rays will kill the spkrs much faster, & it can invite thieves.

I'd rather see black cloth there, for a more discreet, OEM look. Let's hope my plan works....

The KW grilles I had before did not allow for a neat look when covered with cloth as it has "different heights" on it's surface. And the cloth would cover it's mtg holes too
Old...



New/different version of Kenwood grilles...



So, until I get cloth, I'll prep and paint the grille frames.
First off, it cannot appear/look like an OEM Volvo spker grille, if it says Kenwood on the frames, now can it?.

A piece of sanding paper for an orbitable sander and some 1000 grit sandpaper made short work of removing the KENWOOD raised lettering cast on the frames. I may get some finer paper if it's not smooth enough. I'll be painting the frames black, to match the interior.

I almost wish I had a Volvo decal to place here. But I do have an idea. Not sure if I'll do it though. Might look better as it is now... We'll see. More on that in a while...

Before...



After...



I have two of these Volvo "R" Lapel Pins. Both are the same as I used on the 78 240 GT steering wheel's center pad, and on the far right hand side black dash corner trim piece that's under the air vent on this car.

They are the perfect size to fit the where the "KENWOOD" lettering was cast in the plastic grille frames, that are now sanded smooth. I'm contemplating if I should put them on there.

I'd just have to drill one hole(each frame) and either place a glob of JB Weld, or maybe some "Super Glue", or perhaps the 3M Emblem adhesive, on the backside to hold it on.

I'm still unsure about placing the emblems there though, it would be bad if they came/worked loose later. But it does look like something needs to be there. I'll have to think about it. Hmmmm.

I've now wet sanded both of the entire plastic grille frames,and then went over(sanded) them with 0000 Steel Wool for a very smooth scratch free finish. Then I'll paint them black tomorrow, weather permitting.

And a Big Thanks to badvlvo for the 0000 steel wool final sanding recommendation and speaker grille covering & painting tips!
pic..





1/27/12

OK, did a few somewhat innovative things today.

I painted the holes in package tray, very neatly, for the 6x9 spkrs so the edges won't start rusting.

Then I investigated hw I wanted to route the spkr wires.

After looking a few minutes, I found a new. and better way to route the package tray 6x9 speaker wires.

I did not like the idea of them under the passenger seat at all. I then quickly routed the 6x9 speaker wires to the trunk/speaker location. Luckily my existing wiring is plenty long enough to reach. See pics as to how I routed the spkr wires, as it's easier to see than say.

Shouldn't rust now...



Along the rear door's threshhold, and up between the rear seat & side of rear side of car's interior.....like when the boxes were in the car..



Here's where I spied an easy access to the trunk area. Just cut a hole in the foam as it'll help protect the wire.



And here's where it comes out inside the trunk. Pretty neat idea huh? I have some clamps to hold it up against the bottom of package tray. You'll see that later....it'll keep the wires up & outta the way.





And , yep... the seat belt reel covers hide it reels, wires & all on the package tray inside.



More Volvo Adventures tomorrow...................

1/29/12

All in good time my good man. All in good time. Have other more important things I'd like to do first. Like this................

Ok, After much trial & tribulations, and almost having to sacrifice a goat & a lamb, I finally got the rear seat out. Sure was a lot of work just to find some bug wings, dust, a nut and 1 Quarter circa 1967.

Had to remove rear seat to remove the pressboard partition, between interior & trunk, so it can be covered n black in/out carpet. Four retaining studs have nuts only accessable after you remove the seat.

Remember that "just big enough piece of carpet", I had left over from the side panel and package tray panel? It is time to use it, Pappy. I bought more Loc-Tite 300 Strength spray glue, he other day from Lowes. The same process will be used as was on the package tray panel and trunk side panel.

And I'm hoping to use the grey felt padding material between the top half of seat, and partition also, and maybe on the floorboard's area of the bottom half of rear seat. if it'll fit OK, it should help quieten the rattle of the " 'shine jars". tee hee..

Pics below:
Gratiutious circa 1967 U.S. Quarter...



Both halves removed..



Nuts to be accessed..there are 4 total...



And just enough carpet left to cover the pressboard partition panel. Super Cool.