From: norcott_bill@tandem.com (Bill Norcott)
Subject: Re: recommendations for T-Birds/cougars
Reply-To: norcott_bill@tandem.com (Bill Norcott)
Organization: Tandem Computers, Inc.
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 20:19:44 GMT


I just installed a system in my wife's 1987 Mercury Topaz last night so I
can answer your Ford questions in as much detail as you like.  I went to
some length not to cut sheet metal nor cut off connectors,  since if I sell
the car I will put the Ford system back in it first.  This is something to
consider.

|> What I would like to know is:
|> 
|> 	1) I am thinking of using 6x9's in the back. Is this a
|> 	   good idea, or should I use something else. 
|> 

The Ford "Premium Speaker" rear speakers are 5x7's with a dual cone,
i.e. not a separate driver for the tweeter.  I removed these and put
in Pioneer 6905's which are a 3-way 6x9 with separate drivers for mid
and tweeter.  The Ford rear speakers are not screwed in, instead they
are rear mounted by a rubber strap which cradles the speaker by the magnet.
There are eyes on either end of the strap which stretch to attach to metal
hooks on either side of the cutout.  You unhook the straps and the speakers
drop right out.  I chose to mount mine the same way, but instead of fashioning
a net strap I  made a harness by wrapping around and around the speaker and
the existing mounting hooks, thus I did not have to drill.  I also left the
mounting hole in its 5x7 size (actually it is somewhat larger than that)
rather than cut out the sheet metal to 6x9.  I removed the speaker grilles
so the speakers fit flush.  Because they are rear mounted like the originals,
you cant even tell they are there.

The Ford speaker wires attach to the speaker with a funny Ford connector, kind
of an edge connector (the terminals on the speaker are like fingers on a 
circuit board).  Rather than cut off the Ford connectors, I just crimped the
wire from the speakers into the existing connectors.  There is a plastic 
spring for each terminal on the Ford connector and there is a way to crimp
the ends of the wire in there with no cutting or wires.  It's a little hard
to describe but when you see the connectors you will know what I mean.  A 
little electrical tape around the connectors makes sure the wires dont 
come loose.

|> 	2) I am not sure what to do in front. One idea is to use
|> 	   2-way 5 inch speakers in the doors and mount tweeters
|> 	   in the stock dash locations. Would this work? If not
|> 	   what would everyone suggest?
|> 

The Topaz/Tempo has door mounted 6" front speakers which are behind a
grill which is part of the door.  I put in the Pioneer 6040 two-way
speakers.  This was simpler than the rears because the Pioneers fit in
the same hole as the Fords.  I kept the Pioneer speaker grills on.  It
bulges the door's grille out a tiny bit but not enough to be
noticeable unless you look for it.  I would go for 6" speakers in the
doors and forget the dash mounted speakers.  Does the Cougar also have
door mounted speakers or is it only the dash.  If it has the door
mounted speaker it will be inconspicuous, but I in any case I would go
with the 6"

I went with a Pioneer cassette deck I can't remember the model # but
it is one of the top of the line units about $300 with four channels
at 15 watts each.  It is a pullout.  The installation is completely
unnoticeable.  It really sounds miles beyond the deck that was in 
there which was a cheap Audiovox with the factory speakers.

-- 
---------------------------------------------------------------------|
Bill Norcott			GUARDIAN POSIX project
Tandem Computers, Inc.		
10600 N. Tantau Avenue		PHONE:  (408) 285-3253
Cupertino, CA   95014		EMAIL: norcott_bill@tandem.com