510 Dash Speaker Solution

[jeffball610]

I'm working on a 3D printed project that some members might be interested in. I didn't want to cut holes in my doors or take up valuable kick panel space with speakers. I decided to just reuse the front center dash speaker hole with a 4x6 speaker, but that didn't go well. Also, with just a single speaker, you only get one channel; obviously.

I have seen a lot of info about the Amazon Dayton Audio speakers and found that I can fit 2-2.5" speakers in the same space as the 4x6. I went about doing a bit of measuring and basic 3D modeling, and I came up with something that might work.

Pictured is a first rough draft of the concept. I have since refined the top portion and slimmed down the box. In my application, I have removed all of the HVAC equipment other than the controls. What I made definitely fits that space, but I'm working on finding someone local to confirm this fits with all of the original equipment.

Assuming all goes well, would anyone be interested in this solution? Running some rough numbers and using the current cost of those speakers along with a $25 labor/assembly fee, I think I could get the price down to about $65 +shipping. The speakers alone are $35 and you could source your own if you want. I would also be willing to "sell" the 3D model if anyone wants to print their own for "personal use".

Let me know if  there is anyone actually interested in this, or if this is just something that works for my particular build. This may also fit other applications, but I don't have any vehicles to measure against.

[Draker]

Picture of it installed?

[ggzilla]

Looks like a great solution for basic stereo.

 

Does this fit 1970-1972 Datsun 510 dash? I think the 1968 and 1969 dash didn't have a cutout for a speaker

7 hours ago, jeffball610 said:

 

[datzenmike]

If the sound, L&R, is from one source position it's mono not stereo, there is no separation. Valuable kick panel space???? is exactly what it's good for. My 620 had perforations for speakers built in to the kick panel, thought I enlarged them. Excellent L & R separation. The single 510 dash speaker was for a mono AM radio.

[jeffball610]

5 hours ago, datzenmike said:

If the sound, L&R, is from one source position it's mono not stereo, there is no separation. Valuable kick panel space???? is exactly what it's good for. My 620 had perforations for speakers built in to the kick panel, thought I enlarged them. Excellent L & R separation. The single 510 dash speaker was for a mono AM radio.

This setup has 2 speakers for L&R. A single 4"x6" doesn't allow stereo channels. I think someone might make a "dual cone" speaker that might work.

 

My kick panel space has my ECU on one side and some electical connections on the other. I'm also quite tall and need all of the foot space I can get.

 

The mono AM radio and speaker don't exactly work with modern components. I still don't know if anyone cares about this stuff. I like to take road trips and cruise to events and track days, so I want some music. I also have plans to do something for the rear parcel shelf to mimic some old Pioneer TS pods, but be mounted and hold modern speakers.

 

@Draker I dont' have any pics under the dash. This is still in the testing phase and it's tough to get pics especially without a glare. After I finish the next print, I'll do my best to take pics of it installed. The final part will be printed in ASA for heat and UV resistance.

 

[Draker]

huh..I didn't even realize there was a speaker there. Pretty cool!

My 69 has it in a different location and my 70 has door speakers.

[jeffball610]

Barring any fitment issues, I think this is the final design for the top. The lower portion is just a box with mounting locations to the top portion and clearance for the Datsun's mounting studs in the dash. It will include all mounting hardware.

[jeffball610]

Unfortunately I don't think this will work for most people. The speakers I'm using are much too deep for anyone trying to keep HVAC controls. I also have some work to do to make the install easier. Right now it's almost a "dash out" installation. It still needs clearance in area, but none of this matters if no one can use it. It works great for me (although I'd like to enclose them for more "bass"), but I don't think anyone else will want this solution.

[ggzilla]

will it work with the standard 510 heater controls?

[jeffball610]

On 10/9/2025 at 8:22 PM, ggzilla said:

will it work with the standard 510 heater controls?

That's the issue. I don't think it will. It looks like there will be interferance with the controls. I don't have any issues with the HVAC controls that are stripped in my application, but the cables might interfere in stock applications. There might also be an issue with the cowl intake area. All of that is removed on my car, so I can't confirm.