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Once the 2nd LOUDEST Beetle in Australia at 145.7dB!
1998 to 1999
I added a complete Sony system of tape head unit, 6.5 inch speakers and 6x9 inch speakers. I then decided to upgrade the whole system.
Mid 1999 to 2001
The first thing that I did was have a totally redesigned shelf built behind the rear seats that would aim my rear speakers more toward the front rather than firing upwards. I installed a Sanyo CD player, Pioneer TSA-6959 6x9 speakers in the new rear shelf and replaced the 6.5 inch speakers on either side of the rear seat with Pioneer TS-E1690 6.5s. Inbetween the 2 6x9s, I put a Pioneer TS-W1200C subwoofer which is the top of the range Pioneer subwoofer in Australia. We made numerous adjustments to the rear shelf as well as the tuning port to find the best loading for the Beetle's cabin and eventually settled on the one that produced the loudest SPL. After major alterations to the tubes that supply the rear part of the cabin with heat, all of the bass was pumped through these 2 ports via pipes under the back seat. The long pipe means that the loudest tones are in the sub 25Hz range. In competition, I slaughtered hatchbacks equipped with up to 3 subs that competed against me.
February 2001 to February 2002
The second overhall was adding the top of the 2000 range Pioneer 9250 CD player. Pioneer TS-A1695 6.5 inchers replaced the 1690s in the rear seats and a new pair of 1690s found a home in the front doors. The rear shelf was removed and the design copied. Into the new shelf went an extra Pioneer TS-W1200C.
February 2002 to July 2002
Well, the alterations I had done to the heating pipes of my car were apparently illegal and it had to be restored to its original application. The subs now occupy a 2.42 cu. ft. box and the amps now live underneath the box. The subs themselves are barely visible so I am happy with the 'stealthy' install even though I doubt I will hit anywhere near the 145.7dB I had.
July 2002 to October 2002
After calling many stores including Strathfield, Sony Central, Georges and Soundmaster, I finally found another Sony XM-1002HX amplifier at Ryda. So now each 1200C has its own amp with about 380W.
October 2002 to September 2003
Installed a stacker for better shock protection and the ability to have 6 CDs playing continuously for car shows.
September 2003 to Present
Made some new door pods and installed a pair of Pioneer TS-C1320 splits as seen below.
So the current setup consists of:
Pioneer DEH-9250 Deck
Pioneer CDX-P670 Stacker
2 x Sony XM-1002HX
Sentrek 480W 4 Way
Pioneer TS-C1320 Splits
Pioneer TS-E1690 6.5s
Pioneer TS-A1695 6.5s
2 x Pioneer TS-W1200Cs
So far, shouts-out for the stereo to:
Pioneer America - Emailing me cabin specs. and sending out a free (!) 25 inch decal for the rear window
Pioneer Australia - Great support for speakers info., subwoofers and decals for rear and side windows
RYDA Chatswood - For specs. and help with install as well as where I purchased some of the gear
Sound Master - Supplier of cabling and some Pioneer products
Strathfield Car Radio - My friend John who helped with some of the installation. Also my primary amp supplier and helped out with probable woofer enclosures
Motoquipe Burwood - My friend Ben who has supplied the stacker and my MOMO steering wheel
