What is this for?

Does anyone know what these removable black plates mounted inside the front doors are for?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(a priori @ Oct 15 2007, 11:58 PM) [snapback]526231[/snapback]</div>

I discovered these while upgrading my speakers and lining the doors with Dynamat. They make for easy access into the door but look like they're made for some other special purpose. (Not Steve Martin's special purpose from "The Jerk".)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PA Prius @ Oct 16 2007, 07:00 AM) [snapback]526306[/snapback]</div>

That's a very long story. I ended up with JL AUDIO ZR650-CSi 6.5" Component Speakers--a bit pricey at $500 to $750--it pays to shop around. The speakers are SUPER GREAT and the tweeters snap right into the JBL mounts. Major problem is power. The JBL amp can't drive them (and many other after-market speakers.) You need to add an amplifier. There are some other issues including where to put the amp, how to combine the front hi & lo signals, how to smooth out the JBL equalization, etc., etc. I posted the following solution for combining the audio.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?s=&show...st&p=518342

The best bang for the buck is to install an amp between the JBL amp and the JBL speakers. The Prius JBL system sounds anemic at best. Just pumping up the power makes a huge difference in the sound of the stock speakers.

Dave

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Oct 16 2007, 06:38 AM) [snapback]526295[/snapback]</div>

They don't actually contact the Styrofoam--just kinda suspended in air.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Oct 16 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]526435[/snapback]</div>

It's a work in progress. The rear doors are covered on the inside skin and plastic door panels. Object was to add mass. Nothing on the outside skin yet. (Should have done this before sealing up the inside :huh: ) On the front doors I plan to cover the outside skin and the inside skin. Already did the panels. I've been re-energized after reading this posted by JonasB

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

Took my trusty Radio Shack SPL meter for a ride yesterday and found a 65dB ambient noise level (A weighted) just driving on a smooth road at 40 mph. It didn't change at 60 mph or when coasting. I think it's noise just from the tires rolling on pavement. Anyway, I'm considering a more aggressive sound deadening project one SMALL step at a time. (Emphasis intentional )

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(a priori @ Oct 16 2007, 10:36 AM) [snapback]526433[/snapback]</div>

After adding a 4-channel (75 watts each) amp, noticed a great deal more and tighter (solid) bass. Cost was about $300. Amp is located directly over the JBL amp under the passenger seat. This is a very handy place for it because of close access to all the wiring you need to deal with.

JonasB has posted a detailed schematic of the JBL system on the Audio forum. This was my bible for the upgrade--a must have document. You can kinda see my installation here: http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...mp;#entry518342

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(OutOfHere @ Oct 16 2007, 03:27 PM) [snapback]526569[/snapback]</div>

If it's only an access plate, why all the tooling to shape it to a shape the doesn't even cover the hole?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(a priori @ Oct 16 2007, 07:41 PM) [snapback]526651[/snapback]</div>

Yes, and maybe even less if you shop for an inexpensive amp (used, refurbished, on-sale, no name.) Check the Audio forum for more ideas and advice.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rick Auricchio @ Oct 16 2007, 07:21 PM) [snapback]526646[/snapback]</div>

Don't know. Didn't check it.