Bose Speakers

[secondchance]

I was browsing through "the other" forum and stumbled on this thread on C4 Bose system.
Initial post is about disassembling speakers and coating the factory speaker cones w/ mixture of Elmer's wood glue/hot water.
It dawned on me these speakers are 14-20 years old depending on the model year and cones being made of paper back then would be a good idea to do some preventive maintenance.
Paper cones will degrade with age and could disintegrate with time. The flexible surround could also degrade and rip with time but can't do much with that part of the speaker. Nonetheless, I figured it would be better to do this now than wait for the cone to rip at which point would cost between $70-80 (speaker only) depending on whether it's the front or the rear.
So, I removed all speaker/enclosures and removed the plastic grilles. As I suspected, although not torn, paper cone obviously looked faded and tired. Then, per the post below, I diluted Elmer's Waterproof Wood Glue (figured extra protection against moisture) and diluted it with hot water and applied 2 coats allowing the cones to dry between the coats.
After it dried completely I reinstalled them.
First, it's good knowing that I have reversed the effect of aging, possibly leading to speaker replacement, and secondly this procedure seems to have tightened the sound quite a bit (similar to polypropylene cone speakers).
For those who intend to keep the "Bose system", at least speaker/amp part, 3 hours spent doing this may be a good investment.

http://forums.*************.com/audi...audio-faq.html

[bdw18_123]

This sounds like a good mod to get the stock system to sound better. I have been a member of that forum for almost two and a half years now and I have never seen that thread.

I think the Bose system actually sounds pretty good (when it's working properly! ) and I like keeping the radio looking stock. The stock Bose system in the '93 LT1 I had sounded great, those two rear speakers have a surprising amount of bass for a stock system! I use an iPod hooked up to the stock deck with one of those cassette adapters.

I have never thought of doing this, I will probably do this mod to the stock Bose speakers I just bought for my Z. I wonder if painting a couple coats of clear automotive paint would work to accomplish the same thing? Would look a little better (I know, you can't see the speakers installed, but still... )



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[secondchance]

Originally Posted by bdw18_123

This sounds like a good mod to get the stock system to sound better. I have been a member of that forum for almost two and a half years now and I have never seen that thread.

I think the Bose system actually sounds pretty good (when it's working properly! ) and I like keeping the radio looking stock. The stock Bose system in the '93 LT1 I had sounded great, those two rear speakers have a surprising amount of bass for a stock system! I use an iPod hooked up to the stock deck with one of those cassette adapters.

I have never thought of doing this, I will probably do this mod to the stock Bose speakers I just bought for my Z. I wonder if painting a couple coats of clear automotive paint would work to accomplish the same thing? Would look a little better (I know, you can't see the speakers installed, but still... )



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I agree that considering the size of speakers, tuned port provides surprising amount of volume and base. However, I had to add separate amp and a 10" sub to add extra meat.
As for the finish, Elmer's glue actually turn transparent - not white. When fully dried it actually restored satiney black finish to 6" rear speakers and added a little sheen to reddish rusty colored 3" fronts.
Clear paint would have the same effect. However, it may have adverse effect, like melting, of cone surround.
Elemer's being water base, only got absorbed into paper cone without any adverse effect on flexible part of the speaker.

[-=Jeff=-]

I have a box of Bose speakers from some vettes.. I need to take inventory if anyone needs replacements

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

I have a box of Bose speakers from some vettes.. I need to take inventory if anyone needs replacements

I am good. But gotta say, that's a mighty generous offer!