Alistair,

I have the same problems with both locations and have been thinking about a
possible remedy.  The head liner on a Westy comes down lower than then the
headliner on an L or GL passenger van.  Sometimes they're backed with
Masonite or other semi-rigid structure.  When I replace the headliner on my
diesel L I plan on adding a lowered headliner in the cabin area (I'm tall,
but not that tall) and building some storage into the area for things like
speakers.  If my estimates are correct there should be a lot more space
overhead and there's nothing there to interfere.  Some surface mounted
speakers on the dash will bring up the high end and the high mounted
overheads will fill in the rest.

Just and idea,

Matt
http://zenoswagen.wordpress.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Alistair Bell
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 8:51 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: speaker low in front door

I have spare door panels, but not right colour, otherwise I would replace
panels and move speaker, (if it would fit, haven't checked) up to top stock
location.

I don't like the top location for 3 reasons:

1. limited speaker size
2. window winder interference (although I solved that in my other van by
using the extended shaft winders, early 80's cabriolet has them) 3. speaker
partially obscured by dash when door closed.

I don't like the bottom location for these reasons:

1. prone to being kicked by my ear foot
2. speaker size still limited if not cutting metal (door stowage bin is
upper limit) 3. has no plastic backing, so exposed to moisture (that can be
easily
remedied)
4. I had to have my ears re located to my feet for best sound imaging.