both of my 73's have the ebrake handle, one with shelf and one with glove box. i dunno about 6.5" speakers, but i think 5.25" will do me just fine. prolly wont be able to hear them anyways
A 5 1/4" speaker would probably fit a little better and there wouldnt be a noticable loss of sound quality either, but mine went right in without any problems however a 5 1/4" speaker would have a better seal in the same hole and probably sound better.
I have my front speakers mounted in the kick panels also. The only thing I don't like about it is the rear speakers seem to drown out the front speakers for the most part. I have to set the fade more to the front in order to balance out the sound. I'm still debating on where to put the front speakers in my '73. It won't be the kick panels. Also, FWIW '70-'72 cars do not have the opening behind the kick panels to place speakers there like '73 and up cars do. They just have a small square hole in that area. I had to cut it out to allow my speakers to recess back in there in my '72.
Man it took a ton of time today. I put the 6.5" speakers in the side panels in front of the doors. There is a hole there for a speaker in the body under the side panels. I had to cut it open bigger for the speakers then use a rotozip on the panel. Looks first class. Spent a few hours fabricating brackets for the stereo/cd. Got it in there real good. I will send pics when I finalize the wiring and stuff. I just roughed connected everything to make sure it all works. I was going to keep an AM radio in there but got to have some kicking tunes. All I have left of my rebuild is tri gauges, carpet, and bucket seats install. Then reassemble the rebuilt motor. Re-did the entire suspension system. Wheels tires and paint. I am on schedule for it to be done my March 1.
