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Upgrading the Sound in a 1966 Mustang

ByCarl's Garage

Upgrading the sound in a 1966 Mustang starts with new dash speakers, and in this post I’ll show you exactly how I did it on my own 1966 Mustang without losing the classic dash look.

Better Sound in a 1966 Mustang Without Cutting the Dash

You don’t have to settle for weak audio when you’re cruising in a classic. In this post, I take you step by step through installing modern speakers in the front dash of my 1966 Mustang. The goal was simple: better sound on the road without compromising the vintage look of the interior.

Improving Sound in a 1966 Mustang: Start With Dash Speakers

Old Mustangs were built long before premium audio was a priority. The factory setup barely gets you past basic AM radio quality, and that’s not enough for most of us who want a better listening experience while driving. Upgrading the speakers in the dash is one of the most impactful early steps in a sound system project.

What I Did to Upgrade the Sound in a 1966 Mustang

I started by removing the old front dash speakers and prepping the area for new components. I had originally opted for a unique stereo speaker I found from Harrison Classic Car Audio.

Harrison speakers installed to upgrade the sound in a 1966 Mustang dash

Once I connected them, I quickly realized that they were not the quality I had hoped for. However, they did come with a very unique component that I would need for the future speakers, and that was the plastic mounting plate that came with the speakers.

After some research, I found that there were several options for the speaker size that fit the mounting plate, and although I had to cough up some money for that adapter plate, it worked out in the end.

I ended up choosing a set of Skar 3.5-Inch (89mm) Coaxial Speakers.

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Then I installed upgraded speakers that fit the space without altering the dash structure. The process includes:

  • Removing the original dash speaker panel
  • Test-fitting and mounting new speakers designed for better audio quality
  • Checking wiring connections and making sure everything stays solid on the road

You’ll see each of these steps clearly in the video, and I explain what tools and parts I use along the way.

What You’ll Hear and Feel

Once the new speakers are installed and powered up, the difference is immediate. The audio goes from flat and thin to fuller, cleaner sound. Whether you’re listening to rock, jazz, or just your favorite podcast, the upgrade brings new life to the Mustang’s cabin.

Tips if You’re Thinking About Your Own Audio Upgrade

Here are a few practical takeaways for improving the sound in a 1966 Mustang:

  • Choose speakers with the right size and mounting depth so you don’t have to modify the dash
  • Label your wiring as you go to make reconnection easier
  • Test-fit everything before final assembly

If you want more detail on speaker selection, wiring, or adding amplifiers later on, I cover those topics in other videos and guides too.

Watch the Full Install

Let me know what setup you’re running in your classic and what upgrade you’re planning next. I’d love to hear about your builds and help where I can. If you’re also refreshing other parts of your Mustang’s interior, check out my mustang trunk divider upgrade for another simple weekend project.

Getting the sound in a 1966 Mustang right takes a little patience, but the payoff in everyday driving enjoyment is well worth the effort. Whether you go with the same Skar coaxial speakers I used or a different brand, the key is matching the mounting depth and wiring to your factory harness so the install stays clean and reversible. That’s really all it takes to upgrade the sound in a 1966 Mustang the right way.

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