1969 Buick GS Convertible

The Challenge

A client brought in a beautifully restored 1969 Buick GS Convertible. They wanted a high-end sound system to listen to music while cruising with the top down, but they strictly demanded that we do not cut or alter the classic dashboard or custom leather interior panels. The system had to be completely hidden, weather-resistant to handle sudden rain, and clear enough to overpower wind and V8 exhaust rumble.

The Hillside Solution

Kevin Lembke designed and executed a completely custom stealth layout:

1. Stealth Audio Control: Installed a hidden Bluetooth receiver controlled via a compact wired dial tucked inside the ash tray, preserving the original factory radio in the dash.
2. Custom Kick Panels: Fabricated custom fiberglass kick-panel speaker pods colored to match the original factory interior carpet. We loaded them with high-efficiency JL Audio MX series marine component speakers for excellent vocal projection.
3. Micro Amplification: Mounted an ultra-compact AudioControl micro-amplifier underneath the front seat, delivering clean high-current power while taking up zero trunk space.
4. Sub-Bass Integration: Built a custom-fit, removable speaker box in the trunk using leather accents matching the seats.

Results

An audiophile cruiser that looks bone-stock. The vocal range is crisp and stays focused inside the cabin even at highway speeds. The client can stream high-definition audio from their phone with complete control, maintaining the Buick’s classic vintage aesthetic.