Audio Systems: System Design, bells whistles, moderate system

Question
Hi Mark, I am building a '73 Pontiac Ventura Custom Hot Rod, I would like a system designed for Classic Rock, with the ability to hit some bass.  I am looking for a moderate system, nothing over the top.  I have a friend who works for Pioneer and can get me great deals on Pioneer components, problem is I don't know what to purchase.  I need the whole works, none of the original sound system is in the car.  I would do the install myself.  What would you suggest?  

Answer
sounds like fun!  I'd be happy to guide you through this project.  knowing a budget would help alot.  I would sugest for a moderate system with good quality that you go with 2 12" subs in a sealed box. good 2 way component speakers up front, and coaxials in the rear, or if money provides, components.  for good sound quality at higher volume definatly get amplifiers for those componenet speakers.  

Again without knowing your budget it's hard to say,  the word "moderate" means alot different things to people.  Moderate to me means about $2000-$3000 on a system if you're doing it yourself.

for a good cd player you want to stick around the $279-$300 range.  anything less than that and it will skip alot and have poor motors and mechanisms.  anything more than that is up to you but will just be glitzy featurs, bells, whistles, that kinda thing.

for the door speakers Im very partial to Polk DB 6500 components.  if you want pioneer for the savings your friend can get you try the TS-C160R (personally I'm not a fan of pioneer's door speakers)

for the subs the Pioneer TS-W306DVC got good ratings and work well in about a 1-1.5 cubic foot sealed box (dont put them in a .85 like they say they can go in.

as for the amps I really like the power acoustik Gothic amps,  they are extreamly cheap and sound great. so here's the list of my recomended stuff:

any cd player           about             $300
Polk DB 6500 components front             $200
Polk DB 6500 components rear              $200
2 Pioneer TS-W306DVC subs                 $130
Power Acoustik OV2-820 for front speakers $180
Power Acoustik OV2-520 for rear speakers  $150
Power Acoustik A2400DB for subwoofers     $240
All Wiring with capacitor                 $300
box building materials                    $100

TOTAl $1800

Let me know what you think.