3rd Gen Door Speaker Install

[mtnperegrine]

Hi all, lurked around on here for a couple years but have never posted. I feel this post is needed because I have searched everywhere and can't get my answer. I want to replace my door speakers in my 2002. Just bought some Polk Audio DB6501 for the front as Polk and Crutchfield claim they are a direct drop in fit. Not even close. What is the best (easiest) way to make these suckers fit? Adapter ring was worthless and there appears to be no aftermarket adapter/bracket anywhere...which I find odd as there are so many of these vehicles on the road and the stock speakers have a lot to be desired. I don't have the effort to do a custom install...if these won't install fairly simply, I can send them back. Are there others that will be a direct fit in this vehicle possibly? I read of some Alpines and Infinity's will fit on certain forums (no mention of model...just series), but websites contradict the fact that they fit at all. Thanks for any advice!

 

[mswscco]

I just installed these in my 2000. Throw out the brackets that came with the speakers. They don't align with the factory mounting plate and you won't be able to get the door panel back on anyway if you use them. Easiest solution I found was to get the plastic bracket you pulled off the door and drill out the bottoms of the three screw locations at clock hours 3, 6 and 9. Go ahead and screw the new woofer in at the 12:00 position since you can align one of the holes, then use zip ties, wire or whatever else you have on hand to secure the speaker at the three locations you just drilled.

For the tweeters, I used a dremel to cut out the backs of the cups Polk provides. Snap the tweeter in backwards (speaker facing the opening you just made) and the entire assembly fits perfectly between the three tabs on the back of the sail panel. You don't have to use any screws at all, as the foam and tabs keep everything in place.

It ain't the prettiest thing underneath the skin, but it works.

 

[mtnperegrine]

I was thinking of making a speaker ring adapter, but now I am nervous too if you think that the door panel won't go back on with the supplied adapter. Is this due to all the extra "tabs" hanging off it, or the thickness of the spacer/adapter? (causing the frame or surround of the speaker to hit the panel). I really want to make these work, but don't feel like doing a complete custom install. I would like to be able to reinstall stock components if needed. I would also like to try your tweeter mount idea, but can't visualize it. Is the factory bracket and the supply "star" bracket not used? Just pressure mounted? thanks again

 

[mswscco]

A custom bracket may fit, I'm not sure. I initially tried using the bracket that came with the speakers. By drilling a couple holes I could get the speaker mounted but it was not perfectly centered, probably shifted 0.5cm toward the engine and the door panel would not fit.

The tweeter housing is just held in by pressure. I did not use the metal claw brackets at all.

 

[mtnperegrine]

I decided to go ahead and make these fit and not buy new speakers. Bought some 1/4" thick white cutting boards to make simple adapters. Did a 5" cutout and used old and new speakers for mounting hole positions. Still have to cut these out but did a test fit and looks like it will work. Will know tomorrow of any interference. I am using the flush mount tweeter pod and it fits loosely behind the pod. I am going to position it centered and angled the best I can and hot glue it in place. (have to trim off part of the plastic flush mount to ensure that the tweeter pod will reattach to door frame without interference.) Still don't know if I should risk screwing a hole to mount the crossover...I worry about the screw going too far and causing damage somewhere else. Not many choices to put this thing...its pretty big. Heavy duty velcro? I don't want it rattling though.

 

[mswscco]

I haven't mounted my crossovers yet. They're just hanging out in the map pockets and after spending the last 3 days on washboard roads, I may just leave them there as I couldn't hear them moving.

I had these speakers (the previous generation) in a different car and I did mount those inside the map pockets. IIRC, there are pre-drilled locations for mounting. Pop off the cover and you'll also be able to mark where to drill your door panel.

 

[mtnperegrine]

What a PITA! Its all finished though. Managed to break 2 of the clip "holders" on the passenger door panel...I wish the clips themselves would have broken instead...I can replace those. Now the door panel is loose. And broke the plastic clip that holds the tweeter pod into the door. Just my luck. On a good note, I was able to find a good spot for the crossovers...they just barely fit and I still have access to the tweeter db gain when I take out the window/door lock insert. I think the door panel still hits them a bit...I may have to dremel those crossover housings a bit in the future. this may be the cause of the rattle I hear at certain tones. the tweeters worked out great in the stock location after some grinding. Angled them correctly and hot glued the perimeter. The speakers sound good even with just the 18 watts rms from my alpine. I am sure they would shine with some power, but since I am now not planning on installing new rears...I will leave it alone. (for now!) Thanks for the help!

 

[mswscco]

Glad to hear you got everything done. I also have 2 broken clip retainers. It's the same one in each panel, midway up and closest to the engine. At least you have the hardest part of the install done. Adding an amp is easy.