audio replacement saga, Part 02, driving with no door panels?

[nusrat]

I'm splitting this into different threads about basically different topics which are all related to replacing my sound system. It's a 2008 Urban Runner, and I've decided to get a single-DIN Kenwood KDC-X702, and probably replace the stock speakers.
Part 02, driving with no door panels?
I'm not a "handy" guy. Just the same, I'll probably at least initially try to install the new speakers myself. And it's probably going to take me more time than I'm willing to go ride-less. And I'm thinking about trying different ways to angle the speakers to see how it affects the sound.

My question to the forum is: If the door panels are off, can I still safely drive the car? Will I still be able to operate the doors and windows normally, and do so without risking any uncomfortable electrical shocks?

-- Thanks

P.S. I realize that no speaker will sound the same with the panel missing as it will when it's all buttoned-up. But I might have to try out several different speakers before I'm done, and I don't want to have to pull the panels more than once.

 

[Whiskey & Wrenches]

I have driven my 4Runner and other cars without the door panel. Your problems will be operating the door handle from the inside of the car and the windows. The door handle is anchored to the door panel. You have to remove it and re-attach it to the cable in order to open the door from the inside.

The same issue with the window controls and door locks. You need to remove the 3 screws that hold the window switch onto the door panel and then plug it back into the harness so it will operate.

It will also flop around while you drive and there will be more road noise.

The sound of a speaker changes quite a bit when the panel is pulled, in my opinion without the panel installed you can't fairly compare speakers.

In the past, I was really into car audio. When I used to do speaker comparisons, I would go to a smaller stereo shop when it wasn't busy and take a cd that I was VERY familiar with and have them play it so I could listen to the differences in sound. It's important to make sure the volume levels are the same, your brain will tend to like the one that is louder.

 

[nusrat]

...operating the door handle from the inside of the car and the windows...

Thanks, that's exactly the info and detailed instruction I was hoping for!

The sound of a speaker changes quite a bit when the panel is pulled, in my opinion without the panel installed you can't fairly compare speakers.

I agree, especially with respect to considerations like resonances and loading. But I thought it might be useful, at least in trying various aiming orientations, to see how they would affact imaging.

...go to a smaller stereo shop when it wasn't busy and take a cd that I was VERY familiar with...

Exactly what I did yesterday, after finally finding a shop which is serious about properly demonstrating the products:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...hopping-woes-classical-music.html#post3053506

Thanks again.

 

[wc11]

Drove for months with no door panels while doing a stereo install.
Dynamated the doors and it made for an easy job for the window tint guys.
I just made up some hooks from coat hangers to hang the controls & door handles.
it's amazing how much noise is dampened by those door panels.