240SX factory spkrs blown...slight upgrade

[zest2live]

O.K., so the factory spkrs were toast. I had an old head unit (Kenwood KRC-955) (faceplate rotates around to a blank panel when switched off) and a CD changer in the garage from another car (see install zerothread/304955).

I'm building the car for my daughter and it's almost done. I just wanted to "step-up" the sound a little as long as I had to replace the factory spkrs anyway. There wasn't a lot to choose from in terms of making a direct swap (without any mods). I ordered 2 pairs of Infinity Reference 6412cfp 4x6's from Crutchfields (on sale at $49.99 a pair).

I did the rear spkr install first. There was no bass at all. I knew the spkrs were built for highs and mids, but I thought I'd have some bass get through, but there was nothing. So I sent back the 2nd pair and looked again for something I might be able to put into the front doors in the factory location.

The main prob was the depth. When you lower the window, you only have about a 2" depth clearance. I found a Polk Audio 5x7 with a 1 3/4" depth and ordered them (model DB 571) (they were $99.99 a pair). Here's some pics of the front spkr install. Let me know what you think???

Here's the factory set-up.Note where the window comes down to.Made a rough cardboard template by tracing the factory plastic piece.Smoothed out the corners when I laid on the rough template.Once one side was good-to-go, I flipped it over (important!!!) and used it to lay out the pattern for the other door.

I actually did the test fit before laying out my second pattern .These baffles came from Crutchfields as well. Supposed to help the bass response, not to mention keep any water that drips down the window from getting onto the speakers.

I put some black RTV sealant here mostly to help deaden any vibration that might occur between my spkr panels and the door.I left the factory grills off so you could see how the fit is, otherwise, with the grills on it looks totally stock.

The material I used is called hardboard. It's just like pegboard without the holes. You can buy it in 2'x4' sections for about $3 or $4 at Lowes/Home Depot. I did the whole job (spkrs, baffles, hardboard, sealant and hardware for under $175.00).

The 5x7's did the job! I wouldn't call it a killer system by any stretch of the imagination, but it delivers good quality sound that's much better than the factory set-up, but retains all the factory looks (nothing's tore-up).

I hope this is helpful.....let me know what you think!

[lofapoo]

Great setup, nice and clean!

I bought some 6.5" adapters for my doors because I was too lazy to go out and buy the stuff and make them myself. $10 shipped on eBay, can't beat it.

I just need to make some baffles, because the rear of the speakers are exposed. The speakers suck anyway, so I'm not worried for now. Do you know where I could get some 6.5" speaker baffles? Crutchfield, possibly?

[zest2live]

Yeah, Crutchfields will have them.

I didn't think to check and see if anyone had adapter plates already made. Might of saved me a little work. Oh well.

[lofapoo]

Adapter plates for 6.5" $10 shipped on eBay.

However, I haven't found any for 5x7s, which is why I like your setup.