Filter
Top Products
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Listed below are tools you may wish to have on hand before starting your
installation. Having the proper tools will make the installation much easier. Some
of these tools are necessities, some will just make the job easier.
• Marking Pen • Electric Drill
• 1/4” Drill Bit • Phillips Screwdriver
• 1/8” Drill Bit • Volt/Ohm Meter (optional)
• 3/8” Drill Bit • Assorted Tin Snips
• Hole Saw Arbor • Wire Cutters
• 4-3/4” Hole Saw (5-1/4” woofer install) • Wire Crimpers
• 5-3/4” Hole Saw (6-1/2” woofer install) • Wire Strippers
• Razor Knife (optional)
FINDING SPEAKER MOUNTING LOCATIONS
Choosing the correct speaker locations can have a significant effect on the sound
quality of the system. Care is needed to ensure that the location you have chosen
will not affect any of the mechanical or electrical operations of the vehicle. There
are many different considerations for choosing the locations that best suit your
needs. The locations must be large enough for the speakers to fit without
interfering with other vehicle parts such as window mechanisms, etc. If minimal
intrusion in your vehicle is desired, factory speaker locations may be the ticket for
you. Placing the speaker in the factory location can often give you very desirable
results. Alternative locations to consider include mounting in customized kick
panels, rear decks, or side panels.
DOOR MOUNTING
When considering possible speaker locations in the doors, be sure to check the
operation of the window mechanism and all other moving parts inside the door.
Most vehicles use a stabilizer stop bar in between the door and the door jamb.
This bar prevents the door from opening too far, but may intrude into the speaker
mounting area when the door is closed. Many do-it-yourself installers overlook this
and check for speaker clearance only when the door is fully open.
REAR DECK MOUNTING
In rear deck installations, check the operation of the trunk suspension springs or
tension bars. These tension bars can move when opening and closing the trunk
and can exert a great deal of force against anything that obstructs their
movement, such as a speaker basket or motor assembly. In addition, try to avoid
locating the speakers too close to the back edge of the rear deck. Installing the
rearmost screws may not be possible without the removal of the rear window.
2