New speakers to replace cheap factory ones!

[illion]

Hi Gang,

I've had my Smart since April 28, and loved everything about it** EXCEPT that tinny-sounding radio, but I didn't want a 6-cd changer, so opted for the cheap one. For Mother's Day, my wonderful son bought me some Infinity speakers with crossovers, and came over to install them. If you're thinking about replacing yours, here's a word from the wise- you can get to them VERY easily by removing the OUTSIDE door panels, not the inside. It took trial and error, because he first began methodically removing the inside, and quickly discovered how difficult it was going to be. After I suggested he just remove the outside panel, he tried that.. and WOW... in no time he was done! The passenger door took a total of maybe 20 minutes, start to finish!

If anyone wants the step-by-step directions, let me know.. would be happy to share the info. Now my radio sounds fantastic!!

[Docthrock]

Yes, your instructions and the specific speaker model would be great.

There's a couple other threads about changing out the door speakers, but your "real world experience" would be most welcome.

[scdaf]

Originally Posted by Docthrock

Yes, your instructions and the specific speaker model would be great.

There's a couple other threads about changing out the door speakers, but your "real world experience" would be most welcome.

What he said...

[mnext02]

yes. I would love to hear step by step instructions and how much better the speakers sound. what kind of infinitis? what are crossovers?

[Alustiza]

I believe the Infinity speakers are 2 ohm, and I also believe that the stock Smart stereo, at least the model 10 one, is setup for 4 ohm speakers, so not sure how long your system will continue to work. I have never mixed the two.

[jefferios]

I would love to have the instructions as I am about to do the same. Thanks!

[blackbeagle]

Ditto. We upgraded to the subwoofer option under the seat but it still sounds like crap. I think the crossover are those tiny 2" speakers that puts out the trebble (I might be wrong). There's the bass part (the 5"-8"), which are the round speakers, then the small ones. Smart has those near the windshield.

[illion]

The speakers are Infiniti Kappa's, 6-1/2" and they're shallow.. the deeper ones won't fit. He got them at Car Toys for about $99 for the pair.

All we had to do was remove the door handle, the outside mirror (it has 2 plastic trim pieces that snap on and off) which conceals the bolt that holds the panel on, and then remove the bolt holding the panel on. It also had 3 (I think?) "snaps" across the top of the panel that you unsnap .. then slide the panel sideways about an inch, and then down. It slips right off! There's a thin piece of insulation inside- just move that aside and there's the speaker. We kept the stock inside covers, and used one of the adapter plates to match up to the screw patterns. It was a very simple installation. After he wired the crossover (a tiny 1-1/2" long box) up, he mounted it to the bottom flat area inside the door frame with velcro to hold it in place.

To reassemble, just reverse the steps, being careful with the rubber weatherseal. Make sure all of the snaps are done before you slide the panel back into place.
One tip- after you remove the panel, put one screw back into the side mirror to hold it in place while you work- that way it isn't just hanging by the wires.

Hope this helps.. He could describe it in more detail if needed, since he actually did the work- I was just an observer!

[illion]

Blackbeagle, what he called the crossover is the little box that's wired to the speaker that separates the sound. The speaker had a tweeter AND the sub-wolfer all in one.

[bull8042]

Just a note - the panel must be slid forward BEFORE trying to pull it away from the frame when removing. The "clips" at the top of the door just push in, but it is the action of sliding the panel rearward that locks the clips in place.
If you pry the top of the panel away before sliding it forward, you may very well break the clips!