DIY Step by Step Speaker Installation

[cubefx]

Hey,

Here is step by step speaker installation:

I got Polk db675 for my smart. They are 6 3/4 european size. They are same grade/quality as db651 (6 1/2) but way cheaper from ebay directly from POLK AUDIO. I got mine for $40 shipped.


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#1
Remove door panels you can find directions on Evilution website

Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia

#2 Expose speaker by folding insulation shield/foam




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#3 I would highly recommend to cover your interior , also I taped trash bag to the outside of the door, so I did not have all the shaving and trash inside of my panels.


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#4 Drill the grill out from the outside.



#5 As you can see in the photos, there is the 1/2" ridge. You will need to shave factory speaker tabs and everything marked in green. DO NOT cut the ridge off. You only need to shave up to the ridge.



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I used DREMEL for this project. Please use safety glasses when working with power tools.



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To be continued

[cubefx]

#6 Place speaker in the mounting hole and mark holes with awl ( you will need actually puncture hole thru the panel, so you will be able to see exit hole on other side).



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#7 Cutout sections of the ridge around holes about 3/4" . Cutout sections marked in red on the photo. SEE PHOTOS.


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#8 Here is brackets you will use to screw speakers to the door (brackets came with speakers).


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TO BE CONTINUED

[cubefx]

#9 I didn't want to cut factory wiring so I decided to use plug from factory speaker. I cut plug from the factory speaker and soldered it to the new POLK.


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#10 Get speaker and the grill and screw them to the door.



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#11 Connect wires and secure them with zip ties.


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#12 Put insulation cover back and tape it with duct tape.





#13 Put door back together.



Good luck. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.


CUBE

[mike-in-sa]

I installed the polks last week but did a lot less work. I left the stock grills and mounted the speakers inside the doors using the stock mounting points. Cut the wires, crimped on connections. Second door twice as fast as the first. They sound so much better than stock.

[Dave777]

Well done DIY. Thanks.

[the_dude]

mike-in-sa...did you use the 6.5" speakers rather than the larger 6.75" ones cube did?

[mike-in-sa]

You know, They probably were the 6.5's. I'll have to look at the box in the morning. That would explain why I didn't have as much cutting to do.

[SunDiego]

Wow those look great

[ck_az]

Cubefx,

I commend you for your efforts. I purchased some JL Audio speakers which would have required a similar effort. I simply didn't want to do it. So I went with the Alpine SPS-600 speakers which required no modifications. Maybe one day if there is some must have pair of speakers I will consider it. Great description you have provided. It shows people the difference between putting in "exactly" what you want vs what will fit. I guess the nice thing is you won't have to take the door panels off anymore!

Keep the ideas coming....

[Dunerunner]

cubefx - Great Post!!! Just the kind of DIY that should get a sticky!! Clean install, clear decriptive step-by-step installation and very nice pics. Well Done!!!!