Rear Speakers installed - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

gbryers · 06-22-2009, 06:46 PM

Okay, using the tutorial from Corry1000 as a starting point (and augmenting it through various other "how-to's"), I have installed 4" speakers in my rear panels. I apparently have a much "fatter" speaker than Cory does/did, or he did some cutting on the Tridion, since I had to boost mine a full inch out of the panel. I used 2 pieces of MDF, 1/2" think, for each speaker. Used my scroll saw to cut them out. I first cut the outside of the rings, then glued-up each full set. I drilled the center hole just large enough for a 3/8
bolt, which I passed through like a mandrel. I then put each one, in turn, in the drill press, where I shaped them using prograssively finer files (started with a rasp), then sand paper. Then I cut the interior circle, since it doesn't have to be quite as perfect. Sanded that out a bit with a 2" sanding drum in the drill press.
Once I had them where I wanted them, I sealed the heck out of them with sanding sealer, and once that was dry, treated them to several heavy coats of marine varnish (just to make them a humidity-resistant as possible). Then I marked and drilled the four mounting holes for the speaker, and painted the rings with a light-grey Krylon (almost perfect match for the interior panels).
Next, I held each one to its respective side panel, and traced the interior circle. I used an Xacto knife to cut out the side panel hole. Then I held the ring back up to the side, and drilled the mounting holes through the panels.
Using 4 #6 3" bolts, I bolted the rings to the panels, then flipped the panels over, drilled 8 pilot holes in each ring through the plastic, and screwed the ring to the panel using #6 x 3/4 screws. I added a final coat of the gray paint to the entire panel (just to get a perfect match), and when all was dry, mounted the speakers. I did solder 6" wires to the speaker terminals, and added quick-disconnects, so that I can take the panels off, at need.
Unlike Cory1000, I don't have the skill or temperment to try and "upholster" the panels with a nice fabric, so I opted for the paint finish, which is VERY close to the original color.

Here are the results:

nonuro · 06-22-2009, 08:31 PM

I am going to have a customizing shop here in Chicago put my rear speakers in. I was looking at the tridion shell at the dealer and can't see how he (Cory1000) mounted them,it doesn't look as if a 1/2"-3/4" spacer would be enough as you found out.I forgot to ask jwight,who bought Cory1000's car,if he ever checked to see if the tridion had been cut into.I guess I'll ask him know.
What brand speaker did you use and what was the stated mounting depth?

gbryers · 06-22-2009, 09:38 PM

I went with Boss speakers (cheap-o's, but, considering my hearing, I wasn't after big quality, just closer-to-my-head sound). The depth is 1.5"

SunDiego · 06-23-2009, 12:50 AM

They turned out great!

**jwight** · 06-23-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonuro

I am going to have a customizing shop here in Chicago put my rear speakers in. I was looking at the tridion shell at the dealer and can't see how he (Cory1000) mounted them,it doesn't look as if a 1/2"-3/4" spacer would be enough as you found out.I forgot to ask jwight,who bought Cory1000's car,if he ever checked to see if the tridion had been cut into.I guess I'll ask him know.
What brand speaker did you use and what was the stated mounting depth?

I can't answer for sure but I don't believe he cut into the Tridion; I think he just used a shallower speaker.

Gary, nice job - it turned out looking very OEM.

Jet Pod · 06-25-2009, 09:18 PM

Anybody installed the 4" Polk 401's in the back of a Cab? Help!

nonuro · 08-08-2009, 01:40 PM

Pea2so goes in on Monday,August 17th to get his new rear speakers!I ended up with Polk Audio's db-351's and since they didn't come with grills I found some after-market ones and will paint them to match the interior.I am thinking about mounting them overhead in the roof trim verses the "C" piller,Any idea on the space up there? I did order 3/4" rings and need a top mount depth of 1 1/2" if the speaker can set on the tridion.If there is space I'll put some matting behind it so it doesn't touch the tridion.I'll try to post pics later.

ccdsmart · 08-08-2009, 01:49 PM

Mounted mine in Enclosures made just to house the speakers so no cutting of cell was required. These are zapco 5.25. Look at my SCOA gallery and you can see the install.

gbryers great job!!!

Wdhitch · 08-08-2009, 03:46 PM

Great job Gary!!! Gan you install a set at the Dragon event???

nonuro · 08-17-2009, 09:17 PM

Alrighty-speakers are in and they have moved the sound field back to my ears instead of at the windsheild.Once I find a setting I like with all of the various sound settings on the headunit all will be wonderful.