ChipG
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2021
- Threads
- 33
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- Location
- Nashville TN
- First Name
- Chip
- Vehicle(s)
- '20 GT350/'95 F250/'65 Fastback/'96 Cobra Project
Ok, so I did this install last weekend. Everything went well, thanks to all for the useful information. For those who want another step by step, here's what I did:
After removing the trim ring (and yes, it cracked despite carefully working around with trim removal tools, and 3 of the plastic retaining pins broke as well), grille, and stock subwoofer, I was able to depin the connectors. I also stuffed the enclosure with about 6oz of Polyfil (stolen from an old throw pillow).
I then decided I didn't want to modify the enclosure, I would modify the Pioneer subwoofer instead. So first I used a dremel to cut a relief for the plastic pin at the top of the enclosure.
Then I cut the mounting holes, removing enough of the edge for the grille to mount flush, but leaving as much metal around the original hole as possible to give the screws some clamping surface.
A test fit of the grille to the speaker and we're good to go (and yeah, the parts on the bench were for the brake work this weekend)!
Close up of the fit.
I ran the foam tape on the enclosure, wired the connectors, then fitted the speaker.
Stock screws through the stock grille in all holes, and everything fit perfect. I was also able to recover and glue back on all 3 broken plastic retaining clips.
I repaired the trim ring as well - just one crack at the bottom, not even noticeable. Replaced the ring and done!
While working on the sound system, I also clipped the green wire for the center speaker.
Result, sound is much improved. The bass is still a little boomier than I would like (due to the inability to customize crossover for the interior speakers, I'm guessing) but much better than the muddy mess from the stock subwoofer. Removing the center speaker also cleaned up the mids/highs. Overall, good results for under $100, not bad.
Chip
After removing the trim ring (and yes, it cracked despite carefully working around with trim removal tools, and 3 of the plastic retaining pins broke as well), grille, and stock subwoofer, I was able to depin the connectors. I also stuffed the enclosure with about 6oz of Polyfil (stolen from an old throw pillow).
I then decided I didn't want to modify the enclosure, I would modify the Pioneer subwoofer instead. So first I used a dremel to cut a relief for the plastic pin at the top of the enclosure.
Then I cut the mounting holes, removing enough of the edge for the grille to mount flush, but leaving as much metal around the original hole as possible to give the screws some clamping surface.
A test fit of the grille to the speaker and we're good to go (and yeah, the parts on the bench were for the brake work this weekend)!
Close up of the fit.
I ran the foam tape on the enclosure, wired the connectors, then fitted the speaker.
Stock screws through the stock grille in all holes, and everything fit perfect. I was also able to recover and glue back on all 3 broken plastic retaining clips.
I repaired the trim ring as well - just one crack at the bottom, not even noticeable. Replaced the ring and done!
While working on the sound system, I also clipped the green wire for the center speaker.
Result, sound is much improved. The bass is still a little boomier than I would like (due to the inability to customize crossover for the interior speakers, I'm guessing) but much better than the muddy mess from the stock subwoofer. Removing the center speaker also cleaned up the mids/highs. Overall, good results for under $100, not bad.
Chip
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