Discussion
I'm just about to install some Alpine 6 x 9's in the vent spaces in the rear of the Chimaera. I know loads of you have this done already and what I'm after is any pictures and stories of how you went about it? I'm torn between extending the holes for the speakers to fit flush or using spacers as per "the bible"
Any info would be great. Thanks
Any info would be great. Thanks
It was pretty straight forward as I remember. On mine, I think the speaker wiring was in place to the hatch on the passenger side of the car (Under the seatbelt). This made the wiring really easy.
I didn't put any spacers in, but I may do this in the future. I don't think the doors close as well as they did before, although this may be my imagination.
It was 6" round speakers I fitted, so I took off the vents and installed the speaker covers. If your putting in 6*9s, you may be able to just leave the vents in place to keep the original look.
One thing to note. After changing out the head unit and installing extra speakers, I still hardly ever have it on as the V8 sound is much better than anything in my music collection.
I'll post some photos tomorrow if you like.
I didn't put any spacers in, but I may do this in the future. I don't think the doors close as well as they did before, although this may be my imagination.
It was 6" round speakers I fitted, so I took off the vents and installed the speaker covers. If your putting in 6*9s, you may be able to just leave the vents in place to keep the original look.
One thing to note. After changing out the head unit and installing extra speakers, I still hardly ever have it on as the V8 sound is much better than anything in my music collection.
I'll post some photos tomorrow if you like.
I installed some beefy 6" component speakers a short while ago. As the baskets were larger than the standard Pioneers, I had to enlarge the holes and also made up some custom spacers from MDF (which I painted black).
If you can get away with it, fitting them flush will look better, and you won't need any spacers.
The fibreglass is quite thick in places, and the profile is curved so not easy to get a nice flush fit. I made the spacers to match the profile, so curved on the back and flat on the speaker surface.
To enlarge the holes, I used a drill with a smallish drill bit and drilled umptine holes around where I wanted to cut, then popped the material out (leaves a bit of a jagged edge, but won’t be seen). Some have used a Dremel – but expect it’s hard going and messy.
Only other consideration is venting. I now don't have any, but doesn't seem to be too much of a problem. I notice the back window flexes when I close the boot - so there must be some airflow between boot and cabin anyway.
Good luck.
If you can get away with it, fitting them flush will look better, and you won't need any spacers.
The fibreglass is quite thick in places, and the profile is curved so not easy to get a nice flush fit. I made the spacers to match the profile, so curved on the back and flat on the speaker surface.
To enlarge the holes, I used a drill with a smallish drill bit and drilled umptine holes around where I wanted to cut, then popped the material out (leaves a bit of a jagged edge, but won’t be seen). Some have used a Dremel – but expect it’s hard going and messy.
Only other consideration is venting. I now don't have any, but doesn't seem to be too much of a problem. I notice the back window flexes when I close the boot - so there must be some airflow between boot and cabin anyway.
Good luck.
Teetertank said:
I installed some beefy 6" component speakers a short while ago. As the baskets were larger than the standard Pioneers, I had to enlarge the holes and also made up some custom spacers from MDF (which I painted black).
If you can get away with it, fitting them flush will look better, and you won't need any spacers.
The fibreglass is quite thick in places, and the profile is curved so not easy to get a nice flush fit. I made the spacers to match the profile, so curved on the back and flat on the speaker surface.
To enlarge the holes, I used a drill with a smallish drill bit and drilled umptine holes around where I wanted to cut, then popped the material out (leaves a bit of a jagged edge, but won’t be seen). Some have used a Dremel – but expect it’s hard going and messy.
Only other consideration is venting. I now don't have any, but doesn't seem to be too much of a problem. I notice the back window flexes when I close the boot - so there must be some airflow between boot and cabin anyway.
Good luck.
I think you're right, flush fitting is the way to go I was just worried about making 2 bigger holes in the car in case someone ever wanted to take the car back to original and re-fit the vents. Better get me dremel warmed up then!If you can get away with it, fitting them flush will look better, and you won't need any spacers.
The fibreglass is quite thick in places, and the profile is curved so not easy to get a nice flush fit. I made the spacers to match the profile, so curved on the back and flat on the speaker surface.
To enlarge the holes, I used a drill with a smallish drill bit and drilled umptine holes around where I wanted to cut, then popped the material out (leaves a bit of a jagged edge, but won’t be seen). Some have used a Dremel – but expect it’s hard going and messy.
Only other consideration is venting. I now don't have any, but doesn't seem to be too much of a problem. I notice the back window flexes when I close the boot - so there must be some airflow between boot and cabin anyway.
Good luck.
SILICONE KID said:
rear speakers!, the only noise im interested in, is kicking up that 5l with the sports exhaust , thats what you call a tune !
Ah ha, there's the problem you see I need another 1 to add to my 4 to match the kicking of your 5. As I don't have the cash to upgrade my engine the speakers will have to do. Mind, once I've finished and I'm playing my 20 greatest V8 soundtrack CD my car WILL be louder than yours! 
The Surveyor said:
Phil man, Deep Purple.. are you mad!
I've the perfect answer, leave your lovely inerior alone and i'll lend you my CD with TVR engine noises recorded. Pop it on your ipod and you can imagine you've got a speed6...
Paul
That's a very fine offer Paul however I've finished now and they look and sound great! I thought you were going to offer to lend me your Adam Ant CD! PANIC. I've the perfect answer, leave your lovely inerior alone and i'll lend you my CD with TVR engine noises recorded. Pop it on your ipod and you can imagine you've got a speed6...
Paul
Ho ho, see you tomorrow, Prince Charming, Prince Charming. ....
[quote=
I have found an unplugged connector with 4 wires in this location - is this the rear speaker lead?
If so how would you recommend connecting them in - is there a plug availabble to connect in?]
Yes I believe so the cables are black purple and green if I remember so or some combination. As to a plug I am unable to find a new connector for myself but I have a spare loom for a Chimp and was going to cannibalise of it then splice some cables to the rear speakers. The other option is to cut off the plug and just splice in cables to the speakers using scotch locks or auto motive connections.
I have found an unplugged connector with 4 wires in this location - is this the rear speaker lead?
If so how would you recommend connecting them in - is there a plug availabble to connect in?]
Yes I believe so the cables are black purple and green if I remember so or some combination. As to a plug I am unable to find a new connector for myself but I have a spare loom for a Chimp and was going to cannibalise of it then splice some cables to the rear speakers. The other option is to cut off the plug and just splice in cables to the speakers using scotch locks or auto motive connections.
Edited by constablergt on Sunday 28th November 16:52
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