New speakers installed - stock HU
 

Hey guys,

Now I'm not really into thumping sound systems... and actually the stock HU does most everything I want. Buuuuut.. even though the factory stock system is *decent* I wanted more. Especially more bass. I refuse to spend big money on a "system".. and so what to do?

Well in times past I've gone this route of replacing just the stock speakers only to be disappointed nearly every time. This time, I just happen to have an Xplod amp and three Xplod subs laying around not getting used. So I figured I'd get 4 new xplod speakers from the local wal-mart. Then later in the summer I'll put in the amp and sub.

I'm not a young buck and don't want to go down the street upsetting everyone..(like ya'll do me :mad: ) but I listen to all kinds of radio/music and really like to have a bass that you can feel when at highway speeds.

Anyway, I put the 4 speakers in today and I was for once pleasantly supprised! These things put out significantly more bass and higher highs. IMO the mid range could be better.. but considering how much I'm spending it's good enough. I really wanted some 3ways instead.. but they just didn't have any at my local store.

So.. I just wanted to let you guys (who don't want to replace the head unit) know that I give this a thumbs up! IMO it's worth the $120 and 4 hours I spent installing these new speakers.

Installation notes:
1) I read the how to section. Helpfull.
2) I had to cut metal at all 4 places to get them to fit flush.. and I also had to slightly shave down the plastic face around the tweeters in the front doors so the door panel would go back on.
3) I did'nt use surrounds because I'm too cheap. Maybe one day I will just make some?
4) I went to three different places looking for push clips for the rear doors. Ford dealership was $97.71 for 22 push pins. (not kidding) Murrays was about a buck a pin. And autozone was $3.50 for 10. :wink:
5) The front door has 4 screws and three A clips that hold the handle area/panel on. Just pull it straight out and the door panel slides straight up.
6) The rear panels pull straight off the door. Gotta remove the top cover/bolt on the belt first.

Oh and my "standard" used as direct music comparisons were "Heavy" by collective soul, Chatahoochy (sp?) by Alan Jackson, and some old tunes from the doors (no bass really on that old stuff) I generally have the volume on 4.5 bars showing and *now* the outside mirrors will slightly blurr/shake at that same volume. Nice and clear even at 1/2 volume. (which is too loud for me)


Rich

http://home.comcast.net/~rbickford32...plod-front.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~rbickford32...Xplod-rear.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~rbickford32...eakers-all.JPG

very nice man. 6x9? or 6x8? maybe 5x7?

either way i have always used the 6x8 pioneers and have always been really happy, and like you with the stock unit, until my unit stopped working.

lmao, i actually laughed at the guy when he told me they were 25$ for pack of 5...


i tried to install 6x9s' (what they look like) and gave up, i got sick of cutting through my door ha.. hope they sound really nice

I'm thinking of doing the same thing... b/c these h/u are nice, I'll prolly buy the pioneer 6x8's they say there guaranteed to fit fords... had them on the old truck... to get the rear speakers out don't I just take out 4 screws? I got 2-door ex-cab...

4 hours to install?

EDIT: I didnt understand why it took you so long to install them but then i reread and saw the part about cutting...my bad.

I take my time cutting too... :approve:

Yep 4 hrs. There was no way a 6x9 would fit without cutting. I just took a dremel tool with a reinforced cutting wheel and carefully cut the panel to a larger opening. Then vacummed up the door and cab in those areas.

Made sure everything was tight and square before putting it all back together.

Also, I had to shave about 4-5mm (3/16ths) of material off the face of the tweeters plastic suround. Otherwise the grill on the door panel would buldge out. So it took some trial and error on the first one to get it right.

I am more pleased with this than I thought I would be. It definately has more bass. Which was my biggest complaint to begin with.

Rich

Yeah before my factory head unit started to give me trouble, I just replaced my factory with pioneer 6x8 4-ways, and the sound difference and bass boost was well worth the money. Now that I have an aftermarket unit, they sound even better! Good Mod!

Cool, I installed Pioneer 3 way 6x9's in my truck, I also added and EQ and a 4 channel amp. Those speakers put out great mid range, bass and trebble. If I remember correctly, making those cuts ate up a few of my dremel blades.

I wish I would have gone with 6x9's but the Pioneer 4 way 6x8's were guaranteed to fit so I did that all around with a Pioneer cd player and am happy with it.