[djjasond]

6) Optional: Many of you will want to replace the factory speakers with aftermarket speakers of a different size. There are speaker adaptor plates available on the market which convert the 6x9” hole to a 6.5” or 5.25”. My experience is that they tend to be plastic, not that sturdy, and rattle happy. At a minimum, be sure to apply a layer of sound deadening to them. I prefer to make my own using ¼” masonite.

a) Use the original speaker as a template for the adaptor plate, tracing around the outside of the speaker and marking the mounting holes. (picture 15)
b) Draw a line from corner to corner to locate the center of the adaptor plate. (picture 16)
c) Using a compass, calculate the width of the cut out for the new speaker and then draw it on the template using the compass. (picture 17, 18)
d) Saw out the new cut out for the aftermarket speaker. Place the aftermarket speaker in the hole to ensure a proper fit and mark the mounting holes on the template.
e) Drill all the mounting holes for both the adaptor plate and the new speaker using a bit slightly smaller than the width of the mounting screws.
f) Cut out the adaptor plate and cover with a layer of sound deadening material.
g) Mount the new speaker to the adaptor plate and consider wiring the speaker as well. It’s easier to do it now then from underneath in the trunk.
h) Install the adaptor plate with the new speaker into the vehicle. (Note: You may want to consider bottom mounting your new speakers for easier removal or replacement in the future. I made the mistake of top mounting the adaptor plate but bottom mounting the speaker to the plate. I dropped it in the factory hole and “clank” – didn’t fit. My 6.5” speaker was too wide to fit (6.5” speaker into 6” of 6x9” hole… no comment). You will probably have to bottom mount the adaptor plate and bottom mount the new speaker to that plate if you want it accessible from the trunk for removal.)