installing door speakers
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
If you truck wasn't equipped from the factory with door speakers, you'll have to drill some large holes for the harness plugs and grommets to pass through.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 6
From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada
Don't forget to protect the speakers from water and stuff,especially the magnets. Find some empty bleach bottles and cut the top off to fit around the speaker and fit them into the speaker holes in the door. This is not my idea...... but it works great. Popa John
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Dothan, Alabama
Ok papajon talked about using bleach containers for protection....does that affect the sound??? Has anyone thought to use weather resistant speakers in the doors?? I have seen some on crutchfield...didnt know what you guys thought...Should people replace the anti rattle seals before installing new speakers for water control?? I have also thought about doing the grommet thing because mine is just hanging between the door...That's an easy and cheap upgrade...big bruce I never thought about covering the wire from cab to door..all about the details I guess!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 6
From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada
I believe that some moisture still gets into the door even with new anti rattle felts and as for sound quality..... I don't notice any inside but from the outside it's not as noisy unless you've got the tunes cranked up!! lol I have never seen water proof speakers. I would imagine that they would be on the pricey side, so the bleach bottle trick is cheap and you are kind of recycling to. Popa John
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
I'd suggest drilling a 1/2" or larger hole in the bottom of the container to allow some air to move in and out.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I've had your standard Pioneer speakers from Best Buy in my doors with no protection for almost 4 years now with no issues.
I did the same thing in my beater LTD when I was a student, and that car had zero weather stripping left - no issues there either. You're fine.
I did the same thing in my beater LTD when I was a student, and that car had zero weather stripping left - no issues there either. You're fine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 332
From: Arlington,Wa
Ditto......except that my pass. side wing window does leak a little and twice in 20yrs I've had to replace the speakers.
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Lingle, Wyoming
I ussed a set of speaker baffles, They do two things, first they protect the speaker from dirt & moisture and secondly, they help to direct the sound into the truck, instead of having it echo around in the door. I also used 1 sheet of the Dynamat per door, which helped with the tinny door sound from the speaker and when closing the door.
Here's a link XTC 6-1/2" Speaker Baffles (3-1/4" depth) Protect your speakers at Crutchfield.com
Here's a link XTC 6-1/2" Speaker Baffles (3-1/4" depth) Protect your speakers at Crutchfield.com
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 4
From: Antioch, CA
Use the foam speaker baffles theyre cheap, easy to install and will protect your speakers. for protecting wires going into the door I use these rubber wire looms. Already has built in grommets. Keep it Clean Wiring DLOOM - AutoLoc Rubber Door Wire Looms - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Door speakers are what's known as "free air" speakers. Meaning that to perform properly they should NOT have any sort of baffle or enclosure. If you have a worse than normal moisture problem in your door, you should figure out why and fix it. Otherwise buy speakers that have poly cones and rubber surrounds. Don't waste your money on paper speakers. If you are really concerned buy marine speakers 
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 4
From: Antioch, CA
baffles can hurt sound performance and make speakers sound flat. Cutting a 1 or 2 inch hole out it the bottom side of them helps make them free flowing and still keeps protection from moisture. I replaced all new felt and still get water that gets inside my door. I really dont see how you can completely keep water out of your door especially with the quality of LMC weatherstripping.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
baffles can hurt sound performance and make speakers sound flat. Cutting a 1 or 2 inch hole out it the bottom side of them helps make them free flowing and still keeps protection from moisture. I replaced all new felt and still get water that gets inside my door. I really dont see how you can completely keep water out of your door especially with the quality of LMC weatherstripping.
You are 100% correct. (btw: the new interior is looking amazing
) I was just throwing in the thought that the speakers should really not be sealed off as water/air tight. If I'm not mistaken, the doors had weep holes from the factory. I don't think they (or any other doors) were ever meant to be water tight...