Installing new speakers

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 15, 2003 | 03:24 PM

SirDino

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Installing new speakers

I have a 1994 F-150 w/OEM HU and speakers. I just bought a set of Sony Xplod 220w 6x9 3ways that I want to install but I don't know how to wire them in to the existing unit. I have been looking for diagrams on the net but coming up empty.

I just want to wire these in and drop them behind the seat to add to the factory system for now. I know they won't sound all that hot being done this way but I can live with that for now. Or should I? Maybe I should leave them in the box until I can afford to buy an amp and a sub. My problem with a sub is that I have a straight cab so there's not much room for a box to enclose it.
(I plan on buliding that myself.)

I can't find a way to get the OEM HU out, or access the wires in the back. Help!

Since I plan to put in an amp later, is there any wire kits I should install now so I do not have to remove the unit again later?

Maybe I'm just in too big a hurry to play with my toys.

Any and all comments are welcome.

Jun 15, 2003 | 07:22 PM

John8172

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 192

Likes: 0

From: Las Vegas, NV

Installing new speakers

If you have rear speakers, disconnect them and extend the speaker wire to the 6x9's (if located behind seat). If you plan to add an amp, you need to get a line converter (if amp doesn't have one) or upgrade the HU and use RCA's (recommended).

Jun 15, 2003 | 10:26 PM

optikal illushun

Postmaster

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 3,545

Likes: 4

From: Coal Region

Installing new speakers

u can just use the rear speaker wire already there, cutting the end off and soldering a longer piece or speaker wire on but they wont sound much better then stock especially behind the seat, i know from experience...also to find which wire is positive and negative, just look to see which way the cone moves, if it moves outward then its wired right, if not then simply reverse the wires...u can also use a LOC for an amp but the sound quality wont be there, u can also use the high level input on the amp...when u get one...

Jun 16, 2003 | 04:58 PM

txlnghrn

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 24

Likes: 0

Installing new speakers

Walmart, Autozone and other places sell a removal kit for your factory radio. It's 2 u shaped pins that go in the 4 holes on the side of the radio. I recomend replacing your head unit before anything. Trust me it will make a diference. U can find Pioneer and Alpine Cd/MP3 decks for under $200 shipped to your door. Pioneer has some decks that are less expensive but are really good decks too. You will need a wiring harness that cost $8 or 9 bucks at Walmart. It will take no time to wire it up. It's all color coded just make the colors match. Pull your old deck out un plug it and plug the new harness in. Once you do it you'll realize how easy it is. Shouldn't be any longer than an hour. Hooking up an amp and runnig new wire is a different story, but over all it's not too difficult. You just have to unbolt a seat, seat belt, door sill and pull up some carpet. It's not really too hard just more time consuming.
Just my 2 cents!

Jun 16, 2003 | 05:26 PM

SirDino

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Installing new speakers

Thanks to everyone for the input. I wondered about those four holes on the face of the HU. I have been looking at the Pioneers for a replacement. I don't need one with a tv screen/harddrive/hidden cd/microwave/mailbox. Just a good fm/cd w/detach face and some power will do me fine.

Thanks again guys

Jun 18, 2003 | 06:19 PM

SirDino

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Installing new speakers

I went ahead and installed the new speakers in place of the existing factory rear speakers, (thanks John 8172 and optikal illushin). True enough they did not sound as good as I hoped they would without an amp. Maybe a 15% increase in sound quality. But I'm happy for now. Once I have the cash I'm going to customize a low profile box, add an amp and two 10" subs. More than that straight cab will need. I will replace the HU first of course txlnghrn. Thanks all.