Speaker install in door panels.

[Mike C]

This is the third truck I have done the speakers this way. Because they are screwed to both the door panel and to the door itself, their is little shake and wobble like in the lower part of the door.

If you don't want to cut your original panels, just buy some repros and cut them. And if you change your mind, put a piece of metal tape over the hole and put the stock panel back on. Fixed.

The best way to do it is with component speakers which is how it was in my '70 Sierra Grande. But this is a budget build. Install is the same with components but you can put the flush mount tweeter behind the window crank up high in the door. Mount the crossover on the kick panel and run wires the same way.

Step 1: Locate the speaker to make sure it clears the window crank. There is about 3" depth from the face of the door panel to the window regulator parts, but MEASURE YOUR TRUCK TO VERIFY YOUR SPACE!!!!



After measuring (two, three or four times!) cut the hole in the door panel. You can do it with a jig saw, but I use this adjustable cutter in my drill press.



Put the panel back on the door and trace the outline through the hole you cut in the panel onto the door. Cut the door out. I use a jig saw with a sheet metal blade.



This is how I route the wires. This truck did not have door switches for cab light so I just drilled where the grounding switch would go. Offset the wire about the same amount it is long and it folds into the door and out of the way. My Jimmy has been like this for over 25 years with no issues. I solder and heat shrink all of my connections.




Then mount your speaker and grill.



And here is the position with the door closed.



Best install would be using component speakers with the mid as far forward as you can get it, 4" allows more. Then mount the tweeters as high and as inline with your ears as possible. Some flush mounts are actually adjustable to point. Mount a single sub under the seat. I'm using an 8, but a 12 is my first choice, just not much space and this is a budget install.

[Mike C]

The first iteration of this was my Jimmy. I originally use a "plate" speaker with the 4" woofer and the tweeter housed together in an approximate 6x9 sized surface mount.

The woofers died in the ancient Alpine plates so I just went to 4" Kicker Co-axials. You can still see where the plates were surface mounted. This picture was taken today and the 1/4" plywood panels were made in 1990. Speaker wire differs because the Jimmy does have the grounding switches for the interior lights.

[Mike C]

Cut the dash and installed head unit. Amp and sub mounted under the seat. All together now and sounds great!

[Mike C]

I've been using this setup for a year now and super pleased. Only thing I wish I had done differently was getting a Bluetooth hands free head unit. They are cheap enough that I will before too long.

[Mike C]

Ttt

[special-K]

People hate to see doors or door panels cut, but they want a good sounding stereo and can't find a place for speakers. I figure this is where GM would have put the speakers had they offered a stereo. It's where they ended up later.

Because of people not liking them cut I have bought a pair of rust free '67 doors with 6x9 speaker holes for $75@. I have a great solution for that issue... put 6x9 speakers in them.

Then, there is my '72 Sierra with saddle interior. A board member was selling a pair of blue scroll door panels that had 6 1/2" speakers mounted below the arm rest in a lot of parts including a Luverne step bumper and a bench seat for $100. I the door panels and speaker grilles saddle and now have what I consider free door panels and speakers

[Mike C]

Score! The panel option seems to make great sense to me since you could even buy new aftermarket panels and put the speakers in them. Then switching back to stock is just a matter of putting the original panels back on.

[special-K]

Yep. I haven't installed these yet, but my originals will rest on the shelf till the day comes that it needs to be back to original. If I thought I'd ever be selling the truck, it's good to know I already have the next '72's door panels and speakers ready to dye to match.