Rear speakers for 97 Ex. Cab

[Chris97K1500]

I've got some Infinity 6x9's. At this point for time and $$, I only want to add these to the stock deck. I thought about cutting a hole in the plastic area that covers the rear speakers and then mounting these speakers in the holes to the plastic. I tried to remove the door panels, but after an hour I gave up because I would have broken something as I was getting frustrated ! I think it would look really nice, the speakers have their own black metal covers. I'm just afraid that I would cut the plastic and then couldn't get the old speakers out, or something would keep the new ones from mounting in the hole I cut in the plastic. If this idea won't work I guess I could just get 2 boxes and mount them in that. I'd like to keep the floor area empty cause I was wanting to add a 10" JBL sub that I've also got this spring after I buy a new amp. Any ideas appreciated. Also, if I have to just set the 6x9's in boxes on the floor, what wires coming out of the back of the deck are to the rear speakers or is there a better place to splice into them? Thanks, Chris

[99-2door]

Ok, you are trying to put them in the rear pillars? I am not sure there is even room there for a 6"x9". For sure there is nor without cutting into the metal. The original speakers are 4"x6".

Why are you trying to take off the door panels? I must be missing something here.

[Chris97K1500]

My original plans were to remove the stock rear speakers, then figure out a way to mount the 6x9's. That's where I was wanting to remove the rear 3rd door plastic and the driver's side ext. cab plastic area. I was going to make a wood 1" spacer to bring the mounting surface out, so I'd get more depth behind the speaker. I was going to cover the wood in matching tan carpet to finish it off. I know the 6x9's won't fit where the existing 4x6's are mounted, but by adding the spacer to the outside plastic (where the grille for the 4x6's is formed into the plastic) I was hoping to get enough room. Not sure if I explained it well enough to understand, I guess I'll just have to cut and make it work Chris

[99-2door]

To get the interior trim off you will have to remove the rear seat. Also the wide piece that runs just under the back glass. The driver's side is 2 pieces You have to remove the front seatbelt and the ashtray from the armrest. There are 2 screw under the ashtray, then the armrest will come off. There are 2 screws behind it, plus more at the botom of the panel. After you remove all the screws, pull the panel out, it has several clips holding it on. Now you can remove the upper trim piece. Take the screw out of the cloths hanger tab, it is held on only by clips now. Pull the bottom out first.

For the passenger side, if I remember correctly there are only clips holding it in, but you will have to remove the bolt that holds the bottom of the rear seatbelt.

 

Having outlined all of that, I would urge you not to cut any of the rear plastic pieces or the metal of the cab in any way. Anything sticking out of those location s will be something for somebody sitting in the back to bang their head on real good. Plus later when you go to sell the truck the mods to the plastic or metal will drop your resell price considerably. The large plastic pieces in the back are quite expensive to replace also.

Also I never have really understood the appeal of 6x9s. A set of components up front and some upgraded speakers for the rear will blow them away in sound quality, probably in bass repro too.

[Chris97K1500]

Thanks, I'll try it when it warms up some so I don't break the plastic when it's cold. I've had the 6x9's for a couple years sitting in their boxes, never hooked them up to anything. The seat belt "buckles" stick out farther than the speakers would, plus I don't see how anyone could hit them unless they did it on purpose. But, you never know! As far as resale value, this truck will always be mine. It's going to become strictly a farm truck. I just love the style of OBS trucks. Always have, always will. Thanks again, Chris