Sunday I installed some Polk 5.25" speakers (PLK DB521) into the rear panels.



The drivers side was actually a bit tighter fit due to the wiring harnesses being in the way.




As it was the metal had to be bent in slightly in order to accommodate the speaker. The magnet cleared the opening just fine but it was the supporting metal basket in the speaker which would prevent them from sitting flush. I've heard of people cutting or grinding here, but I only needed about 1/8" more clearance. I found that just tapping the metal with a hammer worked and only took about 10 seconds. Now the metal housing of the basket had clearance.




I did a few measurements and then transposed where the hole should be onto some painters tape. Always measure twice, cut once I ended up using a dremel with a cutting wheel because it's all I had available. It actually worked out well minus the flying hot plastic. This is best done outside!




Speakers actually had to be turned 90 degrees and mounted because the mini-capacitor/crossover electronics would wack either the harness or metal bar in the normal position. No biggie for me as I wont really see them I don't really dig the grill cover as I prefer generic mesh ones, but oh well.

Running the wiring was super easy to do, right down the center console. I'd also taken the time to run an RCA cable in prep for my amp but then realized I forgot to run the stupid Remote wire after I put everything back together so I'll have to do it all again.

Anyway... Results: First of all, they're cheaper speakers (~$70) so I wasn't expecting much. I also knew that getting anything bigger/nicer would result in more fitment issues considering the space provided. The Polks definitely lack bass response. With the fader set neutral there's way too much sound coming from the rears and not full sounding however you can actually feel them hitting beats right through the back of the seat. Top down driving is far improved because I can hear the music much better with 4 speakers, especially if I slide the fader back towards neutral.

For general day to day use I'm leaving the fader about 30% more towards the fronts which results in decent sound quality but a more immersive listening environment. All the music doesn't sound like it coming from in front which is what I like the most. Anyway... fairly easy upgrade. Now I'm just waiting for my sub box to get here

 

Nice work. I'm still not quite ready to go down the audio upgrade route in a noisy convertible, but I'm sure this is a big improvement.

 

Cubby installed speakers for me using a very similar method. They made a big difference for the better IMO for a fairly cheap price.

 

nice...I think Im going to do this since I have an extra set of speakers laying around the garage.

 

I have mine in my roll hoops kenwoods real nice having them right behind the ears.

 

Me too -

 

Ayuh zactly like that cept mine aint that purty! Dont have tweeters in mine.

 

who here wants to do some of those roll hoop speakers for me? I really want to be able to hear some music with the top down and without turning the radio all the way up. Is it worth upgrading the door speakers as well when adding the roll hoops speakers but keeping the stock HU? Thanks.

Oh...nice work Kenta.

 

I thought about doing speakers in the roll hoops but aesthetically I like having the open area behind my head. Not to mention that the rear panels is much easier to do (read: me == lazy).

 

Kenta, do you have any pics of your car with the silverstone top on it?