Upgrading 2003 SANTE interior speakers?

[LTrider]

I want to upgrade the stock interior speakers that are mounted behind the screen to the polk db651's that mount on the outside. Any suggestions on how to mount the new speakers? I switched out the stock ones on my '99 sport and ended up drilling through the vinyl behind the speaker, which I'd like to avoid this time. How are they mounted on the later model SANTE's?

[core-rider]

RE: Upgrading 2003 SANTE interior speakers?

I just replaced my stock speakers with Polk Momo's and you will basically have to do the same thing as your '99. I had to cut the cloth material out of the pvc insert they use and then drill pilot holes that basically went between the piping and the vinyl on the panel. I then ran 2" screws into the holes and put nuts on the back of them to tighten the speakers down. Unfortunately there is really no material there the run a self-tapping screw into so you have to use nuts. The only speaker that gave me any real problems was the passenger side observer's seat. I had to use 3" screws there and the home store I was at didn't have 3" SS screws. I ended up using the screws from a wall anchor toggle bolt kit that were long enough. I will have to replace them with SS screws later.

I didn't replace the bow speakers since I have them disconnected anyway. Almost forgot I had to use a Dremel tool to clearence some of the PVC inserts around the speaker wire connections. If you need anymore info just let me know. I wish I had taken pics and could do a step by step write up about this, but I didn't have the time or patince when I replaced them.

[skiking]

RE: Upgrading 2003 SANTE interior speakers?

I just replaced some Eclipse Audio upgrade speakers on my 99 SSN while I was doing a complete audio overhaul. I had planned on moving my new speakers to the front as well. Since the summer was flying by and I wanted to use my boat, I mounted some new Wetsounds XS-650's in the stock locations behind backboards firing down the PVC tubes through the mesh. Plan was to move them to the front down the road.

But, I have to say they are EXTREMELY loud and sound just fine mounted in the stock locations. I know moving them forward is the best spot. But, I was suprised how great they sound in stock location.

[core-rider]

RE: Upgrading 2003 SANTE interior speakers?

skiking, if you look closely though the speaker surrounds are probably being smashed down by the PVC tubes. I know my stock Clarions speakers had that problem. That is the main reason I wanted to move the speakers forward, and to just get a better speaker in place.

[skiking]

Nope. The speaker grills protect that from happening. Plenty of clearance.

[core-rider]

Okay, I didn't think about that. Good idea...