6.5" components in 2000 Chevrolet Malibu

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

I was wondering if anyone have advise on installing 6.5" components in a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. The stock speaks are just 4x6 and I really want some 6.5" components up front. I am pretty sure they won't find in the door, so what is the easier option to get them setup properly without doing alot of custom work?

Click to read more...

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

Q-logic kick panels

nvm, they aren't available for your vehicle.

 

[neverfinished 10+ year member]

dremel that *****

 

[captaincheesey 10+ year member]

Make a 1/2" baffle for your door, assuming it won't extend out too far to mess with the door panel. It should give you enough additional depth to offset the size difference, I am thinking. Or I could be completely off my rocker.

 

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

Would it be easier to put 5.25 in there, or would it require the same amount of work?

 

[QuikSilverRS91 10+ year member]

Would it be easier to put 5.25 in there, or would it require the same amount of work?

Same TYPE of work, but not as in depth. You could save yourself a little bit of pain using a 5.25. How much depth do you have to work with in the door? That's really the only big problem.

 

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

I haven't measured it myself. But I have been reading around the net and someone said that he did a malibu with a 3/4" spacer and it wasn't really necessary to cut any metal. I have no idea what he meant. He also mentioned something about 6.5" mdf rings.

 

[QuikSilverRS91 10+ year member]

Those rings are the spacer he was talking about. Place the ring around the current speaker opening and drill it to the door. Then, attach the 6.5" speaker to that ring. The logic is that it brings the speaker out further so the only thing that needs to fit in the door opening (the stock 4x6 opening) will just be the magnet and maybe a little more.

 

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

I think I understand what's going on now. It is just an custom adapter that is really thick so the speaks won't hit the window/door. Are there any websites that sells these things already made, or is just best to try to build one myself. And what measurements should I take to make sure I get the correct thickness for a specific mounting depth for the speakers?

 

[QuikSilverRS91 10+ year member]

That's the idea. They're pretty easy to build, but yes you can find spacers on a lot of sites.

Walmart.com: Scosche 1" Universal 5.25" Or 6.5" Speaker Spacer: Auto Electronics

I would advise making your own out of MDF. Better quality in just about every sense of the word.

 

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

It would be **** near impossible for me to build my own. Is there any site that sells pre made MDF rings/adapters? I looked at Elemental Designs, but I couldn't find any for 4x6s.

 

[QuikSilverRS91 10+ year member]

All you need are rings like the ones I showed you. They don't need to be a specific adapter that adapts TO 4x6s... just 6.5" rings.

MDF Speaker rings, 6 1/2 flush mount - eBay (item 350237058130 end time May-03-10 19:22:47 PDT)

^^^ Those will work. ^^^

 

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

Ok, I completely get it now!

Now what about the tweeters, where would be the best place to put them?

 

[QuikSilverRS91 10+ year member]

You'll probably get differing opinions from everyone here, but I've always used the "within 18 inches" rule on that. Also, they're directional so make sure they're facing you. Depending on where your factory door speaker location is, the best spot could be on the door panel, on the trim piece covering the sideview mirror bolts, or even on the dash. Can't picture the '00 Malibu off the top of my head.

 

[truffsekka 10+ year member]

The trim covering the sideview mirror bolts are not big enough to put tweeters there. What about this location?