Difficult to install 6.5" speaker in 5.25" location?

[GrandPixel]

1995 Ford Escort

I want to put 6.5" speakers into a 5.25" factory location. Walmart has a nice looking Pioneer cd player with (4) 6.5" 2-way speakers in a box for $85. This is for a friend's vehicle and the factory speakers really need replaced, as well as the cd player (radio works but doesn't play cd's). The walmart deal is perfect, except that the car has 5.25" speakers front and back, and not 6.5".

1) Does anyone know if it would be difficult in this car to install the 6.5" speakers? What modifications would have to be made? Can I just use a circular saw to cut a bigger hole and drill screw holes, or is it not that easy?

2) Is there another good deal out there that includes 5.25" speakers instead?

Another thought, current cd player is JVC and so I would not have to rewire if I replaced it with another JVC. They start at $80. Maybe I could find some cheap 5.25" speakers that would be comparable to the pioneers?

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[LiveAudio911 10+ year member]

You could just cut the hole bigger..

As far as the deal at WallyWorld to be perfectly honest.. there is a reason it is only 90 bucks.. just remember you get what you pay for.. or lack there of..

 

[GrandPixel]

Looks like I can get "open box" but "new" type items on eBay. JVC cd player for about $65 shipped, and 2 pair 5.25" pioneer speakers $25 shipped. Price is about identical to the Walmart box with tax, and I would not have to modify car for speakers OR wiring. Think I might go that way. What do you think?

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

you can cut the hole bigger, you could make a mdf baffle of some sort, you could buy the 5.25" speakers

 

[GrandPixel]

You mean the 6.5" ?

 

[LiveAudio911 10+ year member]

I mean they are ok for Low end system.. if $$ is the issue... but def not gonna be SQ

I have a JVC deck.. Arsenal (supposed to be their high end stuff) HD radio.. There are better sounding decks out there.. if it was me honestly I would spend a little more for the Head unit as its your source before all else..

Alpine Deck or higher end Pioneer or Kenwood... you can either spend a little more for the speakers or you can go with some el cheapo's from wally world..

If your going to spend the money.. and time you might as well do it right.. spend a little more.., the 90 bucks deal at walmart is not gonna 'rock your socks off' but will be better than stock..

Its really up to you and your/his budget meh.. who's ever..

First figure out what your budget is.. MAX you could spend.. and go from there..

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

You mean the 6.5" ?

no. you could get the 6.5" and either cut the hole in the door bigger or make a mdf baffle......or you could get the 5.25s

 

[GrandPixel]

well, I think the rear deck holes are metal, and a baffle would stick up above the surface, so it might be more work than it is worth. What do you think?

LiveAudio911 thanks for the input. This is not an sq install by any means. As long as sound comes out and it doesn't break in 6 months, I think we're happy. Features on the other hand are probably a bonus. For instance, the Pioneer at Walmart plays mp3/wma files from a usb flash drive. Other Alpines I've seen play AAC files also. But like I said, not something to pay extra for, just a bonus.

 

[95BlackGA 5,000+ posts]

I would personally go with 6.5" speakers, and cut the holes larger. That way, when he's able to upgrade, he can get a better 6.5" mid. I've had my fair share of 5.25" mids, and I don't like them compared to 6.5's. Honestly don't know many people that do...

If you're good with the saw, and won't screw up his doors, go with the 6.5" route.

 

[GrandPixel]

But what about the rear deck that is made of metal?

 

[JuicyJeff 10+ year member]

I negro rigged my. 6.5s to fit in my 02 zx2. A sawzall worked well for.this and then I cleaned it up with some aviator snips

 

[LiveAudio911 10+ year member]

One time I had a Saturn 3 Door.. I just cut the metal open then I cut an X in the carpet material, then I pushed it in wards and wrapped it under.. mounted 6x9's with grilles.. Looked real good.. might be something you can do here.. get creative.. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif