Easiest way to change front door speakers?
10-13-2005, 08:51 AM
#2
Copy & Paste Moderator
Remove the Door Panel and unscreew the screws holding the speaker in place.
Check this thread for info on removing the door panel:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showpost....1&postcount=18
(That thread is actually about replacing the window motor, but in doing so, they show how to remove the door panel.)
EDIT:
Dammit, it looks like the site with the Firebird instructions is down.
Check this thread for info on removing the door panel:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showpost....1&postcount=18
(That thread is actually about replacing the window motor, but in doing so, they show how to remove the door panel.)
EDIT:
Dammit, it looks like the site with the Firebird instructions is down.
10-13-2005, 11:08 PM
#3
you have to remove the entire door skin.
-remove screws
-here's some real good hits that i learned the HARD WAY
-pop out the power window/power door insert first. unplug the whole thing and set it aside
-remove the door lock/door handel panel (the one that covers the lock and door handle area) at the same time pry off the plastic lock -it will be a bitch to try to remove. (the plastic slider you use to lock and unlock the doors is snapped onto a metal hook)
-work your way around the side and bottom of the doors, prying with your fingers and a screwdriver. the door skin will pop off there
-grab the whole door skin and bow it inwards while lifing up. this will allow the skin to release from around the window area (it is hung from that point on the door)
good luck!
-remove screws
-here's some real good hits that i learned the HARD WAY
-pop out the power window/power door insert first. unplug the whole thing and set it aside
-remove the door lock/door handel panel (the one that covers the lock and door handle area) at the same time pry off the plastic lock -it will be a bitch to try to remove. (the plastic slider you use to lock and unlock the doors is snapped onto a metal hook)
-work your way around the side and bottom of the doors, prying with your fingers and a screwdriver. the door skin will pop off there
-grab the whole door skin and bow it inwards while lifing up. this will allow the skin to release from around the window area (it is hung from that point on the door)
good luck!
10-14-2005, 08:59 AM
#5
Copy & Paste Moderator
Originally Posted by Grimes
-work your way around the side and bottom of the doors, prying with your fingers and a screwdriver. the door skin will pop off there
Once the power window button trim (pops off), handle trim (one screw), small plastic triangle by the mirror (one screw), and all the other screws are removed, the whole panel just slides up and out.
Unfortunately, it seems that the link to the Firebird instructions in the FAQ is broken.
10-14-2005, 12:07 PM
#7
That's right... there are not the normal GM xmas tree type retainers.
The panels lock in and down snugly on hooks, and are then secured with the main screws.
Simply prying the panels out will break all of these hooks basically ruin the panel. Grimes probably got lucky and had the hooks give enough to pop up without noticing.
Also note that it is very easy to strip out the retaining trim self-tapping screws, as they are just tapped right into the plastic door. The load bearing heavy screws go into inserts and can take some tightening. It is also pretty easy to snap the retaining clips for the window switch panels and inside door handle trim (both camaro and firebird). So be careful and try to avoid doing it on a very cold car. Cold plastic is brittle.
Having said that, the first time will take awhile but with experience you can have the door panel off in 5 minutes. It can be kind of tricky to put back on because you need to get all of the hooks started, then hook the top over the top edge of the door. Once you have it off a good looksee will make the entire situation very clear.
Also, make sure you get the right size of speaker. They are not 6.5"... they are actually 6.75" or sometimes referred to as oversize 6.5" speakers or even 7".
Some normal 6.5" speakers come with (or you can buy) adapters to bolt up to the 6.75" pattern in our cars. But you are better off getting a proper sized one in there.
The panels lock in and down snugly on hooks, and are then secured with the main screws.
Simply prying the panels out will break all of these hooks basically ruin the panel. Grimes probably got lucky and had the hooks give enough to pop up without noticing.
Also note that it is very easy to strip out the retaining trim self-tapping screws, as they are just tapped right into the plastic door. The load bearing heavy screws go into inserts and can take some tightening. It is also pretty easy to snap the retaining clips for the window switch panels and inside door handle trim (both camaro and firebird). So be careful and try to avoid doing it on a very cold car. Cold plastic is brittle.
Having said that, the first time will take awhile but with experience you can have the door panel off in 5 minutes. It can be kind of tricky to put back on because you need to get all of the hooks started, then hook the top over the top edge of the door. Once you have it off a good looksee will make the entire situation very clear.
Also, make sure you get the right size of speaker. They are not 6.5"... they are actually 6.75" or sometimes referred to as oversize 6.5" speakers or even 7".
Some normal 6.5" speakers come with (or you can buy) adapters to bolt up to the 6.75" pattern in our cars. But you are better off getting a proper sized one in there.
Last edited by todddchi; 10-14-2005 at 12:14 PM.
