jmrjames

Does Size Matter ? Any Interest in adapters that will allow 5.25" Speakers in a stock 4" Hole ?

I am in the process of upgrading my sound system from the stock 4" speakers to 5.25". I am considering employing a plastic manufacture to fabricate adapters to allow this without any new holes to the mounting areas.

I want to test the possible interest of fellow members for this concept. This is a work in progress and as such I have not finalized any solutions.

hans14914

I may be able to help with this as well. I am working a parallel solution with the other interior projects. I have a batch of parts coming in monday for this project. Send me a PM for details.

Thanks
Hans

jon928se

I'm probably being dim - how do you put a 5.25" speaker in a 4" hole without making the hole bigger ?

Isn't that like the negative spacers made from unobtainium to tun a 50 offset wheel into a 70 offset wheel?

FlatSix911

Ah Yes, there is an easy solution ... try a speaker lift ring adapter
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_003SG60...ng.html?tp=919
The additional depth will allow you to mount a 5" or 6" speaker in a 4" hole.

jmrjames

The same way you get 10 lbs of stuff in a 5 lb bag.

Correct that the common adapter rings available from $5 to $20 a pair can be used but there is a problem with them.

Using the American International 5.25" - 6.5" by 1" thick adapter rings as an example there are several issues:

1) The 5.25" speaker diameter is smaller than the ring diameter. This produces an unfinished lip.

2) The hole pattern for these rings is not the same (Larger) as the stock holes and requires drilling which prevents going back to stock if desired.

I admit that I have not researched 6.5" speakers but my instinct is that these will require enlarging the existing holes.

The other issue with available rings is with the 6.5" door pillar location. These rings will not fit there as well.

Thank you for your input.

jmrjames

BTW your photo is more accurate. You will notice that unlike my photo showing a smooth top surface yours shows what is actually available.

Rick Carter

I have Alpine 6 1/2" SPX-177A in the stock location behind the front seats and JBL 4" in the doors and rear. Alpine now makes this speaker instead of the SPX-177A.

hans14914

You will find that you need a considerably larger ring than you may think for a standard 5.25" or larger speaker because of the magnet/motor assembly displaces more space than the factory allowed. I have done quite a bit of research on available speaker drivers that should fit, and will be testing later next week. I will post the data when I have a chance. If you want a 5.25+ driver to fit in the door, you are better off massaging the sheet metal behind than building out. You will need to add .75" of material to get the clearance necessary in most cases, and it is very difficult to make those spacers look appealing in the 928. There are a few drivers, old Boston 4" drivers from their pro series that would have fit, but they are currently out of production. Can you post some drawings of sketches of your idea?

I am thoroughly curious, as I was unable to create an adapter for a larger speaker that looked good or matched the factory tweeter grill. Infact, when I started my interior, I couldnt get anything to work that I liked, so I ended up relocating my fuse panel to the rear hatch so I could install kick-pods - in retrospect, I wish I just sacrificed the doors from the get-go. Just trying to be helpful if I can.

BTW, my proposed solution would support upto a 5" (really 4.5" driver that is creatively labled by the manufacturer), so if you are able to get a 5.25" or greater in there, you are a better man than I, and I would love to have a set for my collection.

Good luck, and let me know if I can help in any way.
Hans

jmrjames

Hans

I sent you an email with more details. I am in the process of making CAD drawings for CNC work. Unfortunately, my experience is with 2D drawings. Another learning curve to overcome.

Thanks for your interest and help.

James

Richter12x2

I did this two weeks ago and I'm undoing it now. Sounds great. Looks retarded.

FlatSix911

Another option ... try a component plate speaker

jmrjames

What brand of extenders did you use ?

jmrjames

Someone here used a tear drop and that is what I am considering for the doors.

Richter12x2

They're basically just router cut MDF to give the depth, then you paint them black. Either way, to get the depth you need, you end up coming like 5/8" out on the door, which just makes it look hacked together IMO. I picked up a set of 4" Infinity speakers to fit the space, and then when I recover the doorcard, I'm going to fill the second hole, just because I've never really been happy with the way the factory layout looks either.

I'm not looking for a perfect soundstage out of my 928 though, either. Just enough to get some tunes playing for long trips, with some quality. I have the 540i if I want 12 speaker, front and rear 3 way crossover sound. In the 928, I'm mostly interested in the big speaker under the hood and the whooshing sounds the other cars make when I pass them on the Interstate.

jmrjames

I agree about the under the hood sound but with "I Can't Drive 55" or "Dust In The Wind" blasting out of the windows at the other Interstaters, well it just couldn't be any better.

I also tried MDF but did not like the exposed finish even if painted black to match my interior. That is why I am looking into HDPE plastic. Maybe if the MDF was covered in matching leather that would be better.

Tell me how did you avoid making the mounting screw holes of the 5.25" work in the 4" without drilling new holes. That is what I am trying to avoid, new holes and can't go back.