6x9 speakers

[ludwigvan]

There have been a lot of helpful discussions about speakers/stereos on this site and the UK and Aussie sites. I just wanted to add to the body of knowledge based on my experience installing a new system (about 3.5 hours) in my '91 Chamonix this past weekend.

Stereo.
Threw in a new deck with a Mitsu wiring harness. The exporter was kind enough to leave the existing harness in place so the new conversion harness (to go from the old school Mitsu one to current deck harnesses) was a piece of cake to install. I had to drill some new holes in the mounting bracket to fit the sleeve in place behind the dash/pocket but it was no big deal.

Front Speakers.
Replaced the P.O.S. 4" stock speakers with some Kenwoods. Mounting depth wasn't an issue but a quick test on the driver's side (easier to access) proved the point. I ran new speaker wire at the same time as the existing stuff had a pretty small cross section and wasnt' suitable for the new speakers. Enough wire came with the new speakers to do this. Replacing the passenger side took about 1/2 hour based on instructions you can find elsewhere on this site. Taking the hex nuts off the backs of the speakers was a bit annoying but only bloodied one of my knuckles.

Rear Speakers.
I felt replacing the rear 5.25 speakers with new 5.25 speakers still wouldn't produce enough sound volume to fill the interior. So, I dropped in some Sony 6x9s under the middle bench instead. I purchased some 6x9 enclosures ($30 +/-) and they fit like a glove beneath the bench. Any tighter and I wouldn't have been able to pull it off. I popped out the bench (6 bolts) fed the new speaker wiring through the holes in the carpet for the bench bolts and ran them up along the driver's side and under the dash...all hidden. Rebolted the middle bench in place and voila, a sound system fit for a Delica.

An important consideration for me was that the installation either look factory installed or appear invisible. This because I live in Gastown where vehicles are rather prone to break in. I know that from first hand experience as I had 2 thefts from my last van...ie. if it's visible and not tied down it's gone. For this reason a sub wasn't an option. With my new system the stereo faceplate is removable, the 4" fronts are behind the factory grilles and the 6x9s under the bench aren't visible from outside the van.

Anyway, just wanted to share in case there are others contemplating stereo upgrades. I'd post pictures but given the afformentioned stealthy install there is little "bling" to see.