junkyarddog

first, this is not for a thirdgen so lock if necessary.......but, it is a GM, 1999 Chevy Cavalier with the familiar 4x6 and 6x9 deal going on in there.

It's my sister's car and her birthday is coming up very soon. My mother and I were going to get her some new speakers to replace the three working originals....yes three, one is open

Not many stores stock plates, and not many companies even make them.

I'm considering making my own plates out of wood or plastic and fitting with regular round speakers. (don't worry I'm not a hack)

3.5"s would do ok in the front and maybee 5.25"s or 6.5"s in the rear?

Eventually a real 4 channel with HP for front and rear will be added, so bass is not a concern. Any good brand speaker will do ok with a HP x over.


Anyways, I install here and there, but I don't have much experience with the 3.5s, 4"s ect...

I'm thinking of Polk Db series, Infinity ?,Mb Quart... something along those lines.

Anyways, any suggestions are good. I'm looking for bang for the buck, nothing too overboard.

I'n return, I'll take some snapshots of my handy work and possibly inspire someone to do the same with thier thirdgen. I will also post a short review of the 'newly aquired aucoustic qualities' of the speakers we select.

I know how it is, I used to own a thirdgen

You all know that the ducts can be 'moved' to make room for deeper speakers right? Manytech articles on this in here. Last time I installed 4x6s in a thirdgen, the guy had bought Alpines that were specifically made to fit in the shallow depths of the dash, I think they were alright, but I think it's time to 'just say NO to oval speakers!' what do you think?

Ahhh, I haven't seen or heard a thirdgen with kicks, but I bet those will beat a dash mounted job any day. The speakers in the Cavy are in the doors.

So, please don't be concerned with the car I'm installing in, just keep this thread on the subject of using the oval spaces to fit better round speakers and what the hottest products are these days.

junkyarddog

So far no suggestions..

That's cool, I'll figure it out either way.

For amplifiers we're considering a JL audio e6450. The local shop has one for $400 even. It seems like it would do the trick, power all four and drive a sub or two. it's an AB 6 channel amp.

Another candidate is the 500/5, I'm sure it costs more, but I'm wondering what your opinions are of these 'all in one' units. I've always heard that separate amps are better, but these days I don't see why this wouldn't work out.

BTW, no SPL records are neccessary just SQ with a good balance of everything.

As I'll tell anyone here, the first install should be a good security system. If anyone has any suggestions for that, I'm all ears. In particular, it needs to be DIY friendly, meaning that anyone willing out figure it out can do everything with it. Some of the Viper alarms they installed at my shop required programing and stuff like that. I don't know any good installers in the area either, so I'm definitly not having this done by a stranger.

I've decided that any kind of 'impulse buy' even for a gift isn't a good idea. Good sound can't be rushed, I want to look behind the door paneling and under the rear deck so I can judge for myself the limitations.

I'd like to see if there is any reason why I can't fit 5.25"s or 6.5"s in all four corners. Matching sizes/models achieve the best sound right? I'll definitly use coaxials or component sets, or add my own tweeters. in the end the $$$ will make the rules.