My 85 is in need of some new speakers, however it has a vey odd set-up in the sail panels. Instead of the normal 6x9, my car has a 5 1/4 on the bottom with a 4x6 just above. It came from the factory with the fancy stereo sytem that included a switch for the factory amp on the dash. Should I keep it the way it is now or try to just put in a pair of 6x9s. I always thought that my friends cars with 6x9's sounded better than what I had.

 

If the amp or subs are blown, sell the system to someone that wants the pieces, and get some 6x9 sheet metal brackets and throw 6x9s in using the upper wire (wire from the 4x6).

 

You could easily replace the subs with a better 5 1/4 sub, replace all the speaker and run your amp/amps and it will sound great

 

I am not really a car audio guy, so bare with me here.
Which set-up would be more desirable?
Did someone before me add this to the car or is this the way that it came from the factory?
If I take the whole plate that mounts the two speakers will I need a new plate to mount a 6x9?

 

You have the Pontiac Performance Sound option. For an OEM system in 1985 it was not bad, however comparing it to a 2011 aftermarket system it is not that great. Your separate amplifier is just above the passenger kick panel, and it powers the tiny subwoofers in the sail panels. I remember that it is somewhere around 70 watts. Some of the Cadilacs of the same era used a version of this system, and the ampilfer is the same. If you want to keep the car all factory then keep it, however if the car is basically a driver and you have or are planning mods, you may want to go aftermarket. My 86 has the same option, and since the car only lives for the shows, has 29K actual miles, and shows as stock, I am keeping mine. There are a couple of radio repair shops that can repair the amp for around $100.00 if it is blown. I can get you the name if you want it, but can't remember it off the top of my head. Kee Audio in Atlanta has some great aftermarket speakers that will work with your system. Ian Kee is a F body fan, a thirdgen fan, and is good to deal with.

 

I had my subs rebuilt by a guy here in NJ,he did a great job on them,those cones are not easy to come by,It took me forever to find someone to even take a look at them let alone having them restored, I want to keep the car original
That's a UQ7 Speaker System-Subwoofer