cgossett

X2

Dusty Davis

The Kit is needed for some radios because the radio is too small to fasten to the trim, atleast on mine its too small. Either the Sony radio is alot bigger than a pioneer or the custom trim bezel is smaller than a Lariat bezel.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Radios are standard sizes. Not sure about the trim since I haven't looked at a lot but pretty sure they all have the same size hole since the factory radios are pretty much the same.

Dusty Davis

Well, Idk, It is possible to slide in two tools on each side of the radio and remove the Reciever without touching the trim bezel. I found this, it may make what I'm saying a little easier to picture.
http://www.installdr.com/installdocs/flm/PDF/356029.pdf
Does anyone know if the panels behind the doors on the 92-96 body style and the 87-91 body style can be swapped? if so that sounds like a great way to install rear speakers, save space and look somewhat original.

RocketScott

That's a great question that I'd like to know. I've thought about putting some 6x9s at the bottom corners of the door but haven't checked to see if it would work. I have some so-so kicker 2-ways in the stock location with the alpine head and they sound retty good for a $150 system.

I think to really improove the sound quality I need to focus on the outside noise getting in. If I changed out all the door seals and maybe added some sound deadening I bet it would make a huge difference.

For my install I went to Home Depot and got two Simpson DJT14Z deck joist ties. A little cutting with the grinder, drill some holes and you're in bidness:

ToddsSS

"Does anyone know if the panels behind the doors on the 92-96 body style and the 87-91 body style can be swapped? If so that sounds like a great way to install rear speakers, save space and look somewhat original."

I had the same thought and actually purchased a set from the salvage yard to try. The answer is NO they are not a bolt in!

Couple issues - the upper seat belt mount hole is positioned lower and you would need to cut quite a bit out to make it fit & the Cab sheetmetal does not allow the speaker mount molded into the trim to clear.

If you we willing to live with an visible hole at the top that the seat belt would not cover, and cut the internal sheetmetal away it just might work?
You might also need to go with the later model seat belts because they are made slightly different so they don't rub the trim. It would definitely require removal of the seat and more work than I thought it was worth.

What I decided to do instead was the following:
For rear speakers I purchased a pair of Kicker KS40 (4" round) speakers; back mounted them behind a piece of stainless perforated grill that was match painted to the trim. I had to spacer the aft two mount screws to take up for for the curvature of the panel and then just sealed the back with some aluminum tape and caulk. Including R&R I have about 2.0 hours in each rear panel.

One word of caution pre-soak the lower bottom seat belt bolts -they go through the cab and are exposed to the underside of the cab - for folks up north you may not get these bolts out! My truck spent it whole life in Oklahoma and has no rust to speak of and the driver's side I almost didn't get out!

I wanted the rears for balance and additional fill sound; not to rattle the trim hardware loose so these work great and I don't loose and behind the seat storage.

For the door speakers I opened up the hole in the front doors about 1/4" to install "oversize" 6.5's. I used Kicker KS65's,
I fitted foam baffles behind to protect them from moisture/debris.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_22347_The-Install-Bay-VXT65.html
I also removed the fabric mesh over the speaker grills on the back side of the door panel & fabricated a foam piece that helps isolate and seal the speaker to the door panel to better project the sound into the cab.

Currently these speakers are being driven off an aftermarket Sony deck through all new speaker wire run directly from the deck to all 4 speakers. I tried to utilize the factory wiring for the door speakers and it would not work.

1991 XLT Lariat, Reg Cab, Long Bed, 5.8, 2WD, E40D

Dusty Davis

ToddsSS, thanks for answering my question, that's a great job you did on those panels. I may just make or buy some small speaker boxes and put the 6x8s I have in them, that or find another pair of 87-91 panels and do something similar to what you did.

tarheel1

I added a box with two 8" JL /subs. /The back of the seat touches the box. Sounds much better than the 5 X 7" in the rear pillars to me.

krick1961

10" subs, up facing tweeters(the two small one are not connected,720w 4ch amp,crossovers

fast_eddy

^^
Nice sub setup...

I was concerned about having the seat all the way back too... and as this is my second vehicle, I wanted to make sure I didn't spend too much money on getting good sound (my other car has a really high end stereo system... so this had to at least sound decent!).

I went with Kenwood 6x9's in boxes. They actually have decent bass off of a well powered headunit. And if you use passive crossovers and balance the system right (with extra treble up front), they don't sound cloudy at all as the seat really only impedes the highs.