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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Build Diaries, How-To, DIY => Topic started by: Carnage on March 27, 2007, 04:53:53 PM

Title: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 27, 2007, 04:53:53 PM
this link will take you to all of the pictures
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2605349

(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2605000-2605999/2605349_10.jpg)
.
.
.
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.
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_328.jpg)
X32...................X32CarDomainPage...................X32 (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/673055)

...................RyouBakua|removethispart|@Hotmail.com..................


Help me Heal!!!!! PLS CLICK HERE!!!!!! (http://www.monstersgame.co.uk/?ac=vid&vid=11027759)

Be a TechWarrior!!!!!!!  Its Free!!!!!!!! (http://www.techwarrior.co.uk/?ac=vid&vid=37006273)
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: R.Cadett. on March 27, 2007, 06:26:46 PM
wow. i like that alot! thanks! mine is just stuck behind the panel its stickin out and it looks pretty crappy so that would help so much Thanks Again!
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 27, 2007, 06:35:18 PM
no probs

I could have built it wider for a 6x9
(for those of you thinking about it)
but I didnt want to overdo it

The particle board is 3/4"
you could probably go 1/2" for a better look (flush)
but I got it because it was... free

It probably would sound WICKED with Alpine X-Class
but Im using Circuit City Clearance so its meh

Probably spent under $15 overall
(speakers, wiring, fabric, glue, fiberfill, wood)
and its way better than stock

Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: nuts4hotwheels on March 27, 2007, 06:46:01 PM
That is great idea.  It looks professional.  I might have to do that to go with my 10s.  I bought my Tracker a few months ago and it didn't have rear speakers.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 27, 2007, 06:58:41 PM
the first side took about a day because i was
taking pictures and getting everything together

after that I made the other side in about an hour
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: HotRod on March 27, 2007, 07:15:19 PM
Looks good.
I like the cheap black shirt idea.
I don't know about the pillow stuffing tho.
It may get a lil wet.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 27, 2007, 07:20:07 PM
from... wheeling?
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: HotRod on March 27, 2007, 08:10:50 PM
Don't quote me but
Moisture may seep in there.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 27, 2007, 08:14:46 PM
haha... almost clicked the quote button too

but yeah... i understand
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Quaddawg on March 28, 2007, 03:29:08 AM
I did something similar with the Flea, but instead of putting the wood on the outside, I cut some  flooring underlayment (masonite) the size needed to reinforce the factory panel (and fit inside the steel underneath) and glued it to the inside of the panel, then cut out the speaker hole.  I sold the thing, and don't have pictures, but it works great and looks factory
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 28, 2007, 09:42:19 AM
i would have liked to have seen that
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: hcgalvin on March 28, 2007, 09:56:20 AM
(http://www.granitepath.com/~kd7hcg/sidekick/pictures/roofracks/DCP_6115.jpg)

Cheap, and easy. MDF cut to fit, carpeted, screwed down. I have Kickers back there now (blew my Alpines) but it works.

It's an off road rig anyway.  ;)
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on March 28, 2007, 10:20:53 AM
yeah... i wish the 96s were as easy as the 89-95s
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Quaddawg on March 28, 2007, 03:47:10 PM
Well, mine was a 96, but being a 2 door, it was MUCH easier than yours. My panel is flat, not molded like yours.  I got to looking at your photos, and my method I don't think would have worked well with your set up.

Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on April 01, 2007, 10:29:28 AM
yeah, im always jealous of the flat panels in the 2doors/early years

they look so easy to work with

(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_347.jpg)



i want the specs on these though
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_359.jpg)
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: HotRod on April 01, 2007, 11:45:13 AM
yeah, im always jealous of the flat panels in the 2doors/early years

i want the specs on these though
([url]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_359.jpg[/url])

Just Em that GD guy and ask.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on April 01, 2007, 12:41:47 PM
who is it?
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: HotRod on April 01, 2007, 07:36:04 PM
who is it?
ya don't have his CarDomain site?
ya got the pic.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on April 08, 2007, 12:15:43 PM
that pic is on MY site
(in the speaker section)

but i dont think he was from cardomain
he was from herr
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: HotRod on April 08, 2007, 05:59:34 PM
Could be a custom job from a Stereo shop or he did it himself.
It is a nice set up.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Trackin92 on April 08, 2007, 06:19:01 PM
dang im gonna have to put some MTX 6x9's in my side panels now. I like that a lot. That pic also gives me the idea of diamond plate the inside panels to.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: olija on May 01, 2007, 09:11:31 PM
Wow, that looks like it'd work alot better than just leaving the speakers lying on the trunk floor. I have some 6x9's right now and I find that they take up alot of space. I think I will try doing what you have done and I might just post some pictures when I'm done.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: bashzuk on May 01, 2007, 10:23:01 PM

i want the specs on these though
([url]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_359.jpg[/url])

ok I really want to see how that was done it's pretty much what I was thinking about doing to mine.
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on May 02, 2007, 01:42:54 AM
Wow, that looks like it'd work alot better than just leaving the speakers lying on the trunk floor. I have some 6x9's right now and I find that they take up alot of space. I think I will try doing what you have done and I might just post some pictures when I'm done.

6x9s would be pretty good
youd probably just make the wood longer
and use more screws to attach to the metal
id like to see pics too!
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Trackin92 on May 02, 2007, 06:45:21 AM

i want the specs on these though
([url]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_359.jpg[/url])

ok I really want to see how that was done it's pretty much what I was thinking about doing to mine.

It was probably fiberglass then wrapped in carpet. Thats a good idea though because you can use the inside of the fender for a box I wonder what it sounds like though
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: olija on May 09, 2007, 09:28:23 PM
Generix, I put the speakers in on Friday and they are looking and sounding fine! Now I actually have some trunk space.

(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/2492000-2492999/2492932_37_full.jpg)
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on May 09, 2007, 10:23:13 PM
Generix, I put the speakers in on Friday and they are looking and sounding fine! Now I actually have some trunk space.

([url]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/2492000-2492999/2492932_37_full.jpg[/url])



sweeet

those look wayyy better than the ones I got
(probably sounds tons better too)
=D
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: SiKiD_01 on May 10, 2007, 01:10:00 AM
the above sub pod is prolly a DIY fibre glass kit. real easy to do.

but unless he is using a free air sub, i don't know how the Cu In would be enough, even using the side pockets as an enclosure. when i pump my 6x9's, i get resonating from the outer panel and all around.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/sikid_01/DSC05072.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/sikid_01/DSC05067.jpg)
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: kingzoo on May 10, 2007, 07:28:18 AM
   i had issues with the side panels resonating after my speaker install,but a little dynamat cured that problem. good ruberized undercoating sprayed on the inside of the panel works well to,and is much cheaper. just get the good stuff and lay it on!
Title: Re: 96 Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on December 14, 2007, 01:41:42 PM
deck went out

darn... was enjoying the speakers  8)
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on December 14, 2007, 10:35:30 PM
On my 1996 4 door Kick, I decided to go with some cheap 3 way 120W 6x9" speakers from our local Fry's. I think they cost $45? If I did it over again, I'd spend a little more and get 2 way speakers (as they will have richer low / mid response). But hey - for $45ish, I'm happy with how it ended up.

Peel back existing cover:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/PICT0003-1.jpg)

And, here's what's back there. I should have taken a pic with the little (5 1/4"?) speaker removed, so you could see it better. Around it is a metal "tab" that it screws onto. If you want bigger speakers, this will have to be removed:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/PICT0004-1.jpg)

I used my Dremmel to cut out the piece of metal I didn't need. It took about 5 min a side, and a couple of the cutting disks per side. Harbor Freight has a Dremmel knock-off "rotary tool" kit for $12. There's also cutoff wheels, and saber saws that could get the job done:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/PICT0005.jpg)

I made a template / mockup piece out of cardboard to make sure I got the placement right:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/PICT0006.jpg)

Really thin (I think 1/8") MDF - I would recommend going with AT LEAST 1/4". This worked, but was just a little bit too flimsy. Taped on the cardboard pattern I made to outlie the hole that needed to be cut:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/PICT0007.jpg)

Installed:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/PICT0009.jpg)

I later decided I didn't like the look of the bare wood. I purchased some glue, and a T-shirt from the dollar store that looked close enough to my interior color, cut it up, and glued it to the wood:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/M883012-1.jpg)

Next will be to take the Dremel to the plastic I took off, so I can cover the seatbelt again, and clean up the looks back there.

Doing this makes my rear 1/4 panel a metal speakerbox - which is really bad. In order to get the best sound I could, I also installed some self-sticking roof flashing. This is a tar version of what Dynamat is, only - MUCH cheaper. Be sure to clean the surfaces well, and press the flashing on HARD & in warmer weather. You could also spray in ruberized undercoating (which is a little closer to dynamat, and probably easier to install). I purchased some pillow batting (available at the arts & crafts section in Wal-Mart, or any arts & crafts store - or buy a cheap pillow) and stuffed the holes with it before installing my speaker.
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on December 14, 2007, 11:29:51 PM
yeah, a rubber spray would be great
i stuffed the batting into whatever could produce "vibration"


i was toying with the idea of making some sort of "pod" with fiberglass
(lbut i have no experience with resin)


I like your speaker choice (fusion)
hows the quality?
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on December 15, 2007, 09:08:41 AM
I would rate Fusion as "Good bang for the buck". For the cheap speakers, it's hard to beat them. Because they're 3 way speakers, the highs are a little too present (two tweaters in there). I should say - for the $$$ I'm very pleased and would get them again if I was just trying to do sound for cheap.

If you want to copy that JL audio setup with fiberglass, it wouldn't be that hard. There's a TUN of information out there on how to work with it. It's cheap & if you "screw up" you can always make a second one. Hard to mess up that bad though, as you'll be covering it up with some kind of fabric to give it a "finished" look anyway. Just keep in mind the stuff smells BAD for a few weeks....
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on December 18, 2007, 12:29:40 PM
I wouldnt ness say that fusion is cheap

(my brand new $10 jensen was CHEAP  :P  )

but i have heard good things about them and they look good too
i probably wouldnt need so much highs but hows the bass response?
(and the resonance where its at?  any panels shaking or did you take care of that?)
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on December 18, 2007, 09:43:20 PM
Yeah, I guess cheap is relative. I think this is the first time I've spent less than $150 for a pair of speakers...

And, see my writeup for how I handled the rattles. The fusions sound okay for the $$$. They're not ground pounders. The best bass / mid response is going to be from quality manufacturers, and be 2 way instead of 3 way speakers.
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on April 05, 2008, 04:23:47 PM
Yeah, I guess cheap is relative. I think this is the first time I've spent less than $150 for a pair of speakers...

And, see my writeup for how I handled the rattles. The fusions sound okay for the $$$. They're not ground pounders. The best bass / mid response is going to be from quality manufacturers, and be 2 way instead of 3 way speakers.


i was wondering if there were any residual rattles left over

or did you take care of everything?
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on May 24, 2008, 10:17:31 AM
Update:
I needed to install another set of 6x9 in another vehicle, so I decided to try another set of speakers ($80 Sony Xplod XS-GT6935A) to see how they compared. A few things I noticed during instillation:
* The Sony's magnet was significantly smaller / lighter than the Fusion. Generally this makes a speaker less efficient / loud.
* The surface area of both speakers was made of some kind of plastic. Sony's was thicker (by about 1/2) and much stiffer. The Fusion had a little give to it.
* Sony used solid color / striped wire, so it was easy to tell how to hook up the wiring (the Fusion required the 1.5v battery trick to determine polarity).
* I like Sony's grill better. It incorporates a nice rigid piece of plastic horizontally across the center that really re-enforces the protective screen. Given the gear & 4x4ing I do, I've already slightly dented the grill on one of the Fusion's (though, it hasn't interfered with performance of the speaker, so technically it's done it's job).

After instillation, I noticed the Sony's sounded a little more "hollow". I had to turn up the bass control to the 4 'o-clock position to make up for this. It also seemed to be quieter at the same volume levels (1/4 - 1/2). Given the magnet size, this wasn't a surprise at all.

Odly enough, however, I was pleasantly surprised when I got on the freeway. I never went above 1/2 way on the volume control, because that was the max load the Fusions would handle before distorting. The Sony's can handle full volume, and don't sound like they're being pushed to their limit. Thus they keep up with freeway noise - an area where the Fusions could fall short (especially with windows cracked, or where radio signal is more faint). Further, the mid / bass tones are noticeably more rich at those higher volume levels. When the rear's stuffed full with camping gear - the Sony's can be heard through it, when the Fusions were barely audible.

I couldn't have been happier with the Fusions at their price point of $30 (on sale |removethispart|@ Fry's). They're still WAY superior to the stockers. But, given the miles I put on the freeway & years of abuse to my ears - I'm happier with the Sony's.

(Of note: I listened to a lot of speakers between $40 and $90, and they all sounded about as good or worse than the $30 Fusions - with the exception of these Sony's)

I also cut up the plastic paneling with my Dremel & re-installed the facia. I think it looks really clean back there now.

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/Speakers004.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/Speakers003.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/Speakers001.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Tracker/Speakers006.jpg)
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Element on May 25, 2008, 01:25:56 PM
Very Nice!!!, I see a stereo/speaker upgrade in my future... I may have to check out the xplodes
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on May 25, 2008, 10:56:03 PM
Nice update.  Good pics too.   ;D

If I upgrade speakers again, ill probably go with 6x9s too

the 5" cheapies in the back are good for now as i also got a 10" sub back there

i was also going to use some of that spray on rubber deadening coating


though my goal will always be a sub enclosure like this
(http://empegbbs.com/files/282257-SubaruSubwoofer.jpg)
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: RACER X on June 02, 2008, 04:03:24 PM
you guys do some clean work gets me to thinking what i wanna do next........
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: bashzuk on June 06, 2008, 11:59:58 PM

though my goal will always be a sub enclosure like this
([url]http://empegbbs.com/files/282257-SubaruSubwoofer.jpg[/url])


If anyone has any instructions on making this or if it is made I would like to know as well.
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on June 09, 2008, 06:56:46 PM
It's made out of fiber glass, and TUNS of info on how to work with fiber glass (especially on speaker boxes) is a google search away. It's basically the same as working with carbon fiber if you want an ugly-black hood  :)
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on January 15, 2009, 10:26:14 AM
ive been thinking about running 6.5 rockfords

and then parting with my amp/sub

think the 6.5 would be good enough for bass in that baffle?


if not, what should i go with?
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on January 15, 2009, 06:38:24 PM
Depends on what you like. Stock speakers are "good enough" for a lot of people. Don't ditch the am just 'cause you go with smaller speakers. 6" speakers on a little amp will sound better than running off the head unit.
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on January 15, 2009, 09:45:11 PM
Depends on what you like. Stock speakers are "good enough" for a lot of people. Don't ditch the am just 'cause you go with smaller speakers. 6" speakers on a little amp will sound better than running off the head unit.

i would keep the amp but ive got a couple decks that can put out 40+ a channel

just trying to cut back
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Jeremiah on January 16, 2009, 02:18:11 PM
Generally speaking a 40W amp will out-perform a 40W deck all day long. Go into a good car audio store, and listen for yourself. I can hear the difference, other's cant... if you can't hear the difference, consider yourself one of the lucky ones... you don't have to spend as much $$$ to get the same satisfaction  ;D
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Carnage on January 16, 2009, 07:04:34 PM
Generally speaking a 40W amp will out-perform a 40W deck all day long. Go into a good car audio store, and listen for yourself. I can hear the difference, other's cant... if you can't hear the difference, consider yourself one of the lucky ones... you don't have to spend as much $$$ to get the same satisfaction  ;D


i know
but ive getting lazy (and old  :P)

and dont play music as much as i used to
Title: Re: DIY - Tracker Speaker Mod: Replacing stock 4" with aftermarket 6.5"
Post by: Minmatar on October 07, 2009, 01:12:43 PM
98 deg in the shade....