Base model stereo speaker replacement.

[Mark42]

My 98 Firebird has the base model cd/radio stereo with 4 speakers. It suits my needs just fine, but it distorts badly when turned up, and I'm thinking that a simple speaker upgrade may let it play at reasonable sound level without distortion. (Yes? No?)

So.....

I was able to remove the rear seat speaker grills and see a simple 2-way speaker that is easy to replace. No problem here.

The door speaker grill does not want to come off and if I continue to force it, I'm afraid the plastic grill will break. I prefer to keep the factory grills.

Does the whole door panel have to be removed to change the speaker, or does the speaker grill come off?

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but using the search I wasn't able to find my answer.

Thanks!

[RPDRed6]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

hey man, have you tried like "pinching" the speaker grill? i did that and i got it to come off just fine. you might have to use a little pressure but it should just pop off

[bigbrian442]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

My 98 Firebird has the base model cd/radio stereo with 4 speakers. It suits my needs just fine, but it distorts badly when turned up, and I'm thinking that a simple speaker upgrade may let it play at reasonable sound level without distortion. (Yes? No?)

So.....

I was able to remove the rear seat speaker grills and see a simple 2-way speaker that is easy to replace. No problem here.

The door speaker grill does not want to come off and if I continue to force it, I'm afraid the plastic grill will break. I prefer to keep the factory grills.

Does the whole door panel have to be removed to change the speaker, or does the speaker grill come off?

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but using the search I wasn't able to find my answer.

Thanks!

The door panel needs to come off.

[venom3300]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

yup door panel needs to come off.... it has black "snaps" to take it off.... u just like push down and towards the middle to get the off

[Mark42]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

yup door panel needs to come off.... it has black "snaps" to take it off.... u just like push down and towards the middle to get the off

I don't follow you. you mean just a section of the door panel comes off or the entire door panel comes off. There are a few screws for the handle, map pocket, etc that I see. Nothing looks like "push down and towards the middle" to get it off. Maybe I misunderstand you. Is there a thread with pics of this?

Edit:

Found this site showing how to remove the panel. Pretty standard GM door panel removal. Remove the screws and controls, pry lose the clips. Use the right tools and nothing breaks. http://www.lastofthebreed.com/Instal.../DoorPanel.htm

[nitetime_pr]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

Hey, I just did what you want to do however, I ditched the factory headunit as well as the nasty speakers. Door panels must come off, that has been established.
Your factory speakers have a plug with 4 wires. These wires will need to be identified so the correct 2 go to your new speaker. Should be easy but you will still be left with a low powered deck.

With mine, I replaced the deck and 4 speakers as well as re-wiring them. System sounds SOOOO much better than stock. This winter will see the addition of 2 CDT 8" subs and a 6 channel amp that are waiting in the closet...

[venom3300]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

Edit:

Found this site showing how to remove the panel. Pretty standard GM door panel removal. Remove the screws and controls, pry lose the clips. Use the right tools and nothing breaks. http://www.lastofthebreed.com/Instal.../DoorPanel.htm

yup like that.... sorry about the vague explanation

[PalmHarbor]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

If you don't know what you are doing, don't take off the door panel as it is difficult
to replace correctly.

[venom3300]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

If you don't know what you are doing, don't take off the door panel as it is difficult
to replace correctly.

i had no clue what i was doing and i got mine back on easy enough...

[PalmHarbor]

Re: Base model stereo speaker replacement.

I just installed the JBL system that has a 4 ohm woofer. 6 1/2 +Tweeters.
A set of two are included and it works well. Because of the way the Monsoon
is wired for the front doors you do NOT need the enclosed crossover.
You just disconnect the 2 wire lead that goes to the OEM tweeter in the center
of the OEM woofer and connect it to the JBL tweeter. Keep in mind you must
drill a hole in the upper part of the door to install it. The system runs about $110
complete.

The model is GTO 6080