Tools of the Trade

Listed below are tools you may wish to have on hand before starting your installation. Having the proper tools will make the installation much easier. Some of these tools are necessities, some will just make the job easier.

• Marking Pen	• Electric Drill
• 1/4” Drill Bit	• Phillips Screwdriver
• 1/8” Drill Bit	• Volt/Ohm Meter (optional)
• 3/8” Drill Bit	• Assorted Tin Snips
• Hole Saw Arbor	• Wire Cutters

•4-3/4” Hole Saw (5-1/4” woofer install) • Wire Crimpers

•5-3/4” Hole Saw (6-1/2” woofer install) • Wire Strippers

•Razor Knife (optional)

FINDING SPEAKER MOUNTING LOCATIONS

Choosing the correct speaker locations can have a significant effect on the sound quality of the system. Care is needed to ensure that the location you have chosen will not affect any of the mechanical or electrical operations of the vehicle. There are many different considerations for choosing the locations that best suit your needs. The locations must be large enough for the speakers to fit without interfering with other vehicle parts such as window mechanisms, etc. If minimal intrusion in your vehicle is desired, factory speaker locations may be the ticket for you. Placing the speaker in the factory location can often give you very desirable results. Alternative locations to consider include mounting in customized kick panels, rear decks, or side panels.

DOOR MOUNTING

When considering possible speaker locations in the doors, be sure to check the operation of the window mechanism and all other moving parts inside the door. Most vehicles use a stabilizer stop bar in between the door and the door jamb. This bar prevents the door from opening too far, but may intrude into the speaker mounting area when the door is closed. Many do-it-yourself installers overlook this and check for speaker clearance only when the door is fully open.

REAR DECK MOUNTING

In rear deck installations, check the operation of the trunk suspension springs or tension bars. These tension bars can move when opening and closing the trunk and can exert a great deal of force against anything that obstructs their movement, such as a speaker basket or motor assembly. In addition, try to avoid locating the speakers too close to the back edge of the rear deck. Installing the rearmost screws may not be possible without the removal of the rear window.