DIY Fitting big speakers to front doors of the GQ with Electric Windows

[MudRunnerTD]

I posted this in another thread for Ryano, i had meant to put this up as a DIY for a long time but never got to it. Here it is.

The problem is that with Electric Windows in a GQ a bigger speaker will foul on teh glass when it comes down. Nissan Speakers are crap!

This is what i did.

I had to figure this out a few years ago and this is what i did.

I saw that there really is a defined line in the trim so i cut off the bottom speaker cover section and made a new one.

Here is the pattern i made

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0812.jpg

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0811.jpg

I used that onto 19mm MDF and cut out the new speaker mount and worked the round with the router. (12mm radius) then painted it with Charcoal Hammertone paint

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0806.jpg

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0810.jpg

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0809.jpg

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0807.jpg

I have also used a line of gold coloured self drilling tek screws to hold on the door car because the clips gave up the ghost a long time ago. Works a treat and looks ok. (Bit dirty in that pic, sorry)

http://nissanpatrol.com.au/images/Stripping%20the%20GQ/GQ%20gauges%20and%20stuff/IMG_0804.jpg

I hope that is useful for someone.

Cheers MR

[wildgu6]

Good stuff MR, agreed Nissan speakers are crap, got a set of 6x9s I wouldn't mind fitting in the back doors and that looks like a good way to make it work. Nice and easy too which I like. Cheers buddy nice idea

[mattyh]

Anyone know anybody with big speakers in the back. do they produce lots of base with all that room back there??

[Lahej_sas]

nice job ,, the patrol speakers are really crap ,

[Timbo]

Well when you think about it, the speakers were probably fine when new.. there was no techno, dub step or any other heavy bass songs.

But times are changing.. need good speakers these days. Great write up mate and nice job!

Now get some sugar soap and wash those door cards! :P

[Robo]

Anyone know anybody with big speakers in the back. do they produce lots of base with all that room back there??

they may produce good sound.
when you put a few things in the back, you'll cove em over and deaden sound any way.
or something will damage em.
just a thought for ya to consider.
I'd hate to go to the trouble and have something bang into and damage em.

[Robo]

when we purchased previous owner put matching aftermarket pioneer speaker in the back and it sounds pretty good.
the distance from back gives good surround/ stereo effect with say drums travelling around interior.
another possibility ,
If your after base, may be try Jaycar or JB's for sub box under seat.

[gec]

Thanks MudRunner, I am going to steal this idea from you one day soon.:cheers:

[Robo]

Nice job an the spacers design.
looks great matching in.

MDF has a bad habit of soaking up moisture and expanding, even going mouldy.
Even once painted it can still absorb moisture.
Painting needs more than 1 coat to seal MDF from the elements.
prime first sand and re-prime and top coat with colour for a better water proofing.
2x prime help to fill grain and smooth.
even clear coat over this for even better protection and apperance.

don't know as haven't used this stuff, that" carbonfibre sticker" sheet may turn ya on.
hear some can be heat shrink around surfaces, might work and look the goods.
cheers

[MC97GQ]

I thought I would add this as another idea,

I know I mentioned this in another thread but I thought it might be of use here as well,

When I put my new 6"(150mm)speakers in the front doors of the truck, I got plunger rubbers(they are a 150mm diameter x 10mm thick piece of rubber, used for clearing drains)from a local plumbing supplies, I then made a template to cut out for the speaker, so you wound up with a 150mm(6") circle, I placed them between the speaker and the door, marked the holes and screwed the whole lot together with self tapping screws.

The good thing with using rubber is no issues with moisture and they deaden the sound of having speakers directly attached to the doors. The other good points are, there is no issue with window clearances and the original factory speaker grills still fit over the top of the speakers.

[Robo]

Haven't seen them for yrs but you used to be able to buy moulded plastic covers that went in speaker hole first.
These were for water protection.
Only covered top half of speaker.
To guard against water getting past outer window seal and dripping over your speakers.