Need a quick answer, installing the XR650's today. In a test fit, I have learned that these speakers are deep! If you have successfully installed these speakers, what size spacer did you end up using? If you made your own spacer, I would greatly appreciate any advice you can pass on.

TIA

 

I just installed JL VR650CSI speakers in the front doors.
The things took 1.25" spacers to clear the window (just
barely) Any more and I would come close to hitting the
door panels. The Xover went just above the speaker.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks a lot! We are calling around now to find them. With any luck, we'll be finished the install this weekend.

 

Where did you get 1.25" spacers? The only things I could find were 1" and .5". I got the 1" and am going to try cutting some .25" mdf, but if that doesn't work would love to be able to get my hands on either 1.25" or .25" spacers and drop them right in.

 

I made my spacers from MDF. Could not find any 1.25" spacer anywhere.

 

Dumb question, but what is MDF?? and since I am trying to come up with a new system design myself, can you recomend any on0line sources of fabricating materials that will help me match the interior of the car??

Thanks. Andy

 

MDF = Medium Density Fiberboard. You can pick some up at Home Depot. I used the original speaker as a template and doubled up two pieces of 3/4" to achieve 1.5" depth.

Where to get fabricating materials, I don't know since I have placed all my new equipment is the stock locations and the new Amp under the storage area being the passenger seat.

I think Onecoolee has mentioned something about getting a matching carpet or plastic to the original in is thread of his custom sub enclosure, you might want to do a search on that.

 

how tight was the fit using 1.5"? Was there plenty of room between the door panel or the speaker? Others have said the most you can go is 1.25", but it would be a lot easier for me to go 1.5".

 

It is tight and it does push on the speaker grill a bit, as soon as I get a chance I am planning to reduce it to 1.25”.

 

I had to make the spacers. I used the original speaker as
a template for the base. That way I could use the same
mounting holes. I then attached a ring to the base to give
me the rest of the height I needed. I made my base out of
1/2" ply and the ring out of 3/4" ply. I then caulked and
screwed the plates together. Make sure the ring portion fits
tight to the outer metal ring of the speaker. I had to trim
back one of the plastic support ribs of the door panel slightly
to get it to fit. Also, if you can angle the outer ring about
1/8" it will clear the grills completely. Mine just hits the grill
in one spot and pushes it out about 1/16" so the 1/8" would
make it clear. A couple of minutes on a belt sander would
acheive this quite easily.

Your biggest problem with the doors is getting speaker
wire to them. If you don't use the stock harness, getting
wire into the door is difficult. The door uses an interface
plug to transfer wiring in/out. Luckily there are enough
empty pins that you can drill it out and slip some 16 guage
speaker wire through. Be carefull drilling. The drill likes to
wander. I don't want to know what it would cost to replace :-O

 

I have 1" spacers and have made .25" spacers. Tonight I will be installing everything and sealing it up nice and tight



I was able to run 2 12 guage wires through the stock harness - have taken a lot of pictures illustrating step by step and will be posting the how to shortly...