Hi Hyperdog!
Trying to purchace and install replacement (upgrade) speakers in the rear
deck of a '97 Subaru Legacy GT sedan. All web sites list replacement size
as 6.5" but what I removed was more like 6.25" and the 6.5" replacements are
definately oversized. Anyone know what fits and who sells them? I'd like
to avoid resizing the existing holes. Thanks to one and all!!
Large speakers into the doors can be sorta challenging, but you
_should_ be able to fit pretty much whatever you want into the rear
deck. I have installed 6 inch Infinity Kappas in these cars w/o
problem, with the tweeters surface mounted to the deck panel.
You will have to make new screw holes as the Subaru speakers use a
three screw pattern. This is the most troublesome part of the job. A
right angle drill motor simplifies this, but you can make at least
three of the holes with a conventional cordless drill. Do without the
fourth if you must.
My advice:
Pull the rear seat/seat back to get good access to the rear deck and
deck panel.
Cut out the perforated areas of the deck panel and use the grille
supplied with the aftermarket speaker. Mount the speaker thru the
panel, rather than below it. Drill pilot holes before dropping the
speakers in place to minimize the chance of putting a driver bit thru
the speaker cone. Also, watch that you don't put a drill bit or screw
thru any wiring beneath the deck, and aim to miss the torsion bar
springs for the trunk lid as well. Having a screw touching one of the
springs will result in an annoying buzz/rattle.
For best results, get a pair of the foam speaker baffles (from
Crutchfield or where ever), and use them either below the deck panel
(best appearance) or above (easiest installation). This is especially
important if you plan on placing a subwoofer in the trunk.
IMO, decent speakers are the best upgrade to the sound system in these
cars, and should be installed before spending $$$ for a high
performance head unit. A modest sub in the trunk adds a lot of
solidity to the sound as well. For cost, performance and ease of
installation, it's hard to beat the Infinity Basslink; $100-$150 on
ebay.
Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like more nfo on this.
ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
