<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by MerpsMom:
I guess I'm not quite through yet. Just got back from Circuit City and Best Buy. CC wants $50. per pair to install others' speakers. BB wants only $32. BB doesn't have anything but Pioneer 1045's in 4", but they do have something called Cerwen for $94.
But here's another question: why can't you have 6-1/2" speakers installed in the back? Can't they just enlarge the hole as this gentleman suggested, or is he uninformed?
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He's uninformed. 6.5" speakers simply will not fit in the back of a '99-'01, unless this guy is a real, real pro and will refabricate some panels.... A 5.25" will BARELY fit back there with some modification, but it is a very poor and tight fit. If you want a clean fit, go with a 4" in the rear.
Regarding install, go find an independent shop, not a big chain. They are more knowledgable, and you can get a better price IMHO (though ~$30 is about right for most shops). If you tell them you've researched this and you bring them the speakers, knowing that they will drop in very easily, I think they will help you out. The Pioneers up front are WAY easy for any installer to do; the holes line right up, there's very little to do but plug it in with the adaptor, trim the rain shield and screw the speaker in. Similar story in the rear, but no trimming.
The other speaker he suggested in Cerwin Vega; I'd recommend you stay away. You wouldn't be happy with the sound and they are overpriced at $94.
Be carefull; sounds like some wolves out there to get ya.
To make things easier for you, here's what I recommend:
1) buy your Pioneer TS-A1695 and TS-A1086 from
www.etronics.com. Good prices. You might be able to squeeze lower by buying from other places, but for you, time is money. $79+$49.99+ship = good deal.
2) go to Best Buy and purchase the speaker harness adaptors, as shown in Chuck's pics.
Metra #72-7800; $4.99/pair. Get 2 sets; one for each set of speakers.
3) print out pics from Chuck, DLH2's and other installs, showing the finished product
4) open the yellow pages and find a good independent shop. Ask to see some CUSTOM install work to get an idea of whether they are any good. Any shop worth anything has a big portfolio of custom installs, with photo albums, etc.... Talk about your speakers, telling them you did some research and show them the pics you printed out. Ask how much they charge for labor on an hourly basis. I know even the BEST shops don't charge more than $100 per hour. I estimate a pro to do do this job in 20 minutes or less. They should charge you no more than half an hour's labor. So, I estimate a fair price is $50 for everything installed (max), very conservative estimate. Be nice and I think they will be impressed with your knowledge and do it for you cheap. If you negotiate well, I think $30-$40 is very fair to install both sets of speakers, esp. since you will provide the adaptors.
What do you think, too much work?
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DEP '01 EX no-navi
[This message has been edited by shinjohn (edited 10-24-2001).]