Getting New Speakers; Questions on Install

[diablo5969]

I've got two pairs of Boston Acoustics 5"x7" speakers on the way for the Ex, and I just have a couple questions about the install.
First: In the Explorers, are the speaker wires run in such a way that it is easy and/or convenient to switch in new wires with the new speakers? Would you guys recommend new speaker wires? (It's a '94 Ex, it came with the Premium Audio system, and it's got an Aiwa HU in it now, if that matters.)
Second: Is it worth it to add Dynamat or some other insulation in the Explorers? I know that it is only worth it in some cars, because it depends on where the speakers are located in the doors. Does the Explorer need it? And if so, what brand would you recommend.

OK, those are the only two questions I can think of at this time. I'll probably think of some more as more time passes. (I'm getting them next Thursday, and probably installing over next weekend.) Sorry it's long, but thanks for the help guys!!!

P.S. Some links if you want:
The BA website for the speakers
The shop I'm getting them from

 

[KEbert]

Speaker wires are not easy at all to do on Explorers. They have a factory amp that all the wires run to first, then to the speakers. But I would reccomend doing it if you have the time to do it. It would take at least a day to do.

For insulation, search for "Spray Foam". I have done it and a few here have also done it and it works well. The laminent that is used is called "Pergo Silent Step". I just bought a roll of it and slowly putting it everywhere. It is a hell of a lot cheaper than Dynamat.

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

How much power are you planning to run? I think you'll be fine with factory wiring if it's less than 70W RMS. Sound deadening material is well worth the money IMO, don't get Dynamat though...there's similar stuff available for alot less.

 

[burtonsnow]

i say check out raamat...its a hell of a lot cheaper(69 bucks for a 15"x50' roll) or check at home depot and lowes for pull and peel, i dont have experience with it, but ive heard its the same thing as dynomat and a lot cheaper

 

[diablo5969]

If you could decribe putting in new speaker wires in one sentence or less, which would it be like:
1. Take every single f*****g panel off the interior of the Explorer to run the wire.
2. Take off the one necessary panel for the speaker, and slide the wire through nice and easy.

Unfortunatly, something tells me it will turn out closer to sentence 1 than 2. Oh well. I don't know exactly how much power I'm going to be running. I will probably be getting at least one amp in the future, to go along with a new sub at some point, so I guess I might as well upgrade the wires now if I'm going to have to. But I don't know, I'm still considering options.

I searched for spray foam, and actually what I came up with was a post from a while ago, and it actually recommended DupliColor Undercoating. It said $4/bottle from Wal-Mart, and it worked. Does anybody have any ideas on that stuff?

 

[leenjen]

Originally posted by diablo5969
it actually recommended DupliColor Undercoating. It said $4/bottle from Wal-Mart, and it worked. Does anybody have any ideas on that stuff?

i used a couple cans for the rear hatch and it got rid of the rattles. i left the rear panel off for 3 days so it would cure and not leave that tar smell in my explorer.

 

[diablo5969]

Alright, so I got one recommendation for DupliColor Undercoating. That can't be bad

 

[diablo5969]

Hello again. Just like to update everybody on the installation process. The speakers are all fully installed on the Ex now. It is sitting in the garage with no door panels, and a subwoofer that is currently not working, but both those problems should be solved by tomorrow morning. I've decided to go without insulation for now, and some friends and I did put in new speaker wire with the speakers. Just wanted to say thanks to everybody for their help!

 

[leenjen]

cool, let us know how it turns out. maybe post a few pics

 

[diablo5969]

I could take pics now, but the Ex looks really ghetto without door panels and a rearview mirror. (Don't ask, it happened during the installation.) Oh well, I don't think I am going to be able to work on it tonight after all, which is a bummer because I don't know when I am going to be able to work on it, but yeah, I'll keep everyone updated

 

[diablo5969]

The Ordeal is Over - Almost

I finally got the whole thing done today!!! Woohoo!!! It sounds great. Everything is together and ready to go. Except now all of a sudden the front passenger window won't go back up. Urgghhh. Once that window is working again, then the whole ordeal will be over, and I can just enjoy the speakers. Yay!!!