new speakers don't show

[annalisa]

Hi! I am new to this forum as my husband and I just bought our first Explorer today--a 2000 XLS 4x4. Since it just had a factory stereo with a tape deck, the first thing we did was take it to our local Circuit City to pick out a new stereo. We bought a JVC CD player with LCD color display, a wireless remote, and MP3 capabilities. While we were there and checking out the audio department, we really fell for some cool Pioneer speakers (I think they are 6" if that makes a difference.) They are really nifty looking round speakers with a sort of gunmetal grey rim and an eyecatching blue center, which we figured would highlight our slate blue Explorer with gray interior. However, when we came back to pick up our new "improved" Explorer ($600 later), I couldn't even begin to SEE the new speakers because they were hidden under the original gray speaker panel covers, and looked totally stock. Is this normal? It seems to me that when I have ridden in other people's cars with aftermarket speakers, you can see the speakers. I fact, a friend of mine with a red Honda with black interior bought black and red Sony speakers that looked very sharp in his car. Sure, the speakers SOUND great, but I was so brokenhearted to have spent so much on my pretty blue speakers when nobody can see them! It hardly seems worth it! Is there any way to get a clear speaker cover where they will show to some other way to make them visible? As far as looks go, no one can tell the difference between the new speakers and the stock speakers. I'm really sad. Any suggestions? How do other people show off their speakers?

Also, if anyone wants front or rear speakers for a 2000 or similar Explorer, and/or the factory radio/cassette deck, I've got an excellent working set...I'll sell it for $50. Ok, all answers are appreciated. Answers can be sent directly to me at aweiganddowdell@yahoo.com

 

[huskyfan23]

You can take the panels off, though I don't like the look. The reason for aftermarket speakers is the sound, not the look.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Thats normal in an Explorer. That panels will come off like Husktfan suggested, but they won't ever go back on, and you'll need to make some kind of trim ring.

 

[draft]

If you take your door panels off, you'll find a black cloth behind your speaker covers which are permanently mounted to your door panels, this will help the look. My speakers are white, so I painted my speaker grilles black to highlight it.

Again, looks aren't everything, and it's not like Ford wants to make your stock system stand out like a sore thumb if the techs themselves know it's nothing to be proud about.

 

[Fixxer]

Get some kickpanels made and put them in there. Just becareful not to step on your speakers. Heh.