New front door speakers won't clear regulator...
 

Last week i picked up a pair of Alpine SPS-600's for my 02 WRX. During my test fit today I realized they're not going to clear the window regulator with the window all the way open.

What are my options? Can I shim them? Will shimming affect the sound if there's a gap between the speaker and the door? Is there a bracket or adapter available I can use?

If I have to return these speakers and get something with a lower profile I will, but I'm just wondering what else I can do.

Any help is appreciated.

If the front of the speaker is clear if you shim them that is a fine option.

I would definately attempt to shim them completely arount the full perimeter and don't just stick a bunch of washers behind the mounting screws.

I would recommend fabricating some plastic rings the same diameter as the mounting surface of the speaker with 1/8 ABS plastic sheet. You could make as many of these as needed to get the proper spacing.

Lyle

Making plastic shims sounds good. I was just gonna use washers at the mounting points.

Will this have any negative effect on the sound or performance?

try and seal the speaker in to the door cavity, use modeling clay around your spacer to the door, also while installing the speakers you may want to deaden your doors with something like dynamat.

Then pay attention to the front of the speaker. If the front of the speaker or the surround makes contact with the back of the door panel, you are going to be buying yourself some new speakers yet again.

Update...

Someone gave me the idea to gut the old speaker and use its frame as a mount for the new speaker. Did it, worked out perfectly. It gave me just the right clearance from the window regulator and the door panel.

Thanks for the help all

Nice trick, I might have to use it some time.

Lyle

Or you could have used a plastic speaker spacer/plate available from your local car audio shop. Now theres an Idea

You know, I looked all over Edmonton for those and not a single shop had any. I ended up making some of my own from ABS plastic sheet.

So, it's not always that simple...

Lyle

Where were you when i needed you. Thanks for nothing.