Installing Speakers in a '90 Sunbird

Sarah_A · 05-27-2004, 03:58 PM

It appears the right dash board speaker in my '90 pontiac sunbird (4-door) has croaked. It began making this horrible crackling noise quite some time ago and after a bit of research, I concluded it was time to get new ones.
I purchased a set of Pyle Millenium 3.5" two-way speakers after some consultation with some of my audio inclined friends. Unfortunately, they don't seem to know much about actually installing the speakers. Even more unfortunately, neither do I.
I've been hunting for information pertaining to my car in particular and turning up very little, so I decided to see if anyone here has any experience they would be willing to share with me. I have been able to find generic instructions and such, which I'm sure will be helpful, but I would very much appreciate anything more specific.
Thanks in advance for helping a complete "newbie"

Denton · 05-28-2004, 12:51 AM

Go to your local AutoZone or other car parts store and buy a Haynes manual for your car. It will have basic instructions and illustrations which will help with this job and others.

Occasionally, Haynes or Chilton's manuals can be found in public libraries. Good luck.

Sarah_A · 05-28-2004, 07:09 AM

Ah, I appreciate that suggestion, but sadly, there isn't a Haynes manual for Sunbirds. They sound like very useful publications for fixing pretty much anything.

Sarah_A · 05-28-2004, 07:15 AM

Oops! I stand corrected. There, IS a manual for sunbird. I suppose I just missed it some how. I will definitely go get one this weekend - it should be very helpful. Thanks again!

Wayne Ernst · 05-28-2004, 11:50 AM

Usually the GM vehicle front speakers have grilles that either just pop off or are held in place with a screw. Then, the speakers are top-mounted to the dash with a few screws.

You might want to do a little research on the wire colors, so you'll know which speaker wire is positive, and which is negative. Plus, the plastic connector will not directly connect to your new 3.5" speakers. You might have to cut the wires and install some crimp-sytle spade connectors to the wires so you can properly connect the wires to the speakers.

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Denton · 05-28-2004, 04:08 PM

Quote:

You might want to do a little research on the wire colors, so you'll know which speaker wire is positive, and which is negative. Plus, the plastic connector will not directly connect to your new 3.5" speakers. You might have to cut the wires and install some crimp-sytle spade connectors to the wires so you can properly connect the wires to the speakers.

I don't like to cut stock wiring. Scosche, Metra and others make wiring adapters that will plug into the stock plug in your car and then connect directly to your new speakers. No cutting, soldering, or irreversible changes to your car. And you can be certain that the speakers are wired correctly.

The adapters are available at Best Buy, Circuit City, some WalMarts, etc.

Sarah_A · 05-30-2004, 02:15 PM

Thanks, Denton! Those connectors sound like a great idea.
I appreciate your advice, Wayne, too. I'll be sure to pay close attention to the wire colors.

David.G · 06-02-2004, 02:16 AM

o my lord!!! I didn't know anyone would have that car. I had that car for about 2 yrs and sold it to my gf. Thing was smurf blue and so ugly. I replaced the speakers out of there. i believe either the grill pops out and you need one of those L shaped screwdrivers to remove it or pull of the sides of the dashboard and you'll be able to see the screws that mount it down. Can't remember which way it was but one of them works. I'm suprised you inclined audio friends suggested Pyle, if it was me i'd suggest small infinity speakers.

Sarah_A · 06-02-2004, 07:17 AM

Thanks, David - that should be helpful.
Actually, my car has been very good to me. Runs really well, if a bit loud. I wasn't all that interested in really great sound - just being able to use my radio again without that horrible crackling sound (that and I really don't have much extra cash to spend). If I ever upgrade, I'll check out the infinity speakers.

David.G · 06-02-2004, 11:53 AM

yeah know what you mean by just getting sound back. My sunbird ran great but then for some reason when i gf got it it went to crap. Maybe its that woman's touch on cars....lol...just messing. It was showning its age when my gf got it. Still has a very solid engine, just the piping and valves were going bad. But the Smurf blue color with the red stripe through the middle.....how terrible its like the papa smurf guy.