Re: 86 4000 front speakers

[eds@VFL.Paramax.COM]

> From: Mason Bender <mbender@freenet.columbus.oh.us>
> Date: Thu, 28 Mar 1996 22:44:04 -0500 (EST)
> Subject: 86 4000 front speakers
> 
> Dear Quattrophiles-
> 
> I am looking at replacing my front speakers, and I was wondering which
> side provides easiest access (top or bottom)?
> 
> Is removing the vents the only wy to get in there, or is it possible to
> remove the speaker grill on top of the instrument panel?
> 
> Any other tidbits of useful knowledge in this area would be appreciated!
> 
> Thanks,
> MasonB
> 4kcsq

Mason,

I posted this about a year ago, but it comes up every once in a while.  Here's
how I did it.

It's not impossible to remove the front speakers, but it isn't exactly
easy either.  I replaced the dash speakers in my '84 4000S with two 
4" Blaupunkt coax units.

Here's the procedure:

Remove the speaker units.  They're held by two screws from under the dash.  You
have to get to them by removing the dash vents.  I use duck-bill pliers on the
vent blades to get some pull while I pry the edge up carefully with something
wide and flat, trying not to dent the foam dash.  You'll need a short phillips
driver to get the screws.

Use a very sharp knife with a strong blade to cut away the plastic welds 
holding the original speakers in.  A slip here can break the plastic housings,
so be very careful, or use a Dremel-type tool to "burr" them off instead.
I broke one of mine, but it was cracked to begin with.  This leaves a nice
round hole in the housing.

Then cut the ears off the Blaupunkts and slip them into the hole.  Use silicone
glue (caulk) all around the speaker to secure it in the hole and keep it from
buzzing.  Let this cure for 24 hours before moving.  Refit the speakers into
the dash (don't forget to connect the wires!) and resinstall the dash vents
by fitting the pipe into the air hose then snapping it the rest of the way
into the dash.

This technique is not for the faint of heart.  Caveat emptor.

Ed Skladany