Dash (windshield) mounted Speakers

[Kj20203]

I am trying to mount my new Exile 6.5" speakers on the dash area, but am having a hell of a time. I have a 2005 Malibu LSV.

Is there a trick in doing this?

[SuperchargedC6]

Remove the windshield. Under the rubber strip at the bottom there are some screws and maybe some bolts. Mine came off pretty easy and made the speaker install possible.

[Kj20203]

Remove the windshield. Under the rubber strip at the bottom there are some screws and maybe some bolts. Mine came off pretty easy and made the speaker install possible.

So I trid this for all about two screws, and the scres started to strip, and one of the bolts heads broke off!!!

So I obviously stopped...is this the only way?

Edited November 4, 2013 by Kj20203

[SuperchargedC6]

Did you check under the dash for nuts? You should be able to get under there and back out any broken screws and replace with new ones.

[MLA]

Did you check under the dash for nuts? You should be able to get under there and back out any broken screws and replace with new ones.

Exactly. Some are wood screws that bite into the fiber glass and some are machine bolts with nuts on them that can be accessed under the helm or in the mid-ship locker. May take 2 peeps to get them removed.

[Bobby Light]

I did my 06' without removing the windshield, you'll just need a 90 degree adapter for your screw/impact gun. You'll have to put the speaker in there without the grill to mark your new screw holes and then you'll need to drill them with that 90 degree adapter bit.

It's possible, just a pain in the butt.

[Kj20203]

Wow...are the nuts visable from underneath the dash? or are they hidden?

[Kj20203]

I did my 06' without removing the windshield, you'll just need a 90 degree adapter for your screw/impact gun. You'll have to put the speaker in there without the grill to mark your new screw holes and then you'll need to drill them with that 90 degree adapter bit.

It's possible, just a pain in the butt.

haha, we were doing it with a 1/4 inch wrench and a phillips bit!!

I left my 90 degree adapter at home...

[Bobby Light]

haha, we were doing it with a 1/4 inch wrench and a phillips bit!!

I left my 90 degree adapter at home...

I understand your frustration then

[85 Barefoot]

Wow...are the nuts visable from underneath the dash? or are they hidden?

visible...its much easier than it seems

[mr7]

We just used a right angled screw driver, but that was a tedious process. We put in Polk db651's. It sounds like you'll have better luck just removing the windshield though.

[Bawshogg]

MLA says you can do it in less than 20 minutes. Take it to him and pay him .3 hours.

[MLA]

Get it accurate. I said I can do it 10.

[wakedncsu]

So when you get the speakers out....do you guys just not put screws back in the spots that close to the window?

[cowwboy]

I figured by the time I fought with a 90 degree adapter and all the headaches. Removing the windshield was actually faster.

[built2rev]

Just pull the windshield out, and then while it is out get the windows tinted . Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

[Kj20203]

****Update****

Windshield is out and it was A LOT easier that I was thinking. However, all the bolts that were used to anchor the windshield down ended up either stripping, or breaking off. Speakers are mounted very securely and look great. I will post another thread with pics once I'm finished.

Any ideas on what to replace the windshield bolts with? I like the purpose of the bolts, but am thinking about maybe going with just big screws. Any thoughts?

[ahopkins22LSV]

I am looking forward to your pictures as I will be upgrading my stereo at some point too. Maybe this spring.

[MLA]

****Update****

Windshield is out and it was A LOT easier that I was thinking. However, all the bolts that were used to anchor the windshield down ended up either stripping, or breaking off. Speakers are mounted very securely and look great. I will post another thread with pics once I'm finished.

Any ideas on what to replace the windshield bolts with? I like the purpose of the bolts, but am thinking about maybe going with just big screws. Any thoughts?

Go with stainless steel hardware to start with. I would go with a threaded machine bolt, washer and ny-lock nut where you have access to install the washer and nut and then use the appropriate sized screw for those holes where you cant access the back side. Using the machine bolts and ny-lock nuts reduces the chance of lose screws and wallowed out fiberglass holes over time.

[Soon2BV]

This is pretty handy for jobs like this. Small but pretty strong.

You have to buy the speciality bits for it.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#right-angle-drills/=pbs5dv

[jk13]

This is pretty handy for jobs like this. Small but pretty strong.

You have to buy the speciality bits for it.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#right-angle-drills/=pbs5dv

Have that one and it works great going forward, but because the bits are actually threaded in to the tool you can sometimes back out the bit before loosening the screw.

[jtrezon]

Take the time to wax / clean that area without the windshield in the way.... Worth an extra 10-min.

[jcon44]

i look forward to seeing the pictures when completed. I have speakers sitting in the garage waiting for a nice day to pull the windshield off mine. I am also planning to have the windsheild tinted while its off. Thanks for all the tips and tricks contributed to this thread. there are some upsides to the off season.

[ahopkins22LSV]

Any update on the install?

[Kj20203]

http://s945.photobucket.com/user/Keith_Jeanes/library/Boat%20Stereo%20Install

I think this is how you post you photos! Sorry if not.

Edited December 17, 2013 by Kj20203