6x9 rear shelf install question

[Ron Brooks]

I took the plunge and decided to just replace the receiver and rear speakers. In a while I'll change the fronts as well. While everything is on order I have a question about the rear speaker install. I ordered 6x9s for the back and will install them in the storage and first aid box areas. 6x9s are pretty heavy. I'll cut the top carpeted "shelf" and trim any part of the plastic "floor" of the compartments to fit the speakers depth-wise. My question is whether the carpeted "shelf" is strong enough to hold 6x9s. Do I have to install some strengthening here?

Thanks,

Ron Brooks

[donbryce]

Not sure of your model/year (88 300SE?), but most MB shelf liners are 1/4" or so masonite-like composite with carpet, not suitable for serious speaker mounting. Those plastic trays can just be lifted out and you could then fabricate steel or wood panels to replace them, sealed to the shelf metal with caulk and sheet metal screws. Picture is the rear tray area on my 380SE. Optionally, you could get fancy and make boxes to seal the speakers, dropping them into the tray holes. Lots of good info here on set-ups with 6"X9"'s if you search awhile.
BTW, you are looking directly into the trunk on the 85 380SE/SEL. Other models/years have the gas tank right up under the shelf metal, limiting depth. Look underneath from the trunk to see if this presents a problem for you.