How to change in-dash speakers, 1985 300TD? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

neatokino · #1 03-07-2006, 10:53 PM

Hi all-- I just put a new Alpine head unit in my '85 wagon, works great with the high speed ipod interface, and doesn't look too ridiculous either. I'd like to upgrade the dashboard speakers with 4" pioneers (or any others that you can recommend), but for the life of me I can't figure out how to remove and replace the speakers in the dash. Unscrewing the covers gets me to the speakers, but not to the screws that hold them in. Do I have to go through the bottom of the dash, and if so, how do I do that?

I was able to replace the Becker with the Alpine, did all the wiring myself, and everything works perfectly, but I'm too big an idiot to figure out the speaker part of it!!!

If someone can talk me through this step by step I'd really appreciate it. I don't trust the local car stereo shops not to mangle something in my near-perfect dashboard.

TIA
Michael

Al Magaloff · #2 03-12-2006, 06:33 AM

Michael, I'm in the same place you are. I'm thinking instrument cluster removal for driver's side, glove box dissection for the other.

mbzkid · #3 03-15-2006, 02:04 AM

Mine are sort of "clipped in." I just pryed them up. A spring loaded tab locks them in place. That is why Crutchfield only has one speaker that fits the dash, because they only carry one speaker that comes with those tabs.

Thats my opinion atleast.

Al Magaloff · #4 03-15-2006, 02:38 AM

How did you access the speakers? Makes sense about the tab mounting.

mbzkid · #5 03-17-2006, 01:21 AM

You have the plastic grill, that is flush with the dash, and then the speaker is below that. The grill is removed by removing one screw, and pulling it off.

I explained the speaker removal in my other post. Let me know if it all works out for you.

Al Magaloff · #6 03-17-2006, 05:20 AM

Thanks, I didn't find your other post, but will look for the retaining screw in the speaker grill.

mbzkid · #7 03-17-2006, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al Magaloff

Thanks, I didn't find your other post, but will look for the retaining screw in the speaker grill.

This is what I was refering to.

"Mine are sort of "clipped in." I just pryed them up. A spring loaded tab locks them in place. That is why Crutchfield only has one speaker that fits the dash, because they only carry one speaker that comes with those tabs."

I just pryed between the dash and the speaker, and it slowly popped out. Just be careful, work slowly, and dont damage the dash in a spot where it can be seen.

Al Magaloff · #8 03-17-2006, 06:08 PM

Thanks. I looked today, and I have the same deal on my SD. I'll be using your method, hopefully to save a bunch of work.

cazart · #9 03-22-2006, 01:11 PM

Did you get them installed? What about the rear speakers?

Al Magaloff · #10 03-22-2006, 06:06 PM

No progress here yet. Unlike SanFran, we're still in the 20º-30º range. The rears are not an issue, really. If you buy the speakers that Crutchfield recommends, they will fit without size or depth issues. Welcome to the forum Caz.

mbzkid · #11 03-23-2006, 11:21 PM

I'm still trying to pick speakers for the dash. I would like to get something better than what crutchfield recommends.

Al Magaloff · #12 03-23-2006, 11:44 PM

So would I, but I'm not sure how deep you can go.

mbzkid · #13 03-24-2006, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al Magaloff

So would I, but I'm not sure how deep you can go.

Crutchfield lists dimensions such as mounting depth and cutout diameter. They also list tweeter protrusion (between the top of speaker and speaker grill). It may be a challenge to find a good speaker that will meet all those requirments. I will check into it when the weather gets better.

Another problem is mounting. Crutchfield only carries one speaker that "pops" or "clips" in. The rest would require putting screws into the dash under the speaker grills. Not a problem, but it just seems wrong.

petron5000 · #14 01-23-2011, 11:46 AM

Crutchfield doesn't carry those speakers any more. Does anyone know the SKUs so I can search?