replacing factory speakers in my '99 GT Options

[runriot95]

I just recently got my '99 celica and I'm already itchin' to replace the sound system. My question is on how to remove the old speakers. The door speakers have 4 slots that look like you just slide a screwdriver in them and pry the grills off but when I do that it feels like I'm gonna snap the plastic grills. Any suggestions on how to remove these?

The rear speakers- I got the grills off but then I learned you have to remove the side panels as well. I removed all visible screws on the panel and pryed the trim panel away from the door jam but it seems like something is still keeping the panel on. Do I have to remove the rear seats to get at another screw?

Also, are there any tricks to removing the head unit that I should know about or is it just simply a matter of prying up the trim?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[jontechie]

The front door speakers can only be accessed by removing
the whole inner door trim, this will mean removing several
screws along the underside of the door, removal of screws from the door pull cover and 2 screws covered by 2 round
black plastic caps (looks like a large chocolate button.)
Oh yeah there are two plastic clip fasteners near the
outer edge of the door.These look like little round plugs.To
pull these out you must press the centre part in until it clicks.
Also one screw in the armrest.Remove triangular plastic cover off the door mirror base.You can now lift up the
whole door trim upwards by the armrest.Behind it you'll
find access to the speaker which is "moulded in".The rear
speaker is a lot more involved since it requires removal of
rear side panels, one bolt by the speaker and one bolt holding the trim behind the rear seat. The rear speaker should come out attatched to a triangular frame.This is
moulded into place too.I'll stop here cos my fingers are gettin numb.. The head unit trim can be removed by first
pulling the panel around the gearstick gator, here you'll
find 2 screws holding the centre trim in.Once removed just
ease the plastic trim off nice and easy..

[runriot95]

Thanks for the info!!!

[3TST]

I'm in the process of doing all this.
jontechie explanation is virtually spot on.

One thing to add is that you need to remove the door opening handle cover - one screw - and manoeuvre it out by flicking the front of the cover and opeing the handle. It's fairly straight forward to do. BUT the important thing is that tehre is another large screw behind this that needs to be removed before you can remove the door.

BTW: The original speakers are not exactly moulded in - it is the speaker grill which is an integral part of the lower door panel. The speakers themselves are "glued" onto the bracket. Well there not really "glued" - there is a silicon/rubber solution/gasket around the back, so you'll need to ease the speaker away from the bracket.

Oh yes!
You need 16.5cm diameter replacement speakers.
Why?
These fit the standard mounting brackets.

Anyway, if you have any specific questions - fire away.
I've been their and done that.

[runriot95]

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated!

I actually just got through taking the door panel off and the trim around the head unit. I see how both of those will be accessed when I upgrade but the rear speakers are still a mystery.

After you remove the door jam trim and the plastic grill, is it just 2 screws left that need to be removed? I tried removing the long bolt by the speaker and the screw further back past the rear seat but it feels like something's still holding it on.

[jontechie]

Did you remove the rear seat, you have to do this in order to remove a bracket attatched on the side trim..sorry I should have mentioned this.Let us know how you get on,

Jon

[whitefuzz]

BIG TIP:
if u have the front door panels removed place ur speakers & then use some sound deadening stuff!!!!!
the "plastic"(probably not real plasitc but i don't know what material it is...) door rattles on the metal it's placed on... i placed a little mousse (actually it was the protective cover wich was wrapped around my tv when i got it) on the metal edge and then placed the plastic back on
after doing one door i played some tunes & i could really hear the difference

[runriot95]

Okay, I finally got it all figured out. I took out the rear seats and then I was able to get the rear panels off. A lot more involved than I thought it would be but now that I know how to do it it's no problem. Thanks for all the help guys!

Here's my proposed system(speakers only), let me know what you think. I have an old set of Boston Acoustics 5.4 components that I WAS going to put in the door but now that I see how much room I have there I'm thinking of putting the 5.4s in the rear(in a custom built wooden enclosure) and getting BA 6.5s for the doors. Also I've got a Bazooka tube I was going to put in the trunk. What do ya think? Thanks again for all the help!

[jontechie]

Idea sounds great, lets hope it literally sounds great. I'd take Whitefuzz's advice
on sound deadening the door speaker cavities, the trim does vibrate with a
powerful system..

[sirrahtap]

i put in new speakers in the back today....when i found out i had to take out the seat, i tried to think of a way to get around that....
i ended up taking out all the other screws from the panel and pulling it back. i then unbolted the bracket that the speaker is in and unplugged it. this way i could bring it inside and mount my speakers and crossovers inside instead of in the garage (i live in minnesota). then i mounted the bracket back in, plugged in the speaker and put the panel on....all with the backseat still in.

i dont' know which route is easier, but if taking out the seats looks like a lot, try this out

[trdcelica99]

one thing about our stock speakers that sucks is that they are a lot bigger than they say so you have to custom make a surrounding for the speaker like the front is about 7 to 7 and a half inches and the rears abour about 6 to 6 and a halves i put 6.5's in the door and 5.25's in the rear and had to make some custom wood surroundings for them, changing out the speakers are a real pain in the ass in celica's

[slowceli]

i gutted the entire interior to install my system. but then again i went all out. i ran 2gauge power wire and the best rca's i could find. i ran a sony head unit 6.5 mb quart seperates in the front and rear 2 12" jl audio subs in a sealed inclosure and only 525 watts and hit 146 db. i actually cracked the windshield. then some litle punk decided they were to lazy to get a job and buy there own system and helped their self to mine. i lost over 3500 in equipment. so now i keep it very small and simple. but the celica is a very acustic car and even small systems can sond great in them

[jontechie]

Damn, i hate it when that happens, you put your shekels
and time and effort into making somethin nice and some punk
who can jussa bout scratch his a** tries to take or ruin what
you have....