How to Wire Deck Speakers in a Car

Adding speakers to the rear deck of your car will enhance bass response.

Car speakers sound great when installed in a rear deck. The deck acts as baffle that separates the front of the speakers from the rear, and that produces very good bass response. The high-frequency tweeters on the speakers point up at the rear window and that provides good high-frequency dispersion.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Car speakers
• Masking tape
• Pencil
• Jigsaw with metal cutting blade
• Drill with metal bit
• Speaker wire
• Soldering iron with solder

Instructions

Assess Speaker Placement and Cut Openings

1. Open the car trunk and look up at the rear deck to find a good location to cut the speaker openings. Note any existing wires or hoses which may interfere with the new speakers.

2. Locate the speaker mounting templates that came with the speakers. Tape them to the top of the rear deck exactly where cuts are to be made.

3. Cut the openings with the jigsaw.

Mount the Speakers

1. Place the speakers into the openings and use the pencil to mark where mounting screw holes need to be drilled.

2. Remove the speakers and drill the mounting screw holes.

3. Place the speakers back into the openings and secure them with the included mounting screws. Speakers should be secure, but do not over-tighten.

4. Mount speaker grilles by snapping them on to new speakers.

Connect Speakers to Car Stereo

1. Remove car stereo from dash by removing any mounting screws from the console and carefully pulling unit out of its location.

2. Solder two 10-foot lengths of speaker wire to the rear speaker connections.

3. Route the speaker wire beneath the dashboard and under the vehicle carpet in order to reach the rear deck.

4. Solder the speaker wire to the newly installed deck speakers.

5. Replace the car stereo, turn on vehicle, and test all speakers for audio output.

Tips & Warnings

• Almost all aftermarket car speakers come with mounting templates, mounting screws and grilles. Always measure carefully before cutting.

• Grilles will snap on after the speakers are mounted.

• Speaker wire can be routed under the vehicle door trim instead of the vehicle carpet.

• Use safety goggles when cutting metal to avoid eye injury.

References

• CarAudioMag.com : Best Upgrades for Any Car Stereo System