Will 6×9 Speakers Fit In 6×8?
Subwoofers and speakers are a great way to enhance the car’s audio experience. Sometimes, small door speakers can’t give us enough fun, making us replace them with bigger ones. The more the size of the speaker or subwoofer, the more it will hit hard, resulting in better sound quality.
However, it is a must that you fulfill other requirements, such as adjusting the crossover, using a compatible amplifier, or good audio sources too. Anyway, I’ve been asked by a lot of friends a question “will 6×9 speakers fit in 6×8?“. I’m ending the discussion by sharing the tutorial over it.
Can I Fit 6×9 Speakers in 6×8 Holes?
Technically, you cannot fit 6×9 into 6×8 door panel holes. And that’s the reason you’re here. Even though the sizes of both car subwoofer or speakers might seem similar, the shape and technical specifications can vary significantly. While looking at their design, you’ll notice a 6×8-inch speaker will not have the exact openings as a 6×9-inch speaker, making it difficult or nearly impossible to fit them due to differences in mounting depth without making any significant changes.
That does not apply to all the models out there. In some cases, you can install the car door speakers using additional materials, such as sound-dampening foam ⁽¹⁾ or filler. As mentioned, you can fit 6×9 speakers in 6×8 holes by using adapter plates and drilling the holes in them.
What Items Do I Need?
You will need the following items to make the project successful:
- Protector goggles
- Adapter plates
- Screws or bolts
- Drill
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Jigsaw or rotatory tool
- Screwdriver
- Wiring harness (If necessary)
8 Steps to Fit 6×9 Speakers in 6×8:
Now that you have arranged all the items, let’s move forward to fitting the 6×9 into the holes.
1. Remove the Existing 6×8 Speakers:
You can use a flat screwdriver to remove your existing 6×8 speakers from the holes. Pry off any trim pieces covering the speaker grille using a flat screwdriver. After removing, unscrew the mounting screws holding your old car speakers in place using the screwdriver. If you have any attached wiring, disconnect them and carefully lift out your factory speakers.
2. Measure the Speaker Holes:
After removing the old front door speakers, it’s time to measure the speaker holes. You can use a ruler or tape to measure the inside diameter of the hole, taking note of any obstructions like screws that may be present. Next, measure from one side of the opening to the other and along its length to determine its shape. Finally, calculate the total area of the opening to get an approximate size.
3. Get Suitable Fitting Adapters:
Now it’s time to get suitable fitting adapters that fit 6×9 speakers into 6×8 front door panel holes from any reputable car audio market or online store. However, if you’re confused, you can also use the measurements we have taken above to get the recommended plates for your new aftermarket speakers. Ensure they are of good quality.
4. Cut the Adapter Plate (If Necessary):
If you notice the adapter plates are big enough to fit the car speakers into 6×8 holes, You can use a jigsaw or rotatory tool to trim them down to the required sizes. Don’t trim them a lot to avoid any erroneous measurements. Keep comparing the adapter plates with holes after cutting them little by little. However, you must use goggles and protective masks to prevent any injury to yourself.
5. Determine the Mounting Holes for the Adapters:
Once you have arranged the correct size for the adapter plate (mounting bracket), it’s time to drill the holes in it after measuring the mounting holes for 6×9-inch car speakers. Just place the speaker facing the downward direction on an adapter plate. Mark the spots and remove the speaker. Then, use a driller carefully to drill new holes in it.
6. Attach the Plate:
Simply attach the adapter plates by placing them over the speaker holes and fastening them with screws or bolts of the appropriate size. Ensure to use screws or bolts that are appropriately sized for your front or rear speakers. When attaching the plates, don’t scratch or damage any part of your speakers.
7. Install the Speakers:
After attaching the adapter plates to the speaker holes, you have to connect the 6×9 speakers to the adapters using screws and bolts. After that, connect the wires to the respective speaker terminals. You can use a wiring harness if necessary.
8. Test the Sound:
After all the above steps, it’s time to test your sound. You can adjust the equalizer to the recommended settings for optimal sound quality.
Things to Consider Before Fitting 6×9 Speakers:
There are some essential points you must know before implementing:
- Modifications: This process requires changes to your vehicle’s speaker holes and other components. Making any changes to them may harm your car or void the guarantee. So make sure you totally agree with it.
- Compatibility: Ensure your car sound system is compatible with 6×9 speakers. If not, you may face problems getting the improved music quality.
- Speaker quality: Always use high-end car speakers that can meet your necessities. Using a bad-quality speaker can degrade the car’s audio system.
- Installation: If you’re a total beginner, I suggest you seek professional help. Because it involves technical things like cutting or drilling, you must ensure everything is done correctly to avoid damage.
General FAQs
Will 6×9 Speakers Fit F150?
Yes, you fit 6×9 speakers in a ford F150 or mustang without any issues. The versatility of the F150 allows you to customize the audio system with various aftermarket systems. Most 6×9 speakers will fit using factory-made brackets, or you can buy an adapter that converts a 6×9 hole into two 4-inch ones for more options. Please pay attention to your speaker’s model’s power rating and impedance, as they vary based on the size, brand, and model number.
Will 6×9 Speakers Sound Better Than 6×8 Speakers?
In general, 6×9 speakers will sound better than 6×8 speakers because they provide more extensive audio coverage. 6×9 speakers have a greater cone area, which means they can produce more bass and lower frequencies. Additionally, the bigger size of the speaker allows for more wattage to power up the music for an improved listening experience. Furthermore, this enhances their audio quality since 6×9 speakers have three mid-range sounds instead of two with 6x8s.
Can 6×9 Be Used as a Subwoofer?
Yes, you can use a 6×9 speaker as a subwoofer. Subwoofers are designed to reproduce bass frequencies, typically in sizes 10″ or 12″. However, 6×9 speakers may also work for those that prefer a smaller size option and are more affordable than larger subwoofers. While they will not reproduce the same level of low-end bass as their bigger counterparts, they still provide a decent amount of bass response which is perfect for smaller-sized vehicles.