Hello to all:
Just got a 89 S4 in great shape in Denver area after a rather brief search. I have a 96 C4S that is amazing so this is my second Porsche. This is a project car for this winter and beyond for me and we are expanding the garage to add hoist etc as part of a major house remodel that is in the final stages. This list has been great help in my search and I thank you all-I used the search feature extensively. My first stop after paying the guy for the car was to a local P shop to have the timing belt checked (it was new but loose) and the torque plate looked at, oil change etc all (OK!). The car is solid fast and a turned out to be a great buy.
The previous owner was a really good guy who wanted to sell me the car since I am an enthusiast and have extensive mechanical experience with VWs in Canada (previous life) so did ok on the buy.
One thing that is driving me nuts though is the aftermarket speakers he installed in the doors-I think they are way to thick and have resulted in floppy door panel vinyl. I am planning on removing the panels greasing window rails and actuators and at the same time install a more shallow set of speakers. What is the depth of speaker that is best for the 4 inch speaker set? I also plan on fixing the vinyl and glue it down so not so floppy. Any direction here? I read all door panel removal posts and am confident in that part.
Thanks to all and see you on the list-plan on renewing my Rennlist membership-saved me some $$ for sure and great forum.
Look forward to participating
Gregg

 

I completed the same project just last summer. You will want to stay within the 2" mounting depth to avoid the use of unsightly depth spacers. You will find that many of the 4" diameter speakers that fit into the door of our cars are within that depth anyway so selection shouldn't be a problem. If you check out www.sonicelectronix.com or www.crutchfield.com they have a guide to help you in sizing up the speakers for your car. If you are going to salvage the Porsche stock speaker covers, some modifying may be necessary. Keep in mind that the newer speakers (with the inside, mid-mounted tweeters) often elevate the grill design considerably off the door panel plain. This is not always apparent in the photos the vendors provide. MB Quart, Blaupunkt, and Polk Audio are just a few names popular among 928 owners.

I would recommend buying some mastic sound deadening material to use behind the speakers. When you get in behind the door panel you will find a recess in the sheet metal to accomodate your speaker. This is where you will want to use the sound proof material. This will enhance your speaker performance by keeping the sound where you want it and keeping the annoying vibrations from resonating in the door panel.

Go ahead and buy some plastic door clips while you are at it and have handy when you do the project. They occasionally deteriorate (as mine were) and some were broken causing a poor fit of the fiber panel to the metal substrate. I replaced all of mine since they were cheap enough. Pt. no.: 433.867.299.A. I forget how many to a door (about 10 +/-), but it won't be necessary to replace that many, it's just what I did.

Also, WYAI, check out the reverse side of your arm rests. Mine were in the early stages of deteriorating around the bolt/screw holes; some were completely shot. There is a metal, aftermarket bracket which is offered by the "Big 3" that reinforces your armrests. It is best to install this early before deterioration has gone too far since the bracket relies on a "fair" condition of the plastic substrate it anchors to.

I hope I've helped and not overwhelmed you. I wish you luck

 

I put the MB Quart 210's in my car, (along with all this other stuff!). The fit is excellent.



The MBQ 210's actually come with a spacer ring to raise the speaker out of the door speaker pocket even further then flush mount. This spacer ring snaps into the grill ring, and is hardly noticeable. They look very stock. Most people don't know it is and after market speaker.







The only downside to the MBQ 210's is some think that they have a little bit of a “tinney” sound (focusing more of the higher tones). I installed a large sub, so that was not an issue.

I love'em.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks
I am doing new wires and plugs over Thnksgiving weekend if I can find the time outside of family stuff and stay married.
Appreciate the pointers-the stereo the PO has in the car is high end with an amp, I just want to get the door panels right and as close to OEM as I can.
ps.- Michael-I am originally from the Soo and went to undergrad in Guelph-lots of family/friends in KW, TO etc..
Gregg