Cutting door panels.....

[N PRGRES]

So as I continue on my project list for the winter, one thing I really want to do is rework my stereo system, mainly the front speakers.  I currently have a 6.5" componant system in the front in some speaker pods that I bought years ago.  While I don't mind them, they interfere with having a E brake and some functions of the AC.  So here is where I am.

I am keeping this speaker system one way or the other but also plan to add the 3.5 inch back into the dash to cover some highs and mid range.

I have the stock door panels that are in fairly good shape, I won't cut these, however, I think I would get much better sound with the speakers in the doors, as opposed to way down on the floor.

My thought is to remove my stock panels and store, and get an aftermarket set to cut.  There are some aftermarket door panels like the ones year ones sell, but they are ugly and not in my price point.  So trying to find a direction.....

[Wallington]

Does your car have map pockets? Wondering if you could install them but have covered up, or find a speaker grille that is very retro and plain and paint to match trim like a factory option, and less of an obvious eyesore.

[FormTA]

I like the map pocket idea!

[b_hill_86]

Can they be mounted without cutting the door metal? I don’t recall there being a lot of real estate in there

[FormTA]

I'm sure you would have to cut the door shell but you could back mount it.

[N PRGRES]

Does your car have map pockets? Wondering if you could install them but have covered up, or find a speaker grille that is very retro and plain and paint to match trim like a factory option, and less of an obvious eyesore.

I like this idea actually.  The car is fairly stock but has some nuances of modern things. 

[N PRGRES]

Can they be mounted without cutting the door metal? I don’t recall there being a lot of real estate in there

That I don't know as of yet but it's not something I opposed to.  If I ever went back to stock it could easily be repaired and would never be seen once the stock panels went back on

[5th T/A]

So as I continue on my project list for the winter, one thing I really want to do is rework my stereo system, mainly the front speakers.  I currently have a 6.5" componant system in the front in some speaker pods that I bought years ago.  While I don't mind them, they interfere with having a E brake and some functions of the AC.  So here is where I am.

I am keeping this speaker system one way or the other but also plan to add the 3.5 inch back into the dash to cover some highs and mid range.

I have the stock door panels that are in fairly good shape, I won't cut these, however, I think I would get much better sound with the speakers in the doors, as opposed to way down on the floor.

My thought is to remove my stock panels and store, and get an aftermarket set to cut.  There are some aftermarket door panels like the ones year ones sell, but they are ugly and not in my price point.  So trying to find a direction.....

From an audio perspective, I think you would get better stereo separation and for sure more bass with the speakers in the door. Only you can decide if you can deal with the aesthetics.
I can remember putting smaller speakers in a Gen II door right abought where the bird emblem sits when you have power windows.

On my 1980 I upgraded the 6X9's in the rear deck and the 3 1/2" dash speakers. I am happy with the sound and wanted to keep the stock appearance. My dash speakers came with a filter that I installed to limit low frequencies. When I tried running without the filter I easily overpowered the dash units.

[N PRGRES]

So as I continue on my project list for the winter, one thing I really want to do is rework my stereo system, mainly the front speakers.  I currently have a 6.5" componant system in the front in some speaker pods that I bought years ago.  While I don't mind them, they interfere with having a E brake and some functions of the AC.  So here is where I am.

I am keeping this speaker system one way or the other but also plan to add the 3.5 inch back into the dash to cover some highs and mid range.

I have the stock door panels that are in fairly good shape, I won't cut these, however, I think I would get much better sound with the speakers in the doors, as opposed to way down on the floor.

My thought is to remove my stock panels and store, and get an aftermarket set to cut.  There are some aftermarket door panels like the ones year ones sell, but they are ugly and not in my price point.  So trying to find a direction.....

From an audio perspective, I think you would get better stereo separation and for sure more bass with the speakers in the door. Only you can decide if you can deal with the aesthetics.
I can remember putting smaller speakers in a Gen II door right abought where the bird emblem sits when you have power windows.

On my 1980 I upgraded the 6X9's in the rear deck and the 3 1/2" dash speakers. I am happy with the sound and wanted to keep the stock appearance. My dash speakers came with a filter that I installed to limit low frequencies. When I tried running without the filter I easily overpowered the dash units.

I have considered that too.  Maybe use the 6x9's and 3.5's for high to mid range and add a sub for the lows.  Could probably even hide a tweeter someplace