Cross post with the one in my build thread.
There was a recent post by Lotusman who did a nice write-up about installing Kicker speakers in the dash. He only took one pic and I had to figure out a lot for myself. But I want to thank Lotusman for giving me the idea that I could do this myself. I'm not trying to take away from anything he did. I just felt those who want to install the speakers on their own could benefit from more pics and a more detailed write up. So I decided to take a lot of pics and do a full DIY for those who need it. Read below.
Kicker Dash Install
There was a recent thread from Lotusman who explained how to get the Kicker dash speakers in without removing the whole dash. His thread was informative but he only had one photo and I had to figure out a lot of it myself. I only removed the sides and several screws because I didn't want to bother removing the whole thing. I also didn't want to scratch or break anything. But the dash install was a pain in the ass. Took just under an hour for each side but the speakers are installed and sound great so it was worth it.
1. Definitely use the ratchet wrench supplied with the Jeep. It helps A LOT!
2. You'll need a Phillips screw bit and a hex bit, I think it was 5/16.
3. We'll start on the drivers side because it's a bit harder.
Step 1
Get a plastic tool to remove the side panel on the left of the dash. You do have to pry a little with your nail or something to be able to wedge something in there. I used a new spackle thing and it worked perfectly. No damage. These are just little clips that pop out. There are no screws.
Step 2
Carefully pop off the panel under the steering column. It also has clips that pop out. No screws yet. Just be careful, don't force it. It will come out.
Step 3
There are 4 screws to remove to be able to flex the dash enough to get at the speaker.
Screw 1 - Right side under steering column
Screw 2 - Left side under steering column
Screw 3 - To the left of the steering column but higher up towards the top of the column
Screw 4 - Underneath the dash right next to the door strap
Once you have removed all 4 screws you should be able to flex the dash enough to get at the speaker. But don't be fooled this is not going to be easy. And be very careful when flexing it. Do NOT flex the dash more than it can handle or you will crack it. There goes your budget for more fun toys.
I pushed my luck with this but you can use the strap to hold the dash out of the way.
Now you can see the speaker hiding back there
I started off using this because I was really tired when I did this and I forgot about the ratchet wrench in the Jeep toolkit. Use the Jeep one instead. MUCH easier to use.
At this point you have to carefully remove the speaker. You'll have to figure this out. I was working alone and didn't have anyone to take pictures of the actual removal. I will tell you that the top screw is the hardest. It will try your patience.
Once you remove and install the speaker you might want to add poly fill. I did and I am happy with the resulting sound. Screw the Kicker into place, put the dash back together, check out how many cuts and scratches you have and get ready for the passenger side.
Passenger side dash removal
I didn't take as much pictures because it's a very similar process and once you do the driver side, the passenger side is easier.
Use the same plastic tool and remove the piece to the right side of the dash.
In order to get at the two dash screws, I found it easier to remove the glove box. It just pops out at the bottom and you can squeeze the sides enough to remove it. Be careful when popping it out though. The things it sits on are thin.
Now there are only three screws on the passenger side. One on the left, the right and underneath by the strap. I thought I might be able to get more flex by removing a screw behind the Jeep dash grab handle. So I took the plastic off the front and removed the black screw way back inside the handle. It didn't help so don't bother going through all that. Just pull the dash away, rest it on the strap, remove the old speaker, install the new one and put the dash back together.
Congratulations,!! You have now installed new dash speakers. Look at your arms and knuckles, realize you now need band-aids, maybe some stitches and a glass of Scotch to celebrate your DIY win. Look at the radio and realize it's only 11 am. Sit back and enjoy the new sound.
There was a recent post by Lotusman who did a nice write-up about installing Kicker speakers in the dash. He only took one pic and I had to figure out a lot for myself. But I want to thank Lotusman for giving me the idea that I could do this myself. I'm not trying to take away from anything he did. I just felt those who want to install the speakers on their own could benefit from more pics and a more detailed write up. So I decided to take a lot of pics and do a full DIY for those who need it. Read below.
Kicker Dash Install
There was a recent thread from Lotusman who explained how to get the Kicker dash speakers in without removing the whole dash. His thread was informative but he only had one photo and I had to figure out a lot of it myself. I only removed the sides and several screws because I didn't want to bother removing the whole thing. I also didn't want to scratch or break anything. But the dash install was a pain in the ass. Took just under an hour for each side but the speakers are installed and sound great so it was worth it.
1. Definitely use the ratchet wrench supplied with the Jeep. It helps A LOT!
2. You'll need a Phillips screw bit and a hex bit, I think it was 5/16.
3. We'll start on the drivers side because it's a bit harder.
Step 1
Get a plastic tool to remove the side panel on the left of the dash. You do have to pry a little with your nail or something to be able to wedge something in there. I used a new spackle thing and it worked perfectly. No damage. These are just little clips that pop out. There are no screws.
Step 2
Carefully pop off the panel under the steering column. It also has clips that pop out. No screws yet. Just be careful, don't force it. It will come out.
Step 3
There are 4 screws to remove to be able to flex the dash enough to get at the speaker.
Screw 1 - Right side under steering column
Screw 2 - Left side under steering column
Screw 3 - To the left of the steering column but higher up towards the top of the column
Screw 4 - Underneath the dash right next to the door strap
Once you have removed all 4 screws you should be able to flex the dash enough to get at the speaker. But don't be fooled this is not going to be easy. And be very careful when flexing it. Do NOT flex the dash more than it can handle or you will crack it. There goes your budget for more fun toys.
I pushed my luck with this but you can use the strap to hold the dash out of the way.
Now you can see the speaker hiding back there
I started off using this because I was really tired when I did this and I forgot about the ratchet wrench in the Jeep toolkit. Use the Jeep one instead. MUCH easier to use.
At this point you have to carefully remove the speaker. You'll have to figure this out. I was working alone and didn't have anyone to take pictures of the actual removal. I will tell you that the top screw is the hardest. It will try your patience.
Once you remove and install the speaker you might want to add poly fill. I did and I am happy with the resulting sound. Screw the Kicker into place, put the dash back together, check out how many cuts and scratches you have and get ready for the passenger side.
Passenger side dash removal
I didn't take as much pictures because it's a very similar process and once you do the driver side, the passenger side is easier.
Use the same plastic tool and remove the piece to the right side of the dash.
In order to get at the two dash screws, I found it easier to remove the glove box. It just pops out at the bottom and you can squeeze the sides enough to remove it. Be careful when popping it out though. The things it sits on are thin.
Now there are only three screws on the passenger side. One on the left, the right and underneath by the strap. I thought I might be able to get more flex by removing a screw behind the Jeep dash grab handle. So I took the plastic off the front and removed the black screw way back inside the handle. It didn't help so don't bother going through all that. Just pull the dash away, rest it on the strap, remove the old speaker, install the new one and put the dash back together.
Congratulations,!! You have now installed new dash speakers. Look at your arms and knuckles, realize you now need band-aids, maybe some stitches and a glass of Scotch to celebrate your DIY win. Look at the radio and realize it's only 11 am. Sit back and enjoy the new sound.