This hack is to allow the addition of rear speakers in a Boxster.
It blows my mind that Porsche didn't include rear speakers as standard,
but I had to have them.
After unsuccessfully trying to put 5.25" speakers in the rear storage
compartment, I ended up putting the speakers in my 911 and removing the
storage compartment. I finally ended up going with another fellow Boxster
owner's suggestion of just getting some inexpensive speakers that will
just sit on the back panel. I ended up picking up a pair of 3-way speakers
from Radio Shack on sale for $15 (normally $30) and wiring it up. They
sound remarkably good. Most of the sound still comes from the MB Quart
speakers I put in the front, but the rears really fill out the sound.
There are great instructions on how to do this already on the Boxster Hacks
board, but I have yet to see any pictures posted. I'm not installing
mine any different than they are, I just hope these pictures make the
process easier for you. For your reference the two most useful posts are:
|
Step 1:
Make sure you read the other posts metioned above first, I'm going to leave
out some details that the other posts go into more fully.
Once you get all your parts, use the tool to remove your radio. Make sure
you have your radio code handy because you also need to disconnect the cables
on the back of the radio. Don't pull on the radio too hard as the wires
attached to it are VERY short. Detach the radio and put it on an appropriate
work area.
|
 Step 1: Radio removal tools. Viewed: 491 times. |
 Step 1: Face panel off. Viewed: 569 times. |
 Step 1: Radio pulled out. Viewed: 815 times. |
|
Step 2:
Take the harness plug you got from Becker, and using the wiring diagram printed
on the top of the radio, solder the wires to your speaker wire. Once you're
done, properly insulate the wires heat shrink tubing, or electrical tape if
you don't have the tubing handy. Cut the speaker wire to about 6' and run
the end through the hole where the stereo used to be. The easiest way I
found to run it is to run it down the right side of the hole. You should
pop out the passenger side center console panel so you can watch for the
wire and pull it through.
|
 Step 2: Chart printed on the stereo. Viewed: 670 times. |
 Step 2: Wiring under the dash. Viewed: 600 times. |
|
Step 3:
I then ran the wires along the passenger side of the center console. Here
you can see the wires, but they can be pushed up under the plastic parts so
they will be completely invisible. Run the wires between the padded sections
behind the seat and run then up the far right side. Remove the storage panel
and run the wires through the holes where the storage compartment used to
latch to.
|
 Step 3: The wire running along the console. Viewed: 466 times. |
 Step 3: The wire going into the rear insulation. Viewed: 416 times. |
|
Step 4:
Position the spakers on the rear panel where they don't hit anything.
They will bounce back there, so make sure they are far enough away from
any hard surfaces to not rattle. Stick the hooks of the Velcro to the
bottom of the speaker, and the loops to the carpeting. Since my interior
is black, the velcro is barely visible when the speakers are removed.
Cut the speaker wires so they're the right length, strip the ends and plug
into the speakers and enjoy!
|
 Step 4: View from the cabin. Viewed: 1,177 times. |
 Step 4: View from the back. Viewed: 944 times. |
|
THE END
|