YES rain gets into the door.

The drain holes should not be plugged - front or rear!

The doors are designed to let rain in - not POURING in, mind you, but water does get inside, and the doors are designed to drain it away.

So those drip guards are definitely of use, and it's not a bad idea to put them on.

Don't worry - you'll find the doors come off a LOT easier the second time around.....

~HH

 

Ok, im going to take some pics when i get home of those caps. Im not sure if they are plugs or not, but they are only on the front doors.

 

yeah, those little white caps on the holes in the front door got some attention here in the past but I do not recall what the conclusion about it was.

 

Ok, I yanked the handle off, and it looks just fine Thanks everyone for your help.

Now for the bad news, I bought some Pioneer 6.5" speakers (which I thought thats what I needed), and the hole pattern is odd. I guess I missed the thread about this.

Anyone have any suggestions what I can do? The Pioneer speakers state they are customized for Mazda vehicles, obviously not the Protege.

 

Two fixes - both easy:

1) Drill the speaker flange so you can use the stock 3-hole door pattern.

2) Drill the door, to line up with the Pioneer (4 hole?) pattern.

Either one will work. Just apply some caulk on the hole and screw (or even use touch-up paint) as a sealant if you decide to drill the door - the exposed metal could rust if it is not sealed up.

~HH

 

I recently installed some Infinity 6 1/2"rears that has screw holes at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. I used one of the existing holes and then used three 1/2" self-tapping screws to secure the speaker. Easy! If you are concerned about corrosion where you screwed into the metal, just put some axel grease in the screw's threads.

Oh, and don't forget the drip shield this time, eh?

Hope that helps...

 

Ok, I took the extra hole in speaker route. It was a PITA, but it works. I had to bend the flange that went around the speaker in order to drill another hole. These are the speakers I have
http://images.cardomain.com/products...OTSG1647_1.jpg

They have a bunch of holes in various places, but one the wrong BC.

 

WELL?????

After all this crap, aren't you at least going to tell us how they SOUND?!?!?!?

"throw me a fricken bone here" ~ Dr. Evil

Hehe

~HH

 

Acutally, I still have one of the rear speakers to install Ive been juggling several projects at the same time. Im in the middle of remodeling my kitchen. What I can say is I notice a pretty good improvement in sound. These speakers give you the best bang for you buck IMO. Ill keep you updated when I finish the install. I still have the other speaker, plus I have to put the rain guards on the front speakers.

Once again, thanks for everyones input. I love this board!!!

 

Okay a couple of things....first off your drain holes are NOT plugged in the front doors. If you look closely at those little white PLUGS in the front doors you will notice that there is a little rubber flap in the middle of them and it works like a little valve...now don't ask me why they are there...I have never been able to find ANYONE that can answer that...but they do let water out.

IF you take out the rear speakers again and you pry off the stock rain guards and attempt to put them on your 6 1/2's you are going to find out that they will just not fit right on....the reason being is that the stock speakers ARE IN FACT 6's. HOWEVER, you can trim them and make them fit with a little work....I know I did.

My amp is mounted under the drivers seat....since this picture was taken...right after the install....I have gone back and totally hidden the power lead, the ground wire and the subs speaker wire under the carpet so that you can not see it.

 

Nice pic Sir Nuke. I did have to modify my speakers and the rain guard. As you can see in my pics, I had to bend the flange of the speaker and drill holes. Then I cut the rain guard to widen the diameter. I am VERY satisfied with these speakers. Great price, great sound. I like your amp setup, so that might be my next audio project.

 

Looks like you did a decent little McGuyver job on the mounting - way to go!

Glad you are happy with the sound - makes the effort you put in worthwhile.

I'll bet you'll be amping them bad boys within 2 months. It's just addictive - and they will sound soooo much better well amped-up.

Yeah - feeding your fire - but I can't help myself.

Glad we could be of help to you. Enjoy!

~HH

 

Nice jacket! (background pic)

Glad to help out...

~4 rubBeR

 

Acutally, thats my computer desk chair

Thanks again for helping out.