Rear speakers in Cali

[dod4luce]

Anyone know how to get the speaker grills off? I would like to fit some better speakers in the rear, can't stand the ones that came as standard but dont want to break anything trying to remove them! Has anyone done this themselves? Seems the least complex to change, wouldn't want to attempt the front! Have always fitted all my sound systems in my cars, but this looks puzzling to me, and EXPENSIVE if I broke anything!!

 

[Raggedroy]

The grills on the rear are stuck on with double sided tape. You need to pull them off. I used an old credit card.

 

[dod4luce]

Thanks for that. At least I know whats holding it in place. Didnt know if there might be some secret screws hidden somewhere. Thanks!

 

[777111]

I did this successfully with a stanley blade working my way round each edge. The double sided tape is strong and the surfaces will need cleaning up. Replaced with similar tape (thin) from eBay.
I upgraded using Focal component speakers - massive improvement to the cardboard floppy coned OEMs

 

[777111]

Additionally -
As you will see the grills are screwed thru inside the speaker compartment. I re-fabricated tweeter mounts out of ali but the 16.5 cm Focals just fitted in the existing mount holes so less messing about.

Well worth the effort....

PS - then stick a small sub in the back and with a decent amp its a decent sytem

 

[dod4luce]

Wow, thanks for that. I will definitely get this done, or something similar, I really can't enjoy music with what's there. You would think having paid so much money for the vehicle, they would at least fit some mid range speakers all round! What would I do without this forum? Just the best place for any advice!

 

[zeratul]

I am also interested in your findings. I bought a Beach without radio and am considering installing rear speakers myself. Or else, if too complex/dangerous, have it done. On the french California forum there is a tutorial on how to install extra speakers and it includes removing the front speaker grill. (See picture). That one does not seem to be stuck with double sided tape, but clipped.
Link here

 

[dod4luce]

I am also interested in your findings. I bought a Beach without radio and am considering installing rear speakers myself. Or else, if too complex/dangerous, have it done. On the french California forum there is a tutorial on how to install extra speakers and it includes removing the front speaker grill. (See picture). That one does not seem to be stuck with double sided tape, but clipped.
Link here

Bit scary that for me! Wonder if VW would put some speakers in for me? Cost might not be worth it. But all the speakers, front and back are driving me nuts! Horrible!!

 

[zeratul]

At least here in Belgium we have specialised aftermarket "car audio" companies that do nothing but install extra speakers or upgrade existing ones. I gave a few a call and asked them how do it. They say they do it indoors so that the plastic is warm enough, they use special plastic tools the remove the interior panels and they have official manuals on how to do that. I saw an offer for another customer for a Multivan in the VW garage for wires + 2 extra speakers in the rear for EUR 155.

 

[66tim99]

Darn it. Managed to damage the rear speaker cloth when loading the other day. Strange choice for covering in a load area. I wonder how easy this is to fix, and whether there’s another option, suck as removing the material entirely leaving the hexagonal skeleton exposed, or if there’s and aftermarket upgrade (for the speakers themselves as well?).
Thoughts gratefully received.

 

[Kevantlin1973]

Which speakers are you using for a direct replacement ?

I rang a car audio place this week, the quoted £3k to sound deaden the doors, replace all speakers and add a sun and amp !

I purchased a new California last weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the clarity of the sound.

 

[66tim99]

Which speakers are you using for a direct replacement ?

I’m not yet. I just want to get the covers sorted and wondered whether an upgrade might be worthwhile. When I had the front speakers upgraded to Alpine and the doors insulated they (Advanced In-Car in Poole) suggested it would be unlikely to be worth upgrading the rear speakers. Which was good of them.