I just ordered two sets of these coaxial speakers to replace the mid/bass speakers in the front door, and eventually, the rear (sub) panel.


Anyway, I can't determine if the information Crutchfield is stating is correct. They claim the db 651 will not fit in the front door because of the tweeter protrusion, and the db 651S (for slim) is the way to go. In researching these two speakers, Polk moved the tweeter back into the cone to allow for more room on the front side of the speaker to clear the Firebird's OEM grill cover. However, there were trade-offs when they did this. The speaker can't handle low frequencies as well or handle as much power as the standard db 651 can.

Anyway, has anyone tried this out to see if in fact it is true? I thought the mounting depth was the issue, but I've been told by Crutchfield it's the front face that's a problem. Isn't there at least a good 1.5 inches behind the OEM grill?

Has anyone else used these speakers in the front door?

 

db 651 will fit no problems ive done em before. crutchfield is wrong

 

i've put them in a few fbodies with no problem. imo, there is no need for the 651s except in older hondas and nissan trucks with speakers on the rear wall.

 

For those that have used the db651, is it better to reuse the stock speaker housing (the plastic shell that mounts to the door) or use the supplied frame?

The housing is obviously easier, and may enhance the sound, but I don't know if it's necessary. Without the stock holder, there's no way to seal the speaker using the gasket as the adapter ring is round and the door opening is not. Do these type of speakers care if they are sealed?

I'm not concerned with water/dust since they are marine rated. it's just the sound quality I'm wondering about.

 

IMO dont use the ring the polks come with use the stock ring, mount it into the stock plastic ring

 

I just finished installing them in the front door. The db 651 fit...using the stock plastic pod or the Polk adapter ring. The only problem with reusing the OEM plastic pod is the holes don't line up. After trying to figure out if I can cut the Polk mounting holes and enlarge them to fit, I decided to scrap the pods and simply use the adapter ring. The upside to the rings are it gains you another 1" or so, so contact with the door cover is next to impossible now.


I tried to get Crutchfield to amend their system to show that the Polk db651 will fit, but we'll see what happens.

 

even in the stock pod the speakers fit so idk what they are thinking

 

Just get the polk db6501 kit, comes with two 6.5" speakers, two dome tweeters and two crossovers. i put them in my car. sounds great and the tweeters aren't aimed at your knees. i put them up on the top of my door panel right where it meets the a pillar so it bounces off the a pillar and hits me.