[Lamf1977]

I have had my 2016 LT for just under a week. Loving the car, but not enjoying the "stereo".
Not having a cd is not a super big deal. However the stock speakers suck.
I really don't want to be opening up the dash at this point, just pop off the door panels and install some better speakers.
My questions are:
Are the door panels tough to pry off? Any hidden screw so remove?
Once off, is a adapter bracket needed to house the new speakers?
Are the current speakers wires attached to the speakers by female connector spade type pins? Or will you need to cut/splice wires, and attach new spade connectors?
Is the current radio "strong" enough to drive most 6 1/2 to 6 3/4" speakers?
Finally, what about the tweeter in the front pillar? Can you buy a simple replacement, or best just to leave alone.
I appreciate all and any help!
Thanks!

 

[Jobu]

They are not very difficult, there are also video showing you how to do it, but you will need a door trim and dash tool kit to do it properly, they are about 35 bucks. Keeping that awful head unit, expect to lose lots of volume by replacing the OEM speakers as they are low resistance, high DB paper cone garbage. Size is 6.5 or 6.75 for doors front and back and one inch tweeters in the A pillars if you go with components.

 

[Lamf1977]

Thanks...any links to the video? I have a door removal tool, but it was not $35...so I hope it will work.
Yeah.... I would love to replace the head unit, but my wife would probably strangle me for messing with a brand new car (at this point at least).
So if I do look for speakers, look for some which are lower resistance? Any suggestions? Will I need the Scosche adapters?
Thanks!

 

[Jobu]

Check Crutchfield.com and enter your vehicle info and it will allow you to download an install PDF and I think that's where I saw the video as well

 

[Jobu]

You can leave the head unit in place and just route the existing speaker wires to a four channel amp. I think that's the ideal solution if you want a simple install and very above average OEM sound. Plenty of room to hide a small amp in the cabin.

 

[Lamf1977]

Gonna give Crutchfield a call. Rewiring is not in the playbook at this point. Just looking for a simple speaker swap.
How do the factory speakers connect? I know my old Lincoln did not use spade connectors and I have to splice some it.
Thanks again.

 

[Jobu]

Same, splice and solder. There is also a door adapter plate that may not fit your replacement unit. Might need to buy spacer rings.

 

[Lamf1977]

Ordered some speakers and adapters.
Splice and solder/solder no worries.
I see a screw cover on the armrest door pull...are there any others to unscrew before removing the door?
Also, how do you tell "plus +" from "minus -" on the factory wires to the speakers?
Thanks again for all the great advice!

 

[Jobu]

You're common will have a black stripe. solid will be you're positive

 

[Lamf1977]

Thanks. I see Metra makes adapters with the built in connectors, but none for 2016. No big deal to splice. Never soldered in my driveway before!
For anyone who has done a speaker swap, did you disconnect the stock pillar tweeter?

 

[Lamf1977]

Got a pair of JBL in the front and an old pair of CDT Audio in the back. A bit of a snafu with the door handle clip, but a relatively easy job.
Now those pillar tweeters! They also seem to have some muddy midrange to them also.
Has anyone just disconnected them?
Daes anyone know of any aftermarket tweeters you can wire splice or place in?
Thanks!

 

[beeguz]

If I planned on keeping my Buick I would put a set of speakers in it, they seem muffled, I can't seem to make them loud enough to enjoy them.

 

[Jobu]

Got a pair of JBL in the front and an old pair of CDT Audio in the back. A bit of a snafu with the door handle clip, but a relatively easy job.
Now those pillar tweeters! They also seem to have some muddy midrange to them also.
Has anyone just disconnected them?
Daes anyone know of any aftermarket tweeters you can wire splice or place in?
Thanks!

You have to be careful with this. most of these infotainment systems are crossovered at the deck and canbus driven. If you pull the tweeters you may not get anything above 5000khz. Best thing would have been to replace the front speakers by a component system.

Rear speakers are likely full range. So you can use your coaxials there for filling sound or when your have rear passengers.

 

[Lamf1977]

You have to be careful with this. most of these infotainment systems are crossovered at the deck and canbus driven. If you pull the tweeters you may not get anything above 5000khz. Best thing would have been to replace the front speakers by a component system.

Rear speakers are likely full range. So you can use your coaxials there for filling sound or when your have rear passengers.

I got a pair of JBL aftermarket tweeters to put in for now. Just pull the old ones and switch out. Only question is....does anyone know which are the positive and negative wires from the current tweeters? Will the negative simply have the same silver or black line on them?
Thanks!

 

[Jobu]

Stripped will always be your common (negative)